Green Arrow the Movie, anyone?

[batman strikes]

Do you guys think a Green Arrow film could be made without having an a full blown origin story? I loved Green Arroow: Year One but I'm thinking for the general audience they might find it to similar to Batman Begins and Iron Man. I was thinking you could start the film a couple years after his return from the island and through the events in the film we get his back story.

Bare in mind the only thing I've read of Green Arrow so far is Year One, Quiver, Sound of Violence, Archer's Quest, Rise and Fall and the current run that is going on now. So I have no idea what kind of interesting stories were told when he had his company.

 

[sagemoveman]

If Green Lantern had crossed the 200million mark at the domestic boxoffice some second rate studio like lionsgate or summit would have bought Green Arrow rights. In the hopes of turning it into a semi franchise.

 

[04nbod]

Green Arrow doesn't need an origin movie. All he needs is this 'How did you get so good?' 'I practiced'

 

[chris moore]

Giving him an origin story really makes it a different kind of movie though. His time on the island, the skills and lessons he learned really shaped him. In his case if you don't have an origin story then non comic fans are going to wonder why he doesn't use a gun. And once you introduce the money element, they WILL compare him to Batman because its the only other frame of reference they have for a billionaire in a suit/costume punching bad guys in the face and leaping across alleys.

And "I practiced" suggests anyone can just pick up a bow, practice and do what he does. But what really makes him able, willing, and driven to do what he does is because of what his time shipwrecked taught him.

 

[NotFadeAway]

- I would use Green Arrow: Year One as my main source material, but I'd also draw inspiration from Longbow Hunters.

- I would establish that Oliver has a degree in sociology/social work, were some comics say he has a degree in business. Having never intended to run Queen Industries, Oliver would have pursued his interests with the idea that he was free to do what he wanted because while he wasn't going to run Queen Industries, he would never have to worry about money due to his parents. And then when they die, Oliver is basically forced to take over the company. The combined misery of his parents dying and his disdain of the white collar world lead to Oliver basically becoming a thrill seeking hedonist to escape it all. But this would establish that Oliver does have that good soul, it just takes his island experience to re-discover it.

- I would show Oliver's debauchery filled lifestyle in all it's glory pre-island. And not in some doofy Britt Reed/Seth Rogen manner, I'm thinking more Hank Moody on Californication. Girls, alcohol, drugs, being a complete jackass at a board meeting. Which is funny, because I think a younger, dirty blonde David Duchoveny would have been perfect for the role.

- My opening scene would establish Oliver's thrill seeking, death wish side in a sky diving sequence in which one of the six parachute bags were rigged not to work and knowing this, Oliver does it with a grin. Exciting, he says.

- I said this in another thread, I would go with more of an endurance runner physique for Oliver, and the costume would be not be sleeveless. Instead, I would have a lighter shade of green, long sleeved shirt made from under armour-esque material. All with a Robin Hood style, umm, hood and green eye/nose cover. One thing I liked about the Smallville version was the voice synthesizer. I would carry that over.

- I would embrace Green Arrow being a modern day Robin Hood. I would establish that Robin Hood was Oliver's favorite childhood story, the reason he practiced archery from a young age instead of just starting on the island, and I would go as far as having Oliver keep a copy of the Robin Hood story his parents gave him on hand at all times as a keepsake. After tossing Oliver overboard, I would have Hackett throw the book into the sea as well, and then it could wash ashore so that Oliver finds it and draws inspiration to help the natives.I would have him come across as Oliver's version of Alfred or Kato. It would be a nice twist for the viewer

- Oliver, in full Green Arrow mode, would track Hackett back to Star City and squash the drug ring leading back to the island for good. Hackett would pretty much by main villian in this film. I think it would be neat, because leading up to Hackett betraying Oliver and then finding out he is in bed with China White and has been using Oliver's money to do so. Of course, I'd make Hackett a complete physical bad ass. Big, strong, cold, former military, knows several forms of martial arts, etc etc.

- This would probably piss people off, but Green Arrow's beard would be part of the costume. Oliver would be clean shaven. Unless you want the public to be aware of Oliver being Green Arrow from the word go, this is logical. Flame away.

- I would film the Star City scene's in Seattle as a wink, wink!!!

- Oliver/Green Arrow would have a natural hatred of all politicians and zealots, not just one group.

- Roy Harper is one the island, with Brave Bow, and he comes back to the states with Oliver after Brave Bow is killed. In addition to Oliver's ward, Roy would basically be Oliver's medic.

- Oliver wouldn't have Queen Industries back at the end of the film. I would set that up as the basis for the sequel. With the islands not having a money, I would have Oliver us China White's cash to collect what he needs to become the Green Arrow in the states, set up a small investment to help get Queen Industries, and gives the rest to charities. With Queen Industries set up as almost a large scale villian in the sequel ala LexCorp or Wolfram&Hart on Angel, one of my final scenes would be Oliver storming into a board meeting in full Green Arrow gear telling them that their days are numbered. Another nod to Angel.

- I would use either a version of Promethous or Meryln in the sequel. Shado would be involved regardless. Eddie Feyers would come to Star City to invesitgate this "domestic terrorist", The Green Arrow.

 

[Godzilla2014]

- I would use Green Arrow: Year One as my main source material, but I'd also draw inspiration from Longbow Hunters.

- I would establish that Oliver has a degree in sociology/social work, were some comics say he has a degree in business. Having never intended to run Queen Industries, Oliver would have pursued his interests with the idea that he was free to do what he wanted because while he wasn't going to run Queen Industries, he would never have to worry about money due to his parents. And then when they die, Oliver is basically forced to take over the company. The combined misery of his parents dying and his disdain of the white collar world lead to Oliver basically becoming a thrill seeking hedonist to escape it all. But this would establish that Oliver does have that good soul, it just takes his island experience to re-discover it.

- I would show Oliver's debauchery filled lifestyle in all it's glory pre-island. And not in some doofy Britt Reed/Seth Rogen manner, I'm thinking more Hank Moody on Californication. Girls, alcohol, drugs, being a complete jackass at a board meeting. Which is funny, because I think a younger, dirty blonde David Duchoveny would have been perfect for the role.

- My opening scene would establish Oliver's thrill seeking, death wish side in a sky diving sequence in which one of the six parachute bags were rigged not to work and knowing this, Oliver does it with a grin. Exciting, he says.

- I said this in another thread, I would go with more of an endurance runner physique for Oliver, and the costume would be not be sleeveless. Instead, I would have a lighter shade of green, long sleeved shirt made from under armour-esque material. All with a Robin Hood style, umm, hood and green eye/nose cover. One thing I liked about the Smallville version was the boice synthesizer. I would carry that over.

- I would embrace Green Arrow being a modern day Robin Hood. I would establish that Robin Hood was Oliver's favorite childhood story, the reason he practiced archery from a young age instead of just starting on the island, and I would go as far as having Oliver keep a copy of the Robin Hood story his parents gave him on hand at all times as a keepsake. After tossing Oliver overboard, I would have Hackett throw the book into the sea as well, and then it could wash ashore so that Oliver finds it and draws inspiration to help the natives.I would have him come across as Oliver's version of Alfred or Kato. It would be a nice twist for the viewer

- Oliver, in full Green Arrow mode, would track Hackett back to Star City and squash the drug ring leading back to the island for good. Hackett would pretty much by main villian in this film. I think it would be neat, because leading up to Hackett betraying Oliver and then finding out he is in bed with China White and has been using Oliver's money to do so. Of course, I'd make Hackett a complete physical bad ass. Big, strong, cold, former military, knows several forms of martial arts, etc etc.

- This would probably piss people off, but Green Arrow's beard would be part of the costume. Oliver would be clean shaven. Unless you want the public to be aware of Oliver being Green Arrow from the word go, this is logical. Flame away.

- I would film the Star City scene's in Seattle as a wink, wink!!!

- Oliver/Green Arrow would have a natural hatred of all politicians and zealots, not just one group.

- Roy Harper is one the island, with Brave Bow, and he comes back to the states with Oliver after Brave Bow is killed. In addition to Oliver's ward, Roy would basically be Oliver's medic.

- Oliver wouldn't have Queen Industries back at the end of the film. I would set that up as the basis for the sequel. With the islands not having a money, I would have Oliver us China White's cash to collect what he needs to become the Green Arrow in the states, set up a small investment to help get Queen Industries, and gives the rest to charities. With Queen Industries set up as almost a large scale villian in the sequel ala LexCorp or Wolfram&Hart on Angel, one of my final scenes would be Oliver storming into a board meeting in full Green Arrow gear telling them that their days are numbered. Another nod to Angel.

- I would use either a version of Promethous or Meryln in the sequel. Shado would be involved regardless. Eddie Feyers would come to Star City to invesitgate this "domestic terrorist", The Green Arrow.

I like your ideas!

 

[batman strikes]

- I would use Green Arrow: Year One as my main source material, but I'd also draw inspiration from Longbow Hunters.

- I would establish that Oliver has a degree in sociology/social work, were some comics say he has a degree in business. Having never intended to run Queen Industries, Oliver would have pursued his interests with the idea that he was free to do what he wanted because while he wasn't going to run Queen Industries, he would never have to worry about money due to his parents. And then when they die, Oliver is basically forced to take over the company. The combined misery of his parents dying and his disdain of the white collar world lead to Oliver basically becoming a thrill seeking hedonist to escape it all. But this would establish that Oliver does have that good soul, it just takes his island experience to re-discover it.

- I would show Oliver's debauchery filled lifestyle in all it's glory pre-island. And not in some doofy Britt Reed/Seth Rogen manner, I'm thinking more Hank Moody on Californication. Girls, alcohol, drugs, being a complete jackass at a board meeting. Which is funny, because I think a younger, dirty blonde David Duchoveny would have been perfect for the role.

- My opening scene would establish Oliver's thrill seeking, death wish side in a sky diving sequence in which one of the six parachute bags were rigged not to work and knowing this, Oliver does it with a grin. Exciting, he says.

- I said this in another thread, I would go with more of an endurance runner physique for Oliver, and the costume would be not be sleeveless. Instead, I would have a lighter shade of green, long sleeved shirt made from under armour-esque material. All with a Robin Hood style, umm, hood and green eye/nose cover. One thing I liked about the Smallville version was the boice synthesizer. I would carry that over.

- I would embrace Green Arrow being a modern day Robin Hood. I would establish that Robin Hood was Oliver's favorite childhood story, the reason he practiced archery from a young age instead of just starting on the island, and I would go as far as having Oliver keep a copy of the Robin Hood story his parents gave him on hand at all times as a keepsake. After tossing Oliver overboard, I would have Hackett throw the book into the sea as well, and then it could wash ashore so that Oliver finds it and draws inspiration to help the natives.I would have him come across as Oliver's version of Alfred or Kato. It would be a nice twist for the viewer

- Oliver, in full Green Arrow mode, would track Hackett back to Star City and squash the drug ring leading back to the island for good. Hackett would pretty much by main villian in this film. I think it would be neat, because leading up to Hackett betraying Oliver and then finding out he is in bed with China White and has been using Oliver's money to do so. Of course, I'd make Hackett a complete physical bad ass. Big, strong, cold, former military, knows several forms of martial arts, etc etc.

- This would probably piss people off, but Green Arrow's beard would be part of the costume. Oliver would be clean shaven. Unless you want the public to be aware of Oliver being Green Arrow from the word go, this is logical. Flame away.

- I would film the Star City scene's in Seattle as a wink, wink!!!

- Oliver/Green Arrow would have a natural hatred of all politicians and zealots, not just one group.

- Roy Harper is one the island, with Brave Bow, and he comes back to the states with Oliver after Brave Bow is killed. In addition to Oliver's ward, Roy would basically be Oliver's medic.

- Oliver wouldn't have Queen Industries back at the end of the film. I would set that up as the basis for the sequel. With the islands not having a money, I would have Oliver us China White's cash to collect what he needs to become the Green Arrow in the states, set up a small investment to help get Queen Industries, and gives the rest to charities. With Queen Industries set up as almost a large scale villian in the sequel ala LexCorp or Wolfram&Hart on Angel, one of my final scenes would be Oliver storming into a board meeting in full Green Arrow gear telling them that their days are numbered. Another nod to Angel.

- I would use either a version of Promethous or Meryln in the sequel. Shado would be involved regardless. Eddie Feyers would come to Star City to invesitgate this "domestic terrorist", The Green Arrow.

So you would have Roy Harper in the first movie too? I really like a lot of your ideas, I think it helps to differentiate Green Arrow from Batman. The big issue would be is that the general audience may feel like the character is just a low tech version of Iron Man.

 

[Godzilla2014]

So you would have Roy Harper in the first movie too? I really like a lot of your ideas, I think it helps to differentiate Green Arrow from Batman. The big issue would be is that the general audience may feel like the character is just a low tech version of Iron Man.

Agreed. As for how to make the character different from a low tech version of Iron Man is simple: Just use different kinds of villains and overall storylines from the Iron Man films.

 

[batman strikes]

True. That's why I alway liked the idea of Green Arrow going up against villains like Hackett, China White, Merlyn, Brick and Shado. As well as Corrupt politicians, Drug Lords etc. I liked Idea of having Roy Harper in the first movie and the way NotFadeAqway would do this seems natural instead of cramming to many characters in the storyline.

 

[Godzilla2014]

True. That's why I alway liked the idea of Green Arrow going up against villains like Hackett, China White, Merlyn, Brick and Shado. As well as Corrupt politicians, Drug Lords etc. I liked Idea of having Roy Harper in the first movie and the way NotFadeAqway would do this seems natural instead of cramming to many characters in the storyline.

Agreed.

 

[DannyDreg]

Has anyone here read the leaked script to Green Arrow: Escape From Supermax? It was pretty good, with a little tweaking (like adding Black Canary into the mix) it would've worked.

 

[Godzilla2014]

Has anyone here read the leaked script to Green Arrow: Escape From Supermax? It was pretty good, with a little tweaking (like adding Black Canary into the mix) it would've worked.

I disagree. It was an interesting concept, but was it really a great idea for a Green Arrow film (or at least one to introduce the character to general audiences) it wasn't. A Green Arrow film should be about what the character is about. Green Arrow is about helping the less fortunate, not breaking out of prison. Draw the story from the comics, like the stories for Nolan's Batman series are.

 

[NotFadeAway]

True. That's why I alway liked the idea of Green Arrow going up against villains like Hackett, China White, Merlyn, Brick and Shado. As well as Corrupt politicians, Drug Lords etc. I liked Idea of having Roy Harper in the first movie and the way NotFadeAqway would do this seems natural instead of cramming to many characters in the storyline.

So you would have Roy Harper in the first movie too? I really like a lot of your ideas, I think it helps to differentiate Green Arrow from Batman. The big issue would be is that the general audience may feel like the character is just a low tech version of Iron Man.

I like your ideas!

I am toying around with another idea and I want your opinion. What would you think if Oliver washes ashore the island in with amnesia at wirst due to the trauma of Hackett trying to kill him. By the way, in my story Hackett not only throws Oliver of the yacht, he also shoots him in the chest. So Oliver would have amnesia at first on the island, and with the island natives taking care of him while he is left to his pure instinct you see how good of a man Oliver is deep down in addition to the sociology/social work degree that the audience would know he had. Upon finding the Robin Hood book with with a picture of his parents being used as a bookmark, he gets his memory back and dedicates himself to being the man he should have been all along, saving the island natives as a start.

I'm nowhere near sold on this, but tell me your thoughts.

Oh, and Ben McKenzie would be my choice for Green Arrow/Oliver Queen. He may be on the shorter side, and his characters on the OC and Southland are more brooding than anything. But Oliver does, Oliver is stoic and McKenzie has shown he can do that. He has great range, great at emoting, just check him out in Johnny Got His Gun. And he can do the sarcastic, cynical humor. He is quite quick witted and funny in interviews. I have suggested McKenzie for all kinds of comic book roles, but this one is the best fit in my opinion.

 

[04nbod]

Giving him an origin story really makes it a different kind of movie though. His time on the island, the skills and lessons he learned really shaped him. In his case if you don't have an origin story then non comic fans are going to wonder why he doesn't use a gun. And once you introduce the money element, they WILL compare him to Batman because its the only other frame of reference they have for a billionaire in a suit/costume punching bad guys in the face and leaping across alleys.

And "I practiced" suggests anyone can just pick up a bow, practice and do what he does. But what really makes him able, willing, and driven to do what he does is because of what his time shipwrecked taught him.

Which is essentially what he did. You are talking about character traits than can be exhibited thoughout any movie.

 

[chris moore]

Though in GA Year 1 it's expressed that Howard Hill stated Ollie was the most natural archer he had ever seen. I think it's important to at least suggest a predilection to archery, and that be the reason he assembles a bow to hunt (as opposed to say, a spear or a series of snares and pits). You can practice archery all you want - but if you don't have a certain natural ability for it, then you'll always need stabilisers and sights, or not be able to pull off a "Robin Hood" without it being pure fluke (like virtually all cases of a Robin Hood).

 

[Godzilla2014]

Though in GA Year 1 it's expressed that Howard Hill stated Ollie was the most natural archer he had ever seen. I think it's important to at least suggest a predilection to archery, and that be the reason he assembles a bow to hunt (as opposed to say, a spear or a series of snares and pits). You can practice archery all you want - but if you don't have a certain natural ability for it, then you'll always need stabilisers and sights, or not be able to pull off a "Robin Hood" without it being pure fluke (like virtually all cases of a Robin Hood).

I completely agree.

 

[NotFadeAway]

I think playing up the modern day Robin Hood angle is the key to killing comparison's to Batman/Iron Man.

 

[Godzilla2014]

I think playing up the modern day Robin Hood angle is the key to killing comparison's to Batman/Iron Man.

I agree.

 

[batman strikes]

Which is essentially what he did. You are talking about character traits than can be exhibited thoughout any movie.

I always thought that because Ollie was such a fan of Robin Hood as such a young age that would inspire him to want to practice archery. This way when he gets stranded on the island he would already have those skills and it would explain him choosing a bow over any other makeshift hunting weapon.

 

[NotFadeAway]

I always thought that because Ollie was such a fan of Robin Hood as such a young age that would inspire him to want to practice archery. This way when he gets stranded on the island he would already have those skills and it would explain him choosing a bow over any other makeshift hunting weapon.

This

I agree.

Another thing is, on paper both Oliver Queen and Tony Stark are cynical, drunken man ****es especially before they become heroes. As I noted, we need to see just how much of a worthless hedonist Ollie is before the island. Iron Man showed Stark in this light, but in your typical Marvel "funny haha" look at him he is drinking and it's so funny, and ohhh he is going to hook up with women. They do such in a light tone. Well, screw that. I mentioned Californication as a model for how I want Oliver's pre-island life to be presented. I want the PG-13 rating to be pushed to it's absolute brink and for DVD sales release have a director's cut that is rated-R. I don't just want alcohol, I want Oliver smoking dope, I want half naked women, I want the dialouge to be as politically incorrect as it possible can and I want the one F-word card in a PG-13 movie being played. As far as the action goes, I want some bloody fights, and I want Oliver's willingness to kill the bad guy being played up, including Oliver killing Hackett and Roy going Mel Gibson in the Patriot on the member of China White's team that I would have kill Brave Bow in my take. This needs to be a superhero movie for 18-34 year olds and 18-34 year olds only. You can get away with this because you don't need a huge budget for a Green Arrow film. It's a more than acceptable risk.

With all this said, this is still why I think Green Arrow would best be served as a television series on HBO or Showtime. And the same goes for Punisher on the Marvel side of the equation.

 

[Airwings]

NotFadeAway: Thrilling suggestion with making Green Arrow a more violent, adult-themed superhero. What an idea!
It doesn't have to be a Batman clone just because of a dark style. Just look at Watchmen. It was dark in another way.
If they find a third way to make a comic book movie dark, then it's just right for GA.

 

[chris moore]

NotFadeAway: Thrilling suggestion with making Green Arrow a more violent, adult-themed superhero. What an idea!
It doesn't have to be a Batman clone just because of a dark style. Just look at Watchmen. It was dark in another way.
If they find a third way to make a comic book movie dark, then it's just right for GA.

Not sure I agree. I think it's important for GA to be a little lighter in tone than Batman (as a character). It shows how Ollie's life before the island hasn't been completely "washed away" by his time on the island, hunting to survive. So many times during his survival, I bet Ollie came so close to losing it and giving into despair, or going totally native and Mowgli-like. It's a testament to his strength and willpower that he doesn't give into that side of who he could have become, part of the reason that makes him a hero for the people.

Bruce grew up with a rage and a sense of loneliness that he had to learn to channel into something better. It helped shape him into who he is today. Ollie didn't have that, so he instead fights to rein in what he was close to becoming on that island - and he has a lighter hearted upbringing and early adulthood of partying to keep him reminded of what he had, has, and can give back.

And I saw Watchmen again on channel 4 the other night - they were all just nobs really.

 

[Airwings]

chris moore: I meant the tone of the film should be darker, not the character in person. That's quite a difference.

 

[NotFadeAway]

NotFadeAway: Thrilling suggestion with making Green Arrow a more violent, adult-themed superhero. What an idea!
It doesn't have to be a Batman clone just because of a dark style. Just look at Watchmen. It was dark in another way.
If they find a third way to make a comic book movie dark, then it's just right for GA.

Not sure I agree. I think it's important for GA to be a little lighter in tone than Batman (as a character). It shows how Ollie's life before the island hasn't been completely "washed away" by his time on the island, hunting to survive. So many times during his survival, I bet Ollie came so close to losing it and giving into despair, or going totally native and Mowgli-like. It's a testament to his strength and willpower that he doesn't give into that side of who he could have become, part of the reason that makes him a hero for the people.

Bruce grew up with a rage and a sense of loneliness that he had to learn to channel into something better. It helped shape him into who he is today. Ollie didn't have that, so he instead fights to rein in what he was close to becoming on that island - and he has a lighter hearted upbringing and early adulthood of partying to keep him reminded of what he had, has, and can give back.

And I saw Watchmen again on channel 4 the other night - they were all just nobs really.

It's not so much that a my ideal Green Arrow film and character would be dark, but it would be adult-themed, the subject matter being very mature. Humor would be in place, but again not the bee bop bamboozled Marvel humor but through in vein of Californication/Entourage/True Blood style dialouge and situations, especially in pre-island Oliver scene's. I don't mean to keep repeating myself, but it happens I suppose. After the scipt was written, I'd probably bring in Tom Kapinos, who writes Californication, and have him do some dialouge work with Oliver.

Here is how I view the difference between Green Arrow and Batman. Think back to the train fight sequence between Batman and Ra's at the end of Batman Begins. Now put Green Arrow in place of Batman. When GA smashes through the train window and locks eyes with Ra's, Green Arrow smirks before engaging in combat. Now, after after defeating Ra's, Green Arrow doesn't just fly out of the train before it crashes. Green Arrow flips Ra's off.....then flies out the back of the train before it crashes.

Back to the subject matter, which is what makes Green Arrow special. This is a crusader against social and political injustices and not just another crime fighter. For a Green Arrow film, you have to own that and use it to it's furthest reach. For example, I know exactly how I would open up my Green Arrow sequel. Green Arrow tracks and attacks a KKK grouping that has caused or plans on causing violence, and then turn around and have Green Arrow tracking a terrorist cell in Star City. This are the situations Green Arrow must be put in.

And then the little things. Have subtle scene's showing what goes into Oliver being the Green Arrow. A kitchen scene with the camera picking up a shot of a tub of protein powder, show Oliver taking all kinds of vitamins, eating healthy.

Another angle. In the comics, Oliver has been a columnist. Take that and use it in a movie, but have Oliver mail in the columns as Green Arrow as a way to reach out and talk to the public.

 

[chris moore]

Some pretty good ideas there. I like the indications of major changes to Ollie's lifestyle to maintain the discipline, training and diet he grew strong by on the island