Green Lantern reboot ideas.

[Derrick9592]

Agreed. As much as I love Idris Elba for the role, I don't see that happening anytime soon, especially when he's becoming Oscar worthy from Mandela and all. Now Denzel on the other hand, even though he's pushing 60, yet doesn't look his age, I wouldn't mind him for the role either way.

 

[TommyJones1945]

You may be thinking of this:

Hulk
Budget - 137M
Box Office - 245M
Profit - 108M

TIH
Budget - 150M
Box Office - 263M
Profit - 113M

In which it seems that TIH was a teeny tiny bit more profitable. This should show you that making a much better movie will not get significantly better results if there's a mediocre movie that people primarily associate with the character, and that's for a character that has had many adaptations and appearances through the years. This is a clear demonstration of the mediocre movie still being in the audiences consciousness and limiting how the better movie is perceived. How else can you explain TIH not whooping Hulk at the box office?

What you may not know is that adjusted for inflation, the take for Hulk (2003) is 136M, and the take for Hulk (2008) is 122M which makes Ang Lee's Hulk the most profitable. So in this case, making a better movie didn't even prevent the profitability from going down. So what basis do you have for thinking making a good movie would cause people to forget the mediocre one for Green Lantern? Wishful thinking? Because I have an example of the opposite.

Still made money, and helped Hulk's image.

Either recasting establishes different universes or it doesn't. You can't have it both ways.

And what they're doing for Batman is riding on the success of the previous trilogy, so no, they can't do that for Green Lantern.

That first part doesn't make sense. It depends on the point of recasting. Plus there's lots of other ways they can use in the movie to show its in a different universe.

Wrong. If they wanted to "ride" on the success of the trilogy, they would have gotten Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman etc instead of introducing Batman all over again. The whole point of recasting was to bring Batman into the MoS universe.

But you seem to be in denial that GL is remembered negatively. You believe if GL had been a hit he'd be remembered fondly. Since GL was mediocre, does the memory of the movie magically disappear? That's why I don't get your point. If popular movies make a franchise/idea more popular then unpopular movies make it less popular. There's no magical rule that makes movies only have positive effects or none at all

I seem to be in what now???? Uhhh, I've said the movie sucked, I HATED IT. Why would I have any assertions that people who know less about GL than I do think they would like him better. My whole point is that all GL needs is a reboot in a better movie.

 

[DrCosmic]

Ang Lee Hulk: 245M gross, 137M budget. Made 1.78x its budget.

TIH: 263M gross, 150M budget. Made 1.75x its budget.

So actually, no. The first Hulk movie *was* more successful, albeit by an admittedly small margin.

Also, I really think it needs to be repeated:

Green Lantern was not mediocre. It is not remembered as mediocre. It was a complete disaster that reviewed terribly and grossed terribly. Its impression is not "mediocre" its impression is "bomb".

This is a good point. Thank you for the reminder, I was being too nice.

Why a GL gets his power is essential. It's not an accident; he/she is chosen because of how he/she handled the events of her life. Actually, it's that way for all Lanterns. Even the JL 'toon barely touched on John's life as a marine, which is why it can't be counted upon to resonate with the non-reading sheeple.

And no comic is selling millions per month, but even a Kyle Rayner fan like myself has to admit that the 6-title Lanternverse that DC has built came because Hal Jordan came back in Rebirth. Check the numbers before Hal came back. DC panicked because GL was in a nosedive ten years ago.

Correction: It is not how they handle the events of their life it is, and I quote: "You have the ability to overcome great fear."

Logic issue: How does them not doing it on the cartoon show that if they did it would not be resonant? Does them not showing any of the other characters' origins on the cartoons prove that they also won't be resonant? Because that can be disproven. All you can say is John's origin hasn't been adapted much. You haven't shown any basis for why it will or won't be resonant.

Clarification: There's no doubt Geoff's talent and love of Jordan prompted a huge comeback for the character in comics. But that doesn't make that impression bigger than the millions of people touched by GL's flop, which incidentally was prompted by the same exact talent and love of Jordan. Is Jordan bigger than Stewart? Yes! Is he bigger than everyone in the country remembering him as a Ryan Reynolds flop? No, he's not. How can he possibly be? Magic?

Still made money, and helped Hulk's image.

That first part doesn't make sense. It depends on the point of recasting. Plus there's lots of other ways they can use in the movie to show its in a different universe.

Intention doesn't change the cause and effect. It doesn't matter throw a ball up, if I throw it, it will fall. Cause and effect. If recasting tells the audience this is a new Universe for Green Lantern, it should do the same for Hulk/Avengers. It does not. It's logic, Spock, I thought you would like that.

There are other ways, yes, but the easiest surest way is changing the lead character to someone who is visually distinct. That tells the audience they're going to have a very different experience.

Wrong. If they wanted to "ride" on the success of the trilogy, they would have gotten Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman etc instead of introducing Batman all over again. The whole point of recasting was to bring Batman into the MoS universe.

Wait... what? Batman is immensely popular, because of the TDK trilogy. They are including Batman in MoS2 in a major way. That's riding success. They're not trying to convince you that this guy is any different from the previous one. They want the audience to think he's just as awesome and cool as Christian Bale's. They're riding that success.

Do you think TDK's effect magically went away too?

I seem to be in what now???? Uhhh, I've said the movie sucked, I HATED IT. Why would I have any assertions that people who know less about GL than I do think they would like him better. My whole point is that all GL needs is a reboot in a better movie.

And I've proved to you that didn't work for Hulk, that it didn't bring him any more success, and even after stealing the show in Avengers he still hasn't gotten a film yet. How committed are you to this dream that if they make a good movie everything will work out? Do you know how many great movies have bombed because of not enough word of mouth? Can you imagine if that word of mouth was bad? No one will see the movie to find out its good. SMH

 

[cleverusername8]

Eh. Not that surprised.

http://batman-news.com/2013/12/28/denzel-washington-green-lantern-batman-vs-superman/

 

[Lantern Venom]

Clarification: There's no doubt Geoff's talent and love of Jordan prompted a huge comeback for the character in comics. But that doesn't make that impression bigger than the millions of people touched by GL's flop, which incidentally was prompted by the same exact talent and love of Jordan.

The film lost direction about midway through because it was written by a group of men who didn't understand the GL mythos. Johns had very little to do with the finished product and it was evident. Instead of playing to the unique strengths of the comic, an attempt was made to shoehorn Jordan into the stock super hero situations. Had the movie been like First Flight (Jordan fitting into the Corps) instead of getting sidetracked with a love story and daddy issues for the GA sheeple, it would have worked.

Let's hope that if John Stewart is used, WB backs off Goyer and doesn't try to tinker where they obviously shouldn't.

 

[TommyJones1945]

Intention doesn't change the cause and effect. It doesn't matter throw a ball up, if I throw it, it will fall. Cause and effect. If recasting tells the audience this is a new Universe for Green Lantern, it should do the same for Hulk/Avengers. It does not. It's logic, Spock, I thought you would like that.

There are other ways, yes, but the easiest surest way is changing the lead character to someone who is visually distinct. That tells the audience they're going to have a very different experience.

I feel we're going around in circles here. My point is. They can recast to show it is in a different universe. If you have an issue with this, then explain.

Wait... what? Batman is immensely popular, because of the TDK trilogy. They are including Batman in MoS2 in a major way. That's riding success. They're not trying to convince you that this guy is any different from the previous one. They want the audience to think he's just as awesome and cool as Christian Bale's. They're riding that success.

Do you think TDK's effect magically went away too?

Pfft what??? They are cashing in on the idea of Superman fighting Batman. Sure they are putting in Batman bcus his last movies were successful, but there's a plethora of other reasons. Its simple-minded to think TDKR is the only reason Batman's in this. If they were only putting in superheroes with successful movies in the it, then I'd feel you'd have a hard time explaining why WW is going to be in it.

And I've proved to you that didn't work for Hulk, that it didn't bring him any more success, and even after stealing the show in Avengers he still hasn't gotten a film yet. How committed are you to this dream that if they make a good movie everything will work out? Do you know how many great movies have bombed because of not enough word of mouth? Can you imagine if that word of mouth was bad? No one will see the movie to find out its good. SMH

Its not a dream...its a possibility. Say what you want, but Avengers did a lot of good for Hulk, making a very easy fan favourite. The fact he doesn't have a movie, is just bcus executives are still apprehensive to it, considering TIH's earnings. He could very well carry his own solo after the boost from TIH and the Avengers.

 

[DrCosmic]

I feel we're going around in circles here. My point is. They can recast to show it is in a different universe. If you have an issue with this, then explain.

I've explained pretty clearly that the cause and effect you describe is invalid. If you did not understand the paragraph I wrong, ask questions rather than saying we're going around in circles.

Pfft what??? They are cashing in on the idea of Superman fighting Batman. Sure they are putting in Batman bcus his last movies were successful, but there's a plethora of other reasons. Its simple-minded to think TDKR is the only reason Batman's in this. If they were only putting in superheroes with successful movies in the it, then I'd feel you'd have a hard time explaining why WW is going to be in it.

I mean, Lois Lane didn't have successful solo movie either, and she's going to be in it too. But making Batman one of the lead characters because he's popular, which you agree they're doing, is riding the success of the previous franchise. That's something they can't do with Green Lantern, so using Batman and Superman as examples of recasts starting fresh, the origin of this thread of conversation, isn't right, because recasting Hal Jordan will only remind folks of Ryan Reynolds, not a popular film series, or popular 90s cartoon or childhood memories.

Its not a dream...its a possibility. Say what you want, but Avengers did a lot of good for Hulk, making a very easy fan favourite. The fact he doesn't have a movie, is just bcus executives are still apprehensive to it, considering TIH's earnings. He could very well carry his own solo after the boost from TIH and the Avengers.

So you agree making a good movie (ala TIH) is not enough? They need to have him steal the show in a JLA movie and then make a good movie, and that would do it?

That's not disproven yet, it's possible Marvel are wrong for being apprehensive, that we know better than they do that the GA will eat up a Hulk movie because they liked him in Avengers, even if they don't regard his solo movies much, regardless of quality. That's a shot in the dark, but you're right, it's not totally disproven yet, all we have to do is say Marvel are being dumb for being apprehensive. Are you saying that?

 

[DrCosmic]

The film lost direction about midway through because it was written by a group of men who didn't understand the GL mythos. Johns had very little to do with the finished product and it was evident. Instead of playing to the unique strengths of the comic, an attempt was made to shoehorn Jordan into the stock super hero situations. Had the movie been like First Flight (Jordan fitting into the Corps) instead of getting sidetracked with a love story and daddy issues for the GA sheeple, it would have worked.

Let's hope that if John Stewart is used, WB backs off Goyer and doesn't try to tinker where they obviously shouldn't.

The writers were experienced Comic book writers and big Geoff Johns fans who collaborated with Johns and used Johns' Green Lantern: Secret Origin as their inspiration which, with it's Earth shenanigans, definitely shows in the final product. The GL mythos and story points, including this particular love story and these particular daddy issues are very much Johns, it's just that they don't work in film. Perhaps rewrites removed some great dialogue and the director's newness to CGI made that weak, but the Johns influence is very strong here.

I too would've preferred more of a First Flight thing, rather than something inspired by Johns, and that's the way I'd do a John Stewart movie. That's another advantage of Stewart: He doesn't have this big supporting cast on Earth that you'd have to cut out to do a spacey GL film.

 

[TommyJones1945]

I've explained pretty clearly that the cause and effect you describe is invalid. If you did not understand the paragraph I wrong, ask questions rather than saying we're going around in circles.

And your reasons(sorry to say this) fail to make sense. If they can recast for Batman to show they are in a different universe/he's different from Bale, they can do the same for Hal-A perfect real example you can't possibly deny.

I mean, Lois Lane didn't have successful solo movie either, and she's going to be in it too. But making Batman one of the lead characters because he's popular, which you agree they're doing, is riding the success of the previous franchise. That's something they can't do with Green Lantern, so using Batman and Superman as examples of recasts starting fresh, the origin of this thread of conversation, isn't right, because recasting Hal Jordan will only remind folks of Ryan Reynolds, not a popular film series, or popular 90s cartoon or childhood memories.

Wrong example. Lois Lane is a secondary character, and hardly applies to that WW example. And what??? I only said that's one of the reasons before you start putting words in my mouth. There's also the fact Batman's DC hottest property/most popular character and makes to put in the movie, then there's his history of conflict with Superman, the fact he's been led up to from MOS, and the fact that they are worldbuilding for MoS etc And recasting Hal will only remind people of Ryan??? Okay, now you're just grasping at straws to justify using John over Hal.

So you agree making a good movie (ala TIH) is not enough? They need to have him steal the show in a JLA movie and then make a good movie, and that would do it?

That's not disproven yet, it's possible Marvel are wrong for being apprehensive, that we know better than they do that the GA will eat up a Hulk movie because they liked him in Avengers, even if they don't regard his solo movies much, regardless of quality. That's a shot in the dark, but you're right, it's not totally disproven yet, all we have to do is say Marvel are being dumb for being apprehensive. Are you saying that?

I won't go calling movie executives dumb for not throwing their money where I want them to throwit at. Though I am of the opinion, it would work. Feel free to disagree.

 

[DrCosmic]

And your reasons(sorry to say this) fail to make sense. If they can recast for Batman to show they are in a different universe/he's different from Bale, they can do the same for Hal-A perfect real example you can't possibly deny.

That if is exactly what I've disproven. Recasting doesn't show they're in a new universe. Further, Batfleck may not be different from Baleman in any significant way. The more different he is, the more criticism they'll get for not having the awesomeness that everyone loves from Baleman. So you're wrong on two counts here. That's why I don't make sense to you, you're clinging to disproven assumptions.

Wrong example. Lois Lane is a secondary character, and hardly applies to that WW example. And what??? I only said that's one of the reasons before you start putting words in my mouth. There's also the fact Batman's DC hottest property/most popular character and makes to put in the movie, then there's his history of conflict with Superman, the fact he's been led up to from MOS, and the fact that they are worldbuilding for MoS etc And recasting Hal will only remind people of Ryan??? Okay, now you're just grasping at straws to justify using John over Hal.

Okay, what else will Hal remind people of, if not Hal from 2011? Will they magically forget? See how you don't have an answer but are about to type something anyway? That's what grasping at straws looks like.

Why do you think that Batman, a lead character coming off a billion dollar trilogy has any parallel with GL? And why do you think that has anything to do with any of the supporting characters, costumed or not? You're connecting things that don't connect based on who wears costumes, and that's not logic, that's just pretty pictures.

I won't go calling movie executives dumb for not throwing their money where I want them to throwit at. Though I am of the opinion, it would work. Feel free to disagree.

So executives are apprehensive of Hulk, even though he could very well carry his own movie, and that's a reasonable, justified position to you?

 

[TommyJones1945]

That if is exactly what I've disproven. Recasting doesn't show they're in a new universe. Further, Batfleck may not be different from Baleman in any significant way. The more different he is, the more criticism they'll get for not having the awesomeness that everyone loves from Baleman. So you're wrong on two counts here. That's why I don't make sense to you, you're clinging to disproven assumptions.



Okay, what else will Hal remind people of, if not Hal from 2011? Will they magically forget? See how you don't have an answer but are about to type something anyway? That's what grasping at straws looks like.

Why do you think that Batman, a lead character coming off a billion dollar trilogy has any parallel with GL? And why do you think that has anything to do with any of the supporting characters, costumed or not? You're connecting things that don't connect based on who wears costumes, and that's not logic, that's just pretty pictures.

So executives are apprehensive of Hulk, even though he could very well carry his own movie, and that's a reasonable, justified position to you?

F***. I put up a response, but it said the token expired. So I think I'll stop here. Sorry, if you were looking forward to my riveting response.

 

[Batmannerism]

Dudes ! This discussion is getting heavy. I reckon one of you needs to start a poll thread, "What form should the next film appearance of GL take?"

It's similar to this thread but a little more focussed.

- options would include

I) as part of an ensemble cast in a JL film probably called "Justice League"
II) as part of an ensemble GL film, featuring the corps and
at least 2 Earth GL's, possibly called "The Green Lantern Corps"
III) as a solo film featuring Hal Jordan
IV) as a solo film featuring John Stewart
V) as a solo film, featuring Guy Gardner (ha-ha, kidding...but not really)
VI) as a solo film featuring Kyle Rayner
VII) substitute your own idea.

It would give us some idea about fan consensus anyway.

If nobody else does, I will in a couple of days.
On that note, the different GL choices probably deserve their own threads,
certainly the Hal Jordan and John Stewart (and probably Sinestro casting threads
would be worth doing.

(btw, if they don't get Mark Strong back, who's my number one pick,
what about Robert Knepper from Prison Break as Sinestro, that guy radiates pure evil.)

While we can all promote our own opinions, I'm sure we can also respect those of others. (e.g I can't personally see Denzel as John, I'm on team Elba, but I don't
diss anyone who sees things differently).

I think the main thing we all agree on is that GL is such an amazing character, with a rich history, and probably more story possibilities than any other Character.
Superman defends Earth, Batman defends Gotham, but GL's beat is the entire universe, or at least sector 2814, but how often does he go off to the far flung corners of the galaxy ? There's a huge established rogues gallery and limitless settings for GL stories. As such, the character deserves to fly again on the big screen, no matter
whether it's besides SM and WW on the JL, or even better in his own film.

Peace out Ring-slingers !

 

[Airwings]

Who should direct it?

 

[Batmannerism]

Who should direct it?

Hmmmmm good question bro !

Depends on the tone of the film.

if you're going for violent, but funny, Matthew Vaughn (Kick Ass, Stardust, X-men first class).

What about going out on a limb, and saying....John Woo, if you've seen his
Red Cliffs movie, you know he can do epic.

Someone else who could really add a dash of cool, Justin Lin !

I've never been a connoisseur of action directors, so I'd love to hear suggestions from other people.

 

[Airwings]

Hmmmmm good question bro !

Depends on the tone of the film.

if you're going for violent, but funny, Matthew Vaughn (Kick Ass, Stardust, X-men first class).

What about going out on a limb, and saying....John Woo, if you've seen his
Red Cliffs movie, you know he can do epic.

Someone else who could really add a dash of cool, Justin Lin !

I've never been a connoisseur of action directors, so I'd love to hear suggestions from other people.

John Woo is an extremely interesting suggestion. It would be violent and have lots of martial arts. This could make him more suited for WW.

Back to GL; I claim that Hyams is the guy to go to if the space theme will be in more focus than everything else. I suggested him some days ago together with a bunch of others. But everyone I bring up is considered to be really bad
People here tend to be hostile toward the suggestions that don't belong to the obvious mainstream field.

 

[Batmannerism]

John Woo is an extremely interesting suggestion. It would be violent and have lots of martial arts. This could make him more suited for WW.

Back to GL; I claim that Hyams is the guy to go to if the space theme will be in more focus than everything else. I suggested him some days ago together with a bunch of others. But everyone I bring up is considered to be really bad
People here tend to be hostile toward the suggestions that don't belong to the obvious mainstream field.

Dude. I respect your opinion, and while Hyams has had some solid sci-fi stuff, I kinda feel like he's a bit hit and miss with his films. Just IMO, but I wouldn't go with Hyams myself ( ....you know, when I'm in charge of Warner Bros, and get to hire directors....LOL !)

Who else were you thinking of, besides Hyams ?

What about James Cameron? He's got enormous sci-fi chops, and Avatar (while I hated the story) showed he can handle battle-scenes and action on a scale that befits GL.

Actually, what about Guillermo Del Toro? After Pacific Rim (my number 2 movie of 2013 after MOS ) I regained my faith in him. A nice ensemble cast performance, nothing too deep, but boy was PR fun and visually spectacular. Maybe he could pull off something similar with GL ?
GDT loves weird and wonderful creatures and settings, hmmmm, I'm getting keen on this. Quick, anyone got Nolan's speed dial ?

 

[Airwings]

Dude. I respect your opinion, and while Hyams has had some solid sci-fi stuff, I kinda feel like he's a bit hit and miss with his films. Just IMO, but I wouldn't go with Hyams myself ( ....you know, when I'm in charge of Warner Bros, and get to hire directors....LOL !)

Who else were you thinking of, besides Hyams ?

What about James Cameron? He's got enormous sci-fi chops, and Avatar (while I hated the story) showed he can handle battle-scenes and action on a scale that befits GL.

Actually, what about Guillermo Del Toro? After Pacific Rim (my number 2 movie of 2013 after MOS ) I regained my faith in him. A nice ensemble cast performance, nothing too deep, but boy was PR fun and visually spectacular. Maybe he could pull off something similar with GL ?
GDT loves weird and wonderful creatures and settings, hmmmm, I'm getting keen on this. Quick, anyone got Nolan's speed dial ?

*Perhaps Hyams should have done Green Lantern towards the end of his golden sci fi days. Let's say 1985, one year after "2010".
Only one problem then, and it's the special effects. Gosh, they would look terrible. Or maybe not. Both Star Wars, Ghostbusters and BTTF had good effects.

*Other than Hyams: I say Adam Green, Thomas Vinterberg, Ronny Yu, Harald Zwart, Jonas Åkerlund, Shane Carruth or Mike Newell.
But I can think of even more suggestions. Why not left field choices like Paul Thomas Anderson or Noah Baumbach????

*Cameron will do a good GL, and an even better Aquaman. But he hates this kind of films and don't want to be involved with any of them

*Del Toro? Not sure He has the planned dark justice league on his plate, and I think he's more a Batman or Green Arrow type of director.

 

[FeedOnATreeFrog]

I think Del Toro could do justice to almost all the League members.

And he could always do one of these movies after JLDark (assuming that even happens).

 

[DrCosmic]

F***. I put up a response, but it said the token expired. So I think I'll stop here. Sorry, if you were looking forward to my riveting response.

Yeah, I hate it when that happens. It was nice to actually discuss some of this stuff, thanks.

 

[Dr. Evil]

How about the Rock as John?

 

[brainchild81]

I still don't see it, but I am a fan of his & he's very popular. I'd support it. It can't be worse than what we got last time

Agreed. As much as I love Idris Elba for the role, I don't see that happening anytime soon, especially when he's becoming Oscar worthy from Mandela and all. Now Denzel on the other hand, even though he's pushing 60, yet doesn't look his age, I wouldn't mind him for the role either way.

Idris is interested in the role though & said he wants to play a superhero. WB should snatch him up now before it's too late

 

[Eddie Dean]

*Perhaps Hyams should have done Green Lantern towards the end of his golden sci fi days. Let's say 1985, one year after "2010".
Only one problem then, and it's the special effects. Gosh, they would look terrible. Or maybe not. Both Star Wars, Ghostbusters and BTTF had good effects.

*Other than Hyams: I say Adam Green, Thomas Vinterberg, Ronny Yu, Harald Zwart, Jonas Åkerlund, Shane Carruth or Mike Newell.
But I can think of even more suggestions. Why not left field choices like Paul Thomas Anderson or Noah Baumbach????

*Cameron will do a good GL, and an even better Aquaman. But he hates this kind of films and don't want to be involved with any of them

*Del Toro? Not sure He has the planned dark justice league on his plate, and I think he's more a Batman or Green Arrow type of director.

lolololol, like PTA or Noah Baumbach would touch GL with a ten foot pole, let alone Shane Carruth.

 

[Batmannerism]

How about the Rock as John?

Dude, others have said that. No disrespect to your suggestion, but I
think the Rock (who would be an AWESOME addition to a GL film) would be
best in the Kilowog role. They would only have to CGI his face, as he has the physique and the fight moves to carry it off.

Now, I'm not suggesting that a character who is usually portrayed as a certain race needs to be played by an actor of that race, and that sometimes changing things up can make a positive impact on the character ( I've believed for some time now that there should be a black Doctor Who, or a female Doctor who).
However, some characters seem to work better when their original ethnicity is preserved (not going anywhere near Iron Man 3 here, been there, argued a few volumes about it). For example, a dramatization of Pride and Prejudice would work regardless of the ethnicity of the actors, so
Zoe Saldana could play Elizabeth Bennett, or Idris Elba could play Mr. Darcy.
However, a dramatization of the life of Nelson Mandela might not be as effective if the main character was played by Daniel Day Lewis (and he's one of the greatest actors on the planet).


Ethnically, the Rock is half-Afro-Canadian (his dad was from Nova Scotia, eh !) and half Samoan (he gets a hero's welcome when he shows up in the Islands, and here in NZ where he lived for a little while as a kid).

I kind of feel that John Stewart is such a strong Afro-American character, such an amazing role model and one of the first DC mainstream Black super-heroes that he deserves a portrayal by a Black actor. That's just IMO, and I realise I'm opening a can of worms by saying it.
Again, and this is just IMO, when I think of John Stewart, I think of an Afro-American super-hero, it's part of who he is.
Doctor who is a different story, the essential character is the same, no matter what he looks like (which is why I think the BBC should change it up and have him regenerate in different ethnic or gender form).

(feel free to disagree or criticize my opinion, but please don't bring up the "Mandarin Twist" of Iron Man 3).

As such, I think Elba, or Denzel, or Chiwetel Ejifor, or Will Smith, would be a better choice. I'm not disrespecting your suggestion, just disagreeing
(I'm not saying the Rock couldn't do the character justice, I'm just saying there are so many terrific black actors who could do it just as well, or even better).

 

[Dr. Evil]

Dude, others have said that. No disrespect to your suggestion, but I
think the Rock (who would be an AWESOME addition to a GL film) would be
best in the Kilowog role. They would only have to CGI his face, as he has the physique and the fight moves to carry it off.

Now, I'm not suggesting that a character who is usually portrayed as a certain race needs to be played by an actor of that race, and that sometimes changing things up can make a positive impact on the character ( I've believed for some time now that there should be a black Doctor Who, or a female Doctor who).
However, some characters seem to work better when their original ethnicity is preserved (not going anywhere near Iron Man 3 here, been there, argued a few volumes about it). For example, a dramatization of Pride and Prejudice would work regardless of the ethnicity of the actors, so
Zoe Saldana could play Elizabeth Bennett, or Idris Elba could play Mr. Darcy.
However, a dramatization of the life of Nelson Mandela might not be as effective if the main character was played by Daniel Day Lewis (and he's one of the greatest actors on the planet).


Ethnically, the Rock is half-Afro-Canadian (his dad was from Nova Scotia, eh !) and half Samoan (he gets a hero's welcome when he shows up in the Islands, and here in NZ where he lived for a little while as a kid).

I kind of feel that John Stewart is such a strong Afro-American character, such an amazing role model and one of the first DC mainstream Black super-heroes that he deserves a portrayal by a Black actor. That's just IMO, and I realise I'm opening a can of worms by saying it.
Again, and this is just IMO, when I think of John Stewart, I think of an Afro-American super-hero, it's part of who he is.
Doctor who is a different story, the essential character is the same, no matter what he looks like (which is why I think the BBC should change it up and have him regenerate in different ethnic or gender form).

(feel free to disagree or criticize my opinion, but please don't bring up the "Mandarin Twist" of Iron Man 3).

As such, I think Elba, or Denzel, or Chiwetel Ejifor, or Will Smith, would be a better choice. I'm not disrespecting your suggestion, just disagreeing
(I'm not saying the Rock couldn't do the character justice, I'm just saying there are so many terrific black actors who could do it just as well, or even better).

It's not just me that is suggesting The Rock as John. In fact, John is mentioned in this thread:

http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?t=471053

 

[Lantern Venom]

Dudes ! This discussion is getting heavy. I reckon one of you needs to start a poll thread, "What form should the next film appearance of GL take?"

It's similar to this thread but a little more focussed.

- options would include

I) as part of an ensemble cast in a JL film probably called "Justice League"
II) as part of an ensemble GL film, featuring the corps and
at least 2 Earth GL's, possibly called "The Green Lantern Corps"
III) as a solo film featuring Hal Jordan
IV) as a solo film featuring John Stewart
V) as a solo film, featuring Guy Gardner (ha-ha, kidding...but not really)
VI) as a solo film featuring Kyle Rayner
VII) substitute your own idea.

It would give us some idea about fan consensus anyway.

If nobody else does, I will in a couple of days.
On that note, the different GL choices probably deserve their own threads,
certainly the Hal Jordan and John Stewart (and probably Sinestro casting threads
would be worth doing.

(btw, if they don't get Mark Strong back, who's my number one pick,
what about Robert Knepper from Prison Break as Sinestro, that guy radiates pure evil.)

While we can all promote our own opinions, I'm sure we can also respect those of others. (e.g I can't personally see Denzel as John, I'm on team Elba, but I don't
diss anyone who sees things differently).

I think the main thing we all agree on is that GL is such an amazing character, with a rich history, and probably more story possibilities than any other Character.
Superman defends Earth, Batman defends Gotham, but GL's beat is the entire universe, or at least sector 2814, but how often does he go off to the far flung corners of the galaxy ? There's a huge established rogues gallery and limitless settings for GL stories. As such, the character deserves to fly again on the big screen, no matter
whether it's besides SM and WW on the JL, or even better in his own film.

Peace out Ring-slingers !