Jack Black as GL? Why god...WHY?!

[The Kid]

the only color that matters to me is green. I can't see why changing the race will destroy his character. what more can I say...

he has to have a penis though. they can't change that. comeon. he's named hal jordan.

 

[Casius--J]

It's Casshern, the coolest, most amazing film you'll ever see.

with that said i shall go get my hands on it and watch it!!!

 

[dnno1]

See I am putting this on a film maker/producer's perspective not a fanboy's. They will be marketing to more than just the fans because let's face it, other than Superman and Batman, the other DC chars would hardly have any mainstream appeal.

As a producer, I would amalgamate all 3 existing GLs, Kyle, Stewart and Hal into one character. Movies just won't have enough room for a "GL Universe". Explaining the corps and the existence of 3 would be too long and confusing to non-readers.

So the character would be an engineer/architect who is fearless (maybe show him abseiling down a dam or building inspecting damages etc. One night after partying he is given the ring by a blue guy who warns him of an imminent danger. Warns him that he has to hold the fort til others come.

So some little actions from minor villains til the end. Some aliens are giving powers to criminals wreaking havoc. Finale would be a big alien invasion and a group of GLs coming to Earth for a big fight.





Anyways, crappy plot outline aside, you guys are seeing this like the moviemakers would have fans in mind or that they figure these movies will eventually have people reading comic books. Guess what. They don't.

The comic book publishing side and movie producing are 2 separate entities. One does not influence the other. Comicbook DC has no control over the films and movie makers don't care. Having a black Hal Jordan will not confuse moviegoers. It will just piss off the people who can't see past the colour of the guy's skin.

Again, what does it matter if the guy who works for the Ferris Aircraft, a fearless test pilot who was given the most powerful weapon in the universe, is played by an Asian, Black, Hispanic or Caucasian guy? What does it matter to the person who's never read a comic book? It doesn't.

What should it matter to you?

Amalgamating the charcaters is getting off cheap, bulok. You can't say that the movies wouldn't have enough room for a GL Universe since films like Star Wars and Star Trek became franchises using that format (an ensemble of characters in their own universe). You really don't have to explain the existence of the GL's if that is going to be an issue since that could be found in the comic books, graphic novels and other trade paperback stories that could be sold in conjuction with the film(s). I have mentioned this before, but I will say it again. Since the conclusion of the Lord of the Rings and Star Wars franchises, there has been a void left in the realm of the Science Fiction/Fantasy world (this is excluding the Harry Potter series). Between now and 2008 there is a very good window of opportunity to capture the attention of that market with a space based film involving the GL Corps. Using the rise, fall, and redeption of a character like Hal Jordan as a major plot line is one direction that could be used should the focus is to be on a single character, but certainly there are other story arcs from the source material that could be adapted for a film such as this. If this is done right, I could see this as a long running multi film franchise that could compete with a Star Wars or Star Trek in popularity.

 

[Mrh7448]

you know if Corey Reynolds wanted to play GL that wouldn't be that bad.

Personally I would then start the movie with Hal Jordan have him either die, captured or severely injured something to that effect which would be the reason that another human was chosen to take his place.

I'm not a huge GL fan so I'm not even sure how Jon Stewart became GL. But allowing Hal Jordan in the proloque would show that this is an organization of sorts and then bringing Jon Stewart that they are always recruiting into the Corps, but that they are also selective.

 

[That-Guy]

you know if Corey Reynolds wanted to play GL that wouldn't be that bad.

Personally I would then start the movie with Hal Jordan have him either die, captured or severely injured something to that effect which would be the reason that another human was chosen to take his place.

I'm not a huge GL fan so I'm not even sure how Jon Stewart became GL. But allowing Hal Jordan in the proloque would show that this is an organization of sorts and then bringing Jon Stewart that they are always recruiting into the Corps, but that they are also selective.

Well, that is sort of how John got to be a GL... he was chosen as the alternate GL of Earth. Guy Garner was the original choice to be the alternate, but then he was injured, so John was selected. It is important to note that it was this injury that caused some minor brain damage to Guy and that's what turned him into the frequent ass-hole that he is today. But yeah, if they were going to do a GL film with John as the main character, your idea would probably work best. I wouldn't be opposed to a movie with John as the central GL, but I do think Hal should at least be mentioned or appear and should be established as the greatest or one of the greatest Green Lanterns. Of course, I would prefer that he is the main character, but as the Rolling Stones once said "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need." Thus, if we got a GL movie with John, Guy or Kyle as the main character and not Hal, but the story was taken seriously and it was well-made, I'd be happy. As long as Jack Black (or any other actor who relies grossing the audience out to hide is miniscule acting talent) isn't in this movie, I can live with it.

 

[The Flash!]

Anyone have the panel of when Hal is getting the ring?

 

[Nightwing 52]

Anyone have the panel of when Hal is getting the ring?

 

[The Flash!]

Thanks, Batman.

 

[Syncos]

I'm finding it hard to believe that DC Comics as after taking such a serious and commendable approach at their Superhero properties...

I'm sorry, do you not remember Batman Forever, Batman and Robin, Catwomen, Steel, and any Superman movies < 2 > Returns?

Heh.

I completely agree that Jack Black shouldn't ever play GL. But saying that DC has taken a "serious and commendable approach at their superhero properties" is rediculas. Unless you're referring to anything released 2005 and later.

-Syn

 

[bulok]

I never understood the attraction to Hal Jordan. He was always 2 Dimensional to me. "Born without fear" = reckless or crazy to me. It's human nature to be afraid, but heroic to overcome them.

Hal Jordan was never a character I could relate with (and apparently many people shared the sentiment since there weren't much protest when they got rid of him).

John Stewart I liked, but the angry black guy just got old too fast. Gardner was funny but annoying. To me Kyle was perfect. He was young, unsure of what to do, wanted to live up to a great legacy of those who came before him and was given a responsibility he wasn't prepared for. Kyle Rayner was the most down to earth GL and will always be my favourite. Well, him and Killowog you poozers!

 

[bulok]

Well, that is sort of how John got to be a GL... he was chosen as the alternate GL of Earth. Guy Garner was the original choice to be the alternate, but then he was injured, so John was selected. It is important to note that it was this injury that caused some minor brain damage to Guy and that's what turned him into the frequent ass-hole that he is today. But yeah, if they were going to do a GL film with John as the main character, your idea would probably work best. I wouldn't be opposed to a movie with John as the central GL, but I do think Hal should at least be mentioned or appear and should be established as the greatest or one of the greatest Green Lanterns. Of course, I would prefer that he is the main character, but as the Rolling Stones once said "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need." Thus, if we got a GL movie with John, Guy or Kyle as the main character and not Hal, but the story was taken seriously and it was well-made, I'd be happy. As long as Jack Black (or any other actor who relies grossing the audience out to hide is miniscule acting talent) isn't in this movie, I can live with it.

Love this idea

 

[That-Guy]

Thanks. Yeah, the fact of the matter is, no matter what GL they go with, various fans aren't going to be pleased. If they go with Kyle, fans of the more humanized, humble GL archetype will be happy, but a lot of older fans will be pissed. (On a side note, there were a LOT of fans who were upset about Hal being turned into a villain... there was even a group of protesters called "Operation: Hal Support" or something that had been battling to see him returned to his former glory and they eventually got their wish... however, if they had been buying his comic in the first place, none of this would have happened, so...) If they went with Hal, some people would have a problem because he's only recently been redeemed, and in the eyes of some readers, still really hasn't been. And even if he has, a lot of people view his character was too Silver Age and unlikeable. If they went with Guy or John, this would also create contraversy because neither of them has ever really been the "central" GL for more than an occasional story arc. However, there are benefits to going with either one of them as well... a lot of kids know John from the JL cartoon, and having Guy as the main character could certainly intoduce the public to a wild, borderline psycho superhero.

However, casting Jack Black as Kyle-Guy Jordanschmuck and having him create big green hands so that he can reach around and wipe his ass more accurately would hopefully piss the world off.

 

[Chris B]

If Jack Black is going to appear in a Green Lantern movie, then it should be as G' Nort or Guy Gardener

 

[GL's Light]

Hal Jordan was never a character I could relate with (and apparently many people shared the sentiment since there weren't much protest when they got rid of him).

There was quite a bit of protest actually, and it carried on like a drumbeat over the years until they brought him back.

 

[dnno1]

I never understood the attraction to Hal Jordan. He was always 2 Dimensional to me. "Born without fear" = reckless or crazy to me. It's human nature to be afraid, but heroic to overcome them.

Hal Jordan was never a character I could relate with (and apparently many people shared the sentiment since there weren't much protest when they got rid of him).

John Stewart I liked, but the angry black guy just got old too fast. Gardner was funny but annoying. To me Kyle was perfect. He was young, unsure of what to do, wanted to live up to a great legacy of those who came before him and was given a responsibility he wasn't prepared for. Kyle Rayner was the most down to earth GL and will always be my favourite. Well, him and Killowog you poozers!

Hal's attraction would be the same as a Jonny Storm (in fiction) or a James Dean or Paul Newman (in real life): seemingly young and reckless, but yet still in control. I think that type of lifestyle (or aspects of it) has always been appealing to the younger generation.

As far as fans not being able to relate to the character and your comment that many shared the same sentiment, that could be no farther from the truth. According to Wikipedia.org, many long time fans (including me) were outraged by the decision to turn Hal into a homicidal maniac (parallax), viewing it as a betrayal of his character and a transparent attempt to cash in on the then-popular trend of re-interpreting iconic super-heroes as morally-dubious anit-heroes -- there was even a similar protest when Wally West took over from Barry Allen as the flash. Don't think because you didn't notice any bad sentiment that there weren't others who did (remember there were not as many Internet forums then as there are now).

 

[Dark Knight]

Jack Black as a GL should NEVER happen!

 

[jaguarr]

Good Christ! Is this idea resurfacing AGAIN!? I can just hear the WB Exec's who dreamed up this sh1tty idea going "Yeah, Jack Black is really hot again! We should totally do that wacky Green Lantern movie with him. It will be like Nacho Libre in space with a magic ring! Hilarious! Green light it!"

To ANY WB scrubs, plants, suits, janitors or any other a-hole associated with that studio: You are on a roll with Batman Begins and Superman Returns. Flash and Wonder Woman are looking promising. Don't be morons and muck with what could be a great franchise in Green Lantern just for the sake of getting a laugh and making a buck. Just as Texans say "Remember the Alamo.", I would encourage everyone, fans and studio execs alike, to "Remember the CINO."

jag

 

[Kirk Langstrom (2)]

If Jack Black is going to appear in a Green Lantern movie, then it should be as G' Nort or Guy Gardener

Or Doiby Dickles, if they go the Alan Scott route...

 

[Logan Howlett]

Why couldn't they make it a movie that combines serious drama and comedy? I mean have the Green Lantern Core as a very serious organization that recruits Jack Black because of him proving his honor and valor on earth, but they don't know that he's a smart ass. So after he's recruited its kind of like how Will Smith was in Men in Black, but as he realises that the earth and those he cares for are in real danger he has to get realy serious realy quik. JB is a great actor and has proven he can pull off a serious roll. And it would be wonderfully funny to see the things he could and would do with that ring, namely giving the finger on a hand made up of green light. Personaly I'm all for it. GO JB!

 

[jaguarr]

Why couldn't they make it a movie that combines serious drama and comedy? I mean have the Green Lantern Core as a very serious organization that recruits Jack Black because of him proving his honor and valor on earth, but they don't know that he's a smart ass. So after he's recruited its kind of like how Will Smith was in Men in Black, but as he realises that the earth and those he cares for are in real danger he has to get realy serious realy quik. JB is a great actor and has proven he can pull off a serious roll. And it would be wonderfully funny to see the things he could and would do with that ring, namely giving the finger on a hand made up of green light. Personaly I'm all for it. GO JB!

Go rent "Son Of Mask" and get this idea of yours out of your system.

jag

 

[Logan Howlett]

How does the Son of The Mask have anything to do with Jack Black or that idea? I have seen that movie and it was all comedy, no drama, it was horrible! Thats not what I'm talking about, did you even read what I wrote, or did you just assume that I had a certain opinion? Check it over again.

 

[jaguarr]

How does the Son of The Mask have anything to do with Jack Black or that idea? I have seen that movie and it was all comedy, no drama, it was horrible! Thats not what I'm talking about, did you even read what I wrote, or did you just assume that I had a certain opinion? Check it over again.

I referenced "Son Of Mask" because that's exactly the type of movie you will get if they pursue this "zany comedy angle" on GL. GL could be epic and remarkable (and a true franchise for DC) if done right, but they want to throw it away on craptacular concepts with a comedy actor. It's a terrible idea, man. Seriously.

jag

 

[Logan Howlett]

When did I say "zany comedy angel"? You didn't read a single thing I put. What I said was that they should have a comedy drama combination, a dramedey. That it shoudl be balanced, that the Core shoudl be very serious with JB as a smart ass, even compared him to the way Will Smith played J in Men In Black. READ MY POST AGAIN! OR FOR THE FISRT TIME! Nothing you have said remotley acknoledges my post, its all just your bias pouring through without reason. If you are going to quote me, try actualy discussing something I said.

 

[dnno1]

I referenced "Son Of Mask" because that's exactly the type of movie you will get if they pursue this "zany comedy angle" on GL. GL could be epic and remarkable (and a true franchise for DC) if done right, but they want to throw it away on craptacular concepts with a comedy actor. It's a terrible idea, man. Seriously.

jag

I think Olcan's idea was to add comedy into the film not necessarily make it a (true) comedy. In that case "Son of Mask" would be a bad example because it is primarily a comedy that wasn't written for an adult audience. I don't even think the producers placed any consious effort into making it a good film since Jim Carrey wasn't associated with it. Some better exaples of films that had some light comedy in it (that were base on a comic book hero) are "Superman The Movie", "Batman" (1989), "Spiderman", "Fantastic Four", "MIB"... And the list goes on. For that matter why didn't you use "Ghost Busters" as an example? That film was considered the 28th best comedy in the last century. I think the real reason is because you want all "comic" book films to be dark and serious, which is sort of ironic since we used to call them the "comics" or the "funnies".

 

[Logan Howlett]

Personaly I think he should play Kyle Rayner, and they should have it were the Lantern Core is desperate to have a full core so they give him a ring after he does something that is almost heroic.