With all the buzz around Green Lantern lately (breifly overshadowed by the fall of the Spider) the question is how this film will fit in with other massively successful comic book adaptations.

Being DC Comics only other film on the market right now there is a lot of assumption that this will have to line up with the Batman films.

Collider quotes Campbell spelling it out:

“It will be much more in the tone of Iron Man. It’s got to be. Certainly not Batman Begins, which is a pretty dark movie. No, he’s the Hal Jordan character who’s the sort of shoot from the hip, irresponsible kind of cocky test pilot if you will. In fact, the character seems to be the least likely to be chosen as Green Lantern. Well, of course that’s the fun of it. So no, it’ll be much more like Iron Man. So it’ll have one foot in reality if you see what I mean.”

I like that the tone will be more light like in Iron Man, but I am hoping that they tone down the Reynolds snark. (save that for Deadpool)

Clearly with WB reluctantly moving its DC properties in line with what Marvel does (releasing separate character films building up to an ensemble film) they will want to keep Lantern in the same world as Batman. Realistic and modern with a “if there was a such thing as superheroes” angle. Keep the world around him real instead of every 3rd house on the block having radioactive spiders and arc reactors for high school science projects.

I am very much looking forward to seeing the Emerald Knight take on the big screen, and things are shaping up nicely.

Now if we could just see his outfit?

While I was originally behind the rumour that Hugo Weaving might play Sinestro in the Green Lantern movie, it seems that the top guy on WB’s wishlist might be Jackie Earle Haley.

Fused Film says:

Now HitFix is reporting that Haley is the front-runner to play one of the main Green Lantern series characters Sinestro.

“And I’m hearing that based on the relationship they have with him from Watchmen and A Nightmare On Elm Street, Jackie Earle Haley is the only choice for Sinestro by the studio.”

The site also went on to say that Sinestro might not have a huge part in this film, but will set up future sequels where he will surely have a bigger role.

I think that Haley would be great in the role, and the more I hear that being tossed around the less I am able to see other people in the role.

I also like that they are setting up Sinestro as a Lantern and have no intentions of making him the primary badguy. Perhaps he can have a bit of a run in with the new Lantern establishing that he doesn’t like Hal, but make it a glorified cameo so when they inevitably make a sequel, we can have a full on Green vs Yellow battle when Sinestro is banished and returns with a Yellow Lantern ring.

With Green Lantern steaming straight ahead, they still hadn’t picked who would play Hal’s girlfriend Carol Ferris.

I am sure they knew, they just were not talking. Now it looks like Blake Lively will be snogging with Ryan Reynolds in the film.

/Film shares

Current info says that the shortlist for Green Lantern’s primary female character Carol Ferris — an aerospace company exec and the woman who hires test pilot Hal Jordan, who becomes Green Lantern — included Keri Russell, Jennifer Garner and Blake Lively. The gig has gone to Lively, and she’ll prep to shoot the film in March in Louisiana.

Blake Lively sure is a pretty girl, so we wont have any problem thinking that he would fall head over heels for her. And even on Gossip Girl where this 22 year old actress is trying to pass off as 18 she still looks far more mature for her age (might have something to do with the fake breasts you don’t often see on girls so young - that are not adult media stars) so I am no longer worried about her age.

Yeah there will be a gap since Reynolds won’t be passing as 25. But she’s serious eyecandy so the fanboys will love her. As long as she has dark hair.

For me its not THAT big of a deal. But I suspect she will be a brunette for this film. The fanboys will go absolutely crazy if she is not. Yeah she makes a pretty tasty blonde, and I am sure she will look classy as hell in an Ally McBeal pantsuit even with dark hair.

I will wait to see her “in action” before I pass judgement, but in the previous post about the Green Lantern’s girlfriend shortlist I would have picked anyone BUT Lively.

If they decide to spinoff with the Star Sapphire persona Ferris eventually adopts (a super powered opposition to GL) I wouldnt mind seeing lively in spandex.

Just sayin.

There are so many puns to play with a film called Green Lantern with the popular vernacular of a film getting a Green Light.

But it seems that although Green Lantern was a foregone conclusion, the film itself got its official permission to start from the studio just yesterday!

The Film Stage

Thanks to a blog post by Karen Goulekas, the visual effect supervisor of the upcoming film Green Lantern starring Ryan Reynolds and directed by Martin Campbell, it is now official that the film was gotten a greenlight from Warner Brothers. Goulekas was quoted on her blog as saying in regards to the official go ahead:

And not a second too soon – only 10 weeks out from shooting!

I was totally surprised to hear this news. Everything that has been going on with Reynolds was so “in stone” that I had no idea that they hadn’t officially been given the goahead on this film.

I wonder just how much money is wasted in Hollywood on films that move forward, make commitments etc - and don’t get a green light?

News on the Green Lantern front has been a little quiet with all the Holiday buzz, but word comes from a fairly reliable source that there are five different actresses all lined up to take on the role of Hal Jordan’s girlfriend Carol Ferris.

Cinemablend shares:

El Mayimbe at Latino Review posted a list of five women who are in the running to play Hal Jordan’s girlfriend in the upcoming Green Lantern movie… and it’s pretty much the list you would come up with when listing all eligible 30-something actresses who come for relatively cheap.

The source seems solid, but lets review (and gawk at pictures of their hawtness)

#1 - Eva Green Eva has a haunting beauty, and even despite those almost droopy eyes, I can’t stop looking at her. Yes, she’s distracting like any superhero’s girlfriend should be - but is she a fit? This sexpot just oozes presence on screen.

#2 - Keri Russell Keri has that very “girl next door” look down. Genuinely appealing, sweet and innocent with a tiny bit of a rough edge that says “I might be cute, but don’t break my heart” The very thing you might want from a sweet and approachable girlfriend figure for a superhero. Something to ground him to reality. A “real” girl to remind him of a real world.

#3 - Diane Kruger From the follicking briany adventurer, to Helen of Troy, she has had her share of roles that don’t allow you to put her in a box and categorize her. She could play just about any archetype from vixen arm candy to shy sweetheart.

#4 - Blake Lively This strikes me as far too young. Another unique beauty, this Gossip Girl might be trying to break out of the small screen (her previous attempts have been more or less unnoticed) but despite her “too mature for an 18 year old” personality on Gossip Girl, I still think Blake Lively is far too young to pair off with Reynolds. I just don’t see it.

#5 - Jennifer Garner Garner is a hottie for sure, the right age to match up with Reynolds, and she has enough sass to keep up with Hal Jordan’s thrilling career choice. A strong bold girlfriend to continually challenge and support Hal might be just what the daredevil needs… (see what I did there?)

So all in all, I could be happy with 4 out of the 5 above. I just don’t see Lively keeping up with the pack here. But it all depends on just what kind of portrayal of Carol Ferris they go with.

I just hope they dont have her taking on the Star Sapphire persona as a potential villain for GL.

Now this could all just be wild speculation. But if this was the short list, how would you like to see it go down?

It’s always interesting to hear who they had planned to play certain roles we associate with certain actors, and ponder on what a movie would be like if they got a different director. Usually we don’t ponder until after the movie is made and the image has been established in pop culture.

Well what if Quentin Tarantino was directing Green Lantern? It almost happened.

MTV Splash shares:

During our interview, the filmmaker also divulged that he was once offered the chance to direct a big screen adaptation of an iconic DC Comics superhero.

“I was offered the ‘Green Lantern,’ ” Tarantino told MTV News. “Not since it’s been a script, but just like, ‘Hey we own the ‘Green Lantern.’ Would you like it?’”

Tarantino declined the opportunity and “Lantern” joined the list of other franchises, like “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” that he was offered but never ended up taking on. “Green Lantern,” of course, is now being helmed by Martin Campbell (”Casino Royale”) and will star Ryan Reynolds.

I find it interesting that Tarantino was considered for Lantern, but I don’t know that I would be happy if that actually happened.

I don’t hate Tarantino, but I find him very hit or miss. He is an acquired taste and very much “not for everyone” kind of film maker. But a fit for Green Lantern? I just don’t see it.

He does mention that he is a Comic Book nerd and drew inspiration for Inglorious Basterds from Sgt Fury and Howling Commandos. And he is interested in doing a superhero film, but not an existing property. Tarantino himself says:

“It wouldn’t be an existing comic book character,” he said. “I’m a writer. I’d want to use my imagination and not have to fight with geeks’ memories of how this character should be and, ‘Oh, I cast an actor as opposed to a bodybuilder’ or it’s not as good as the way [DC Comics artist] Neal Adams drew him.’ If I were to do something like that, I would want the fun of coming up with the superhero myself.”

Now THAT I would be curious to see from Tarantino.

Jackie Earle Haley is rumoured to be on top of the studio’s wish list to play Sinestro in the Green Lantern movie. But as with many of these rumours, they get squashed fast when someone finally gets a mic in front of the source.

Worst Previews says:

Collider caught up with Haley on the red carpet of Spike TV’s 2009 Scream Awards and asked if there is any truth to the rumor. “I was very shocked to hear that. I heard about it the same way you did,” said Haley, adding that nobody has called him to come in for an audition.

While I am not against the idea of Haley as Sinestro, I just don’t see it. Just something isn’t a match. Maybe I would have to see him in the red makeup first.

But unless this rumour turns into negotiation talks with Haley and the studio, this pretty much ends here.

Who is your pick for Sinestro?

Green Lantern is gearing up to go full steam ahead. But they are not releasing official news so the intarwebs are digging up news through casting calls.

Dr. Hector Hammond and Sinestro!

JoBlo says:

Ryan Reynolds will be facing two villains, confirming that nothing was learned from the SPIDER-MAN 3 debacle. First is Dr. Hector Hammond, who if memory serves is a scientist who gains wealth and power by exploiting the effects of a strange meteor, and then of course Sinestro, a Green Lantern that looks like John Waters who turns evil and becomes a Yellow Lantern.

I figured Sinestro was a no brainer for a Lantern film.

I am surprised that they are opting for two villians and I have to hope against hope that they learned from the multiple villians thing and downplay one significantly just to serve some plot device.

With Green Lantern getting the biggest push of progress, we start to wonder just how will this Green Lantern movie fit in with other superhero franchises of late.

Well thankfully the magically delicious Casey McKinnon managed to kidnap Marc Guggenheim and got him talking about his projects (which include writing the Green Lantern movie adaptation) on this week’s A ComicBook Orange Guggenheim’s part starts up around 1:30

I like Guggenheim’s approach comparing his goals for the films to Superman and Batman Begins, as both of those films spend a fair amount of time focusing on the origin story. For Batman and Superman, they can gloss over some of the finer details because their stories are well known even if you don’t read comics, but Green Lantern is not as iconic outside the pages of his book. I am very encouraged to hear his focus be in line with a fleshed out origin story and that it will live up to the current “quality” trend.

This is starting to feel like the buildup of the first Iron Man as every news story breaking about it is nothing but good news. I hope it continues this trend.

You can follow Casey’s exploits at A ComicBook Orange

Let me first say that this is a FAN MADE trailer that has been making the rounds today.

They have yet to cast Green Lantern, and one of my personal top favs for the job would be Nathan Fillion (or David Boreanaz) so to see a mashup of other film clips edited to be Green Lantern is pretty awesome.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this! So well put together, and even shows some of the hokey Corp members. I hope that in the feature film we do get to see the other GL Corp characters if only for a cameo, but done up less cartoony. A realistic verson of these characters would be easier to swallow.

If the feature film gets me HALF as excited as this fan trailer did, I will be duely impressed.

Via

Brian Austin Green is gunning for the role of Green Lantern, and despite nothing yet in the works, he is throwing his name out to the people that are more likely to get him the gig than his agent. The internet.

He wants people to know that he wants the job, but more importantly he wants to know if the fans would want him in it.

ScreenRant says:

Green is most famous for his role on Beverly Hills 90210 but more recently made a splash with his kick-ass role in the Terminator television series. With the second season of the show finishing up this week and no third season announced, the actor is trying to push his way into the movie business with a major role in the next potential DC franchise, The Green Lantern.

I really have to say Green surprised me in Terminator:SCC. Obviously there have been many an unkind year after 90210 where he just couldn’t be taken seriously, but he is bad ass in Terminator and really has an intimidating presence. He might be more known for his role on 90210, but he has outgrown that.

But I just couldn’t see him as Green Lantern. But I have to hand it to him when he says this:

I’ve heard somewhere in like the mid-twenties, which, being a Green Lantern fan, I don’t necessarily agree with. I’ve always kind of felt that Hal Jordan needs to be a man. He needs to be somebody who lives a little and experienced a lot. So right now I’m just sort of trying to throw my name in and make it something that they might consider. That’s about what I got.”

I wouldn’t be opposed to a more mature Hal Jordan, and I am glad they are aiming late twenties/early thirties for this role, but I am intrigued by how hearing him say that makes me suddenly re-think seeing him in the role. That’s inspiring.

Besides imagine the marketing angles they could run with considering his last name.

Right on the heels of mentioning the release date of Green Lantern, and commenting that there hasn’t been a casting rumour yet for Hal Jordan, we get news that the shortlist is being lead by Chris Pine.

IESB.net says:

IESB has gotten word out of the Warner Brother’s halls that there is a short list of possibles for the casting of the green superhero Hal Jordan. Top of the list is Chris Pine who is currently set to star as Captain Kirk this summer in J.J. Abrams’ new Star Trek film.

This would be a great move for Pine’s career after getting the job in the iconic role of James T Kirk.

Pine fits the bill for what the WB was looking for. They wanted a late 20s early 30s and Pine does have that fearless maverick presenece.

I could see this. I would still prefer they shot for mid 30s, but I could live with the late 20s. As long as they don’t make a teen thing.

So far so good.

Seems the up in the air Green Lantern film is coming in for a landing as WB announces they intend to film it starting this fall.

ComingSoon says:

Warner Bros. Pictures is scheduled to begin filming The Green Lantern in mid-September in Australia, reports Production Weekly.

To be directed by Martin Campbell, the comic book adaptation is targeted for a December 17, 2010 release.

Does it seem strange to anyone else that they are lining up all the dominoes ready to kick them off with a snug 14 month production schedule without a cast?

I still vote David Boreanaz for Hal Jordan, and despite being a Fillion fan, I just don’t see Nathan in the green pajamas.

Oh I hope they get this right!!

Rumor was flying around in brightest day, in blackest night that the talented Anton Yelchin would be Green Lantern. No evil rumour shall escape my sight. And while I Let those who worship evil’s might spread this around, I had to hope it was just talk. Well Beware my power… Green Lantern’s light! Anton Yelchin himself denies he was even approached!

ScreenRant quotes Yelchin:

“I had no idea about that…I have no clue.” He continued, “I have no idea. I think I’m probably too young. I mean, no one has approached me. No one has said anything to me. I imagine I’m just too young. I mean, it’s a great character but i don’t know anything about it…I haven’t heard anything about it.”

I had nothing against the actor, and I am sure he would do fine in any role suitable for him, but I just didn’t see Green Lantern being that character.

And just like Yelchin offers, he is just too young for the iconic Air Force Test Pilot.

Just as we get the 2 year tentpole lineup from the Brothers Warner, the obvious oversight was a Green Lantern movie. Well word has it that they are still working on making that happen, but its just not yet. Now wild speculation and rumour hit the net with a large dose of doubt on it. Apparently Anton Yelchin is being rumoured as the Green Lantern.

ScreenRant offers:

Just when the Green Lantern movie was starting to sound cool - epic script and Martin Campbell as director, comes a rumor that is NOT good news. It seems that for some bizarre reason, Warner Bros. wants to go “young” on the Green Lantern movie. The word from Latino Review is that one actor being considered to wear the emerald and black tights is:

Anton Yelchin.

Among the reasons I think this guy would be completely wrong for the role are pretty much the same reasons that had that Teen Titans of a Justice League movie shoved back in the can, never to be opened again.

They already struggled with the idea of a cast of 20 somethings as the Justice League, and in due time (and violent slaps to the mellon) WB pulled the plug on the idea. So why would they revisit this angle with Green Lantern? Why not just piss in their own cornflakes and let Jack Black back as Hal Jordan and make the thing a goofball underdog comedy?

Now I have nothing against the actor. I actually enjoyed Charlie Bartlett, and he is no stranger to iconic roles playing the young Chekov in the upcoming Star Trek as well as Kyle Reese, the man who would sire John Connor in Terminator Salvation. My issue here is this guy who turns 20 next week playing a seasoned Air Force Test Pilot?

My only reaction is that if they are going with this guy (or someone similarly aged) are they altering the Hal Jordan resume? Will they be changing something about the character’s past that will allow for a younger actor to play Hal? Maybe he will play a younger Hal in flashbacks - oh please let that be it!

Hal Jordan’s occupation as a Test Pilot was largely that he was fearless. Abin Sur (the previous Lantern) crashes on Earth and predicting his demise tells the ring to find someone who is pure of heart and born without fear. Thus the ring CHOSE the noble honest and fearless test pilot as his new master. Removing the idea that the ring chooses its wearer alters a core element of the character and much of the moral conflicts he will face.

I do hope this rumour turns out wrong, or at very least somewhat inaccurate. I really look forward to a Green Lantern film but I want a believable guy to be the Guardian of sector 2814.

The Green Lantern movie has managed to pull itself out of mockery and obscurity of having Jack Black take on the power ring turning GL into a laughable zany comedy, to lining up with the rest of the DC properties in hopes of giving us a major blockbuster worthy of the iconic character.

Now it looks like Martin Campbell in talks to direct!

/Film says:

Campbell is probably best known as the director of James Bond films Casino Royale and GoldenEye, but his filmography also includes The Mask of Zorro/Legend of Zorro, Vertical Limit, and the upcoming Mel Gibson film Edge of Darkness. The screenplay was penned by Greg Berlanti (Everwood, Eli Stone), Marc Guggenheim (Law & Order, Eli Stone) and Michael Green (Smallville, Heroes).

Like breeding out genetic imperfections, taking a writing team that is two parts drama, and one part superhero sounds like a good mix to me.

And to get a director familiar with action that is over the top, but still grounded in reality just puts icing on the cake. All we need now are some solid casting rumours (I still quietly hope for David Boreanaz for hal and James Marsters as Sinestro!)

If this comes together I will be excited as hell to see it come about.