Casting The Justice League Movie - Green Lantern

So with the news that the Justice League movie will be shot back to back with Man of Steel 2, which starts shooting in May, and the recent casting announcement of Jesse Eisenberg playing Lex Luthor, I thought it would be fun to look at which actors would be the best fit for men in tights fighting crime. Though the core heroes of the story are not known, we do know that Henry Cavill, who has the best jawline is recent cinema history, will be back as Superman. Ben Affleck will join him as Batman. "I'M THE DAHK KNIGHT! WE NEED TAH STAWP THE RIDDLAH, HE'S WICKED SMAHT!" And finally, Gal Gadot will bring her fine self to the role of Wonder Woman. Incidentally, I have a boner now. Anyways, I'm going to try to cast The Flash, Aquaman, Green Lantern, Green Arrow and Martian Manhunter. Since I've already done The Flash (click here), next up we have the Green Lantern. Since there are different beloved iterations, I thought I'd do three candidates for Hal Jordan and three candidates for John Stewart.

Green Lantern

Yes, I know that Ryan Reynolds was the Green Lantern only a couple of years ago, but that movie was so bad that it set comic book movies back to the era of the George Clooney nipple suit. So now more than ever, it's important to make sure that casting this role, whether it's Hal or John, it's very important. All that being said, Reynolds was not actually a bad Hal Jordan, the movie overall was a giant clusterfuck and the blame all went to the handsomest person in the cast. And yes, I know everyone wants Nathan Fillion to play Hal, or Idris Elba to play John Stewart, but it ain't gonna fucking happen okay? Nathan, as much as it truly pains me to say, isn't quite bankable enough, and Idris is in a contract with Marvel, so good luck getting out of that. Here's a quick bio on the Green Lantern, taken right from Wikipedia:

"Green Lantern is the name of several superheroes from the fictional DC Universe, all of whom are characterized by a power ring and the ability to create solid constructs with the ring. Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring and green lantern that gives the user great control over the physical world as long as the wielder has sufficient willpower and strength to wield it. The ring is one of the most powerful weapons in the universe and can be very dangerous. While the ring of the Golden Age Green Lantern (Alan Scott) is magically powered, the rings worn by all subsequent Lanterns are technological creations of the Guardians of the Universe, who granted such rings to worthy candidates. These individuals made up the intergalactic police force known as the Green Lantern Corps. Most prominent of these are Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner." 

Hal Jordan

Oscar Isaac

 

If they decide to go with Hal Jordan, then Oscar Isaac is my pick for the role. He's an absolutely fantastic actor (he was completely snubbed for an Oscar nomination for Inside Llewyn Davis), who is slowly coming up on the public radar. He has the look, can pretty easily obtain the physique and is need of a major role to add to his rising stock. Also, did I mention how fucking good he was in Inside Llewyn Davis? Like, he was absolutely fantastic, and has an air about him that makes him instantly believable in whatever role he takes on. For anyone who still doesn't know who he is, he played Standard in Drive. He's one blockbuster away from being a megastar, so DC would be wise to grab him.

James Marsden

Of my choices for Hal, Marsden is probably the weakest actor. That's not to discount the fact that he's still a pretty solid one, and the only one of the choices who has comic book movie experience. Yes, he played Scott Summers like a great big pussy, and totally let Wolverine fuck his girl, but James Marsden is still a strong choice for Hal. He's got the build and the look to be a convincing Hal. The main problem is he might just be too old for the role. At 38, he's already ventured into comic book territory and is probably looking to not be typecast. A role like Hal Jordan could help to bolster his name and give him a career boost that X-Men didn't give him.

Jake Gyllenhaal

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Jake Gyllenhaal. He's a supremely talented actor who is incredibly likable and has charisma constantly at the ready. He's the most well known actor on this list, because he's earned it. He has a habit of taking serious, weighty, emotionally taxing roles, but being cast as Hal could help him to showcase some more of that quick wit and humour he possesses. Personally, I think he's itching to get into a big mainstream movie and prove himself as a box-office draw, especially after Prince of Persia didn't do as well as they all hoped. The man has range that would make most actors jealous, and he's still young enough to be involved in these films for a while.

John Stewart

Chiwetel Ejiofor

It's about damn time that Chiwetel Ejiofor is getting some attention for his incredible talent. His performance in 12 Years A Slave is one of the best I've ever seen, and it's no surprise when you look at his body of work. He's been in American Gangster, Serenity, and Children of Men, giving strong performances every time around. Everyone wants Idris Elba for John Stewart, but he's stuck making Thor movies for the foreseeable future, so this is my replacement for him. He commands the screen, and has a power in the way he speaks that seldom actors have. He's got a good report with Joss Whedon, so DC would be wise to be quick in signing him, as I've heard Marvel is looking to cast Black Panther. Also, I have to say it again, he's a really fucking good actor. Like, I cried for a lot of 12 Years A Slave, and he was a lot of the cause. Michael Fassbender was too, but he was a total dick the whole way through. Like a massive dong. Substantial. What I'm saying is Fassbender shows his dong in the movie Shame, and Chiwetel is still a great actor despite it.

Michael B. Jordan

If you know me, you know it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Jordan. He's constantly impressed me, and given me reason to watch his acting. In 2013, he was truly heartbreaking in Fruitvale Station, prompting me to give his IMDb page a further look. Then I realized he was choking me up long before last year. He was fantastic as a child actor on The Wire, playing Wallace, and once again phenomenal playing Vince Howard on Friday Night Lights. He's voiced often that he's a massive comic book fan, and Josh Trank, director of Chronicle (which Jordan was also in) is working hard to cast him as Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four reboot. Personally, I'd rather see him playing Cyborg if they went that route, as I think he would bring a believability to the character that is much needed. The fact that he voiced Cyborg in The Flashpoint Paradox certainly doesn't hurt either.

 Chadwick Boseman

For those people who don't know who Boseman is, do not fret, for I barely know who he is. But damn, does he look like John Stewart or what? He actually played Jackie Robinson in 42, and is making noise around Hollywood, getting attached to numerous projects. While he was alright as Robinson, word is that he's a strong actor that's poised to break out and John Stewart could be a good springboard into stardom. Of all the actors mentioned, he's clearly the most unproven, but what does that matter? Barely anyone knew who Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth were before Thor, now look at them. They are attractive men who wear capes and talk in riddles. At least they do in my dreams.

Whoop, there it is. I actually think that's a pretty solid list. Next up, look for thoughts on the casting of Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor. Yes, I know people wanted Bryan Cranston, but he's Commissioner Gordon, so shut it nerds. And if I hear one more "Come on DC, we wanted Heisenberg, not Eisenberg", my level of snark and condescension will reach an all-time high. Also, the next character I'll be taking a casting look at is Aquaman, so stay tuned.