The GREEN LANTERN movie thread

[unemployedskeletor]

Okay, it still may be a few years off, but I just read a script review, and i'm jumping out of my pants.................it's a medical problem I have.

From IESB:

A few years ago, we reviewed the GL script Robert Smigel wrote with comedian Jack Black in mind -- D.C. and Warner Bros. wisely decided against going down that route, maybe we had something to do with that when we crapped all over it, read our review here.

But, there has been quite of bit of buzz lately coming from Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Michael Green's newest take on the Green Lantern and I managed to find a copy in my hands.

Let me start off with saying that within just reading the first few pages, I knew Berlanti, Guggenheim and Green had gotten the character right.

I don't want to do a traditional script review, instead I want to give IESB readers more of a sense of the story by going through some plot details and my thoughts on the screenplay. Wait a minute, that is a review. Let it begin...

It starts off with the revelation of Oa and The Central Battery with a voice over narration explaining that 1) there are extraterrestrials that protect the universe, 2) they have power rings, 3) there are thousands of Green Lanterns and 4) one of us has become one of them.

We go from one part of the universe to another and find ourselves in a familiar Solar System…our own.

Before I share some of the details let's do a quick character list of those we will see in the movie if this script gets the "green" light.

Martin Jordan
Hal Jordan/Green Lantern
Thomas Kalmuka
Carl Ferris
Carol Ferris
Kilowog
Tomar-Re
Abin Sur
Thaal Sinestro
The Guardians
Legion
Hector Hammond

A few cameos include a certain mild mannered reporter from the Daily Planet, a certain college football coach with the last name of Gardner (who we are promised in the script we will see more of in the second film) and loads of other characters sure to keep fanboys happy throughout.

Back to the script - The story follows the traditional Hal Jordan/Green Lantern story lines to a certain degree including the battle between Legion and Abin Sur, Abin Sur's crash landing on Earth, as well as the choosing of Hal Jordan over Guy Gardner and Clark Kent.

Parts are straight out of the Emerald Dawn series including Jordan's simulator being ripped out of the training center and flown to a dying Abin Sur and Hal Jordan going to Oa to help defeat Legion.

The major difference is in the Sinestro character arch. I don't want to give too much away but the writers were very careful to stay true to the character without blowing everything on the first film.

The other difference is also introducing Hector Hammond into the story line and making him the big threat to Earth or Gaia if you prefer.

From the first major beat of the story - that is sure to bring a tear - to the revelations at the end of the movie that easily set up prequels as well as sequels this script has it all. Also, unlike other recent superhero movies, this Green Lantern story has science fiction elements such as visiting other planets and major space battles.

It's a quick read and is a mere 109 pages but is action packed from the beginning to end. It has the potential to be bigger than Iron Man or maybe even The Dark Knight.

The script, if greenlit, is a sure-fire hit for fan boys, but in scale it's big, VERY big, and we are hearing rumors that it may be too big for the director currently attached, Greg Berlanti.

But who would the studio trust to take on a franchise of this size?

First, let me say that the studio execs love this GL script, they really dig it - and get it which is always important - and word is they are prepared to spend a pretty penny.

Changing gears for a sec, let's see what's currently going on with Justice League of America. Last week there were reports that the movie is finally moving forward. Guess what - that's not what we heard.

IESB found out the complete opposite from various sources at WB -- the movie will not move forward in its current incarnation and a lot has to do with the success of The Dark Knight. Warner Bros. is not willing to risk ****ing off Christopher Nolan or Christian Bale and their intent would be to move forward with a third Batman film instead of introducing another Batman in a JLA film.

Officially WB is stating that Justice League of America is on hold due to the potential SAG strike. We have been advised from various sources that the truth is that George Miller has been pulled off the project. We have contacted all parties involved including Kennedy/Miller and other producers but they have declined to comment at this time.

So does that mean that Miller is out of a job? Nope, we have been told that some execs over at Warner Bros. would like Miller to take over The Green Lantern project. Any truth to the rumor? Only time will tell but one thing is certain in my purest fan boy opinion - this script totally kicks butt!

Stay tuned later this week for IESB's Green Lantern Story Details Part 2!

[Moominsthenmotu]

I've always thought this should have the tone 'The Rocketeer' movie had - if you look at the Hal Jordan 'origins' comic you have his simulator drawn to Abin Sur' s ship, it's kind of rustic and wacky, with the pulpy feel of 'The Rocketeer'.
One question - would you want the pink-bald-guy Abin Sur of the original comics or a more alien-style Abin?

[unemployedskeletor]

Alien(current) look.

My dream cast

Hal:Nathan Fillion or Jon Hamm
Carol:Kate Beckinsale
Sinestroavid Thewlis or David Tennant
Hal's dad(flashback):Bruce Campbell
Hal's mom(fb):Toni Collette
Abin Sur:Ron Perlman
Jack Jordan:Christopher Eccleston
Kilowog:Brendan Gleeson
Ganthet:Peter Dinklidge

[Impulse]

To be honest with you, Id Rather see Tennant as Barry Allen

Anyways if I had to pick someone for Guy Id pick Jason Statham, elsewise I couldnt really pick a Hal or anyone else.

[bskcase]

I always thought a Green Lantern movie would come out first after Superman and Batman. In my head, the story needs to be more sci-fi and show the entire Green Lantern corps.

I never thought the movie as epic, but I does have to be CGI heavy. I just don't think they can avoid that.

[Optimus Prime]

Ron Perlman as Abin Sur? What?? He'd be better suited as Kilowog

And I can see David Borneanz playing a live action Hal Jordan along with his voice acting from 'New Frontier' as Jordan.

Hugo Weaving as Hector Hammond

Daniel Day-Lewis or Jason Isaacs as Sinestro

[Lion-O]

David Boreanez (spelling?) as live action Hal works. I nominate Nathan Fillion for Hal Jordan as well, but I suppose if they want a "name" actor, I could settle for Brendan Fraser as Hal Jordan.

Some people say Jim Caviezel for Hal Jordan, which I personally don't get, seeing as how he has more of a Superman (a role he very much wanted)/Batman/Dr. Strange look to him. At this point, playing the evil Sinestro might be better for Caviezel's career (what little career that he has), get people to see him in a different light after the Jesus movie.

I even heard a rumor that Harvey Dent himself, Aaron Eckhart, was interested in Green Lantern, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's totally false (Eckhart would make a pretty good Hal though, judging by his performance in "Thank You For Smoking").

[Impulse]

yeah after watching New Frontier for the the first time I agree with David Borneanz for Hal

[Jack T. Chance]

BUMP!

Don't know how I missed this thread before, but I'm here now, and that's the important part!

First off, I found a really cool article that I want to share with my fellow GL fans...

5 Badass Reasons Why Fans Will Love the Green Lantern Movie!

Secondly, I wanted to share some news from my little corner of the world: Thanks to an online friend that has better connections than I do (and who shall remain nameless, so don't ask) I now have, in my hands, the first draft of the movie's script! The same one that IESB was talking about in the article quoted back in the first post of this thread! And it really IS as good as IESB said it is! This is THE movie Green Lantern fans have been waiting on, for oh so many years! This will be THE superhero movie to see in 2010, mark my words!

And to get it out of the way NOW, no, I will NOT share my source for the script, so don't bother asking! Even though it's only the first draft, and changes will undoubtedly be made, I don't want my friend getting in trouble because Warner Brothers figured out where it came from, so DO NOT ASK. You'll be wasting your time and mine!

[trapjaw1]

I'm glad they are going the Hal route and not the revisionist Kyle Rayner storyline thats been floating around for years ( and referenced in the Superman animated series).
A small cameo by Guy is a great move, wetting a fanboys whistle for a possible sequel. This way the first film can get the story out to people not familiar with GL and then bring in the most interesting member (Guy) in a later movie to keep it fresh.
Yay WB! First you retooled Batman and saved the franchise from its painful Schumacher death, now you're making a GL movie true to the comics. You're finally thinking of the fans first.

[Lion-O]

I'm just glad that it appears WB is making an effort to get some non-Superman/Batman characters up on the big screen. I like Supes & Bats well enough, but they've been hogging the spotlight for far too long. It's time someone else in the DCU canon got a turn.

[Jack T. Chance]

My friends, we now have a release date, courtesy of SuperHeroHype.Com (and possibly other sources)...

Green Lantern will light up cinema screens on December 17th, 2010!

As a result, I now have a new avatar and signature.

[bskcase]

My friends, we now have a release date, courtesy of SuperHeroHype.Com (and possibly other sources)...

Green Lantern will light up cinema screens on December 17th, 2010!

As a result, I now have a new avatar and signature.

I don't know if a relase date would be that accurate. These types of films take a long time to make and if they are going to do it, they got to start real soon. Filming the thing is the easy part, its the special effects that are going to take a while. And that movie is going to have to be Special effects heavy.

I so badly want to see more DC universe movies. I hope GL gets going along with The Flash, Wonder Woman, and a better Superman franchise. Batman is good, but I doubt we'll have Christian Bale for a 4th or 5th.

[Optimus Prime]

I don't know what the problem is with 'Superman Returns' They don't need to reboot it, it would fit in fine with the new Batman films, and honestly, the only real problem with the new movie, yes, they were trying to reintroduce him back into the cinema after 20 years, but the main problem is bringing Luthor back as the main villian, again! That's what brought down the film. If they want to make another Superman film, Routh can stay, but they need to bring a new actually interesting villian into the mix.

As for Green Lantern and the Corps, if you haven't seen it already, they were featured in a recent episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode, 'The Eyes of Despero.' I can honestly say these episodes have been pretty good. So if WB can stay true to the Green Lantern roots, I'll be waiting in line for a decent movie.

[gbagok]

I think the trouble with Superman Returns is it saddles him with a kid he never had before--and it's with Lois so it'll be hard to feature her and pretend the kid doesn't exist anymore. It also didn't position Lex Luthor as the great villain he could be. He's neither the powerful CEO he is on Smallville, nor the brilliant Batman-level intellect that he was in JLU. Otherwise, I didn't think it was a bad movie, just lacking in super action that we know they can do now. But the latest seems to be that the next Superman will indeed be a sequel to SR called SUPERMAN UNLEASHED.

Personally I wish that James Marsden's character in SR had been Hal Jordan. He looks like I think Hal should look, he was a pilot, and he was made pretty heroic for just a human, and those fools who make X-Men killed him so he belongs to DC/WB now anyway. Marsden is still my first choice.

I think Hugo Weaving is better for Sinestro. Dinklage as Ganthet would be terrific, although I'd be fine with actors shrunk down for the Guardians too. And whoever does the music, I hope they build on the GL theme from the DCAU. I loved it when they introduced it in the S:TAS episode "In Brightest Day."

[Firefly]

The new Captain Kirk may be playing Hal Jordan.

From Dark Horizons.com:

Online film geek news sites have been firing back and forth today over one particular rumor that several hours on is still not confirmed either way.

It all kicked off with IESB reporting that the new James T. Kirk himself, actor Chris Pine, has been sent an offer to star in the titular role of Hal Jordan in the upcoming big screen adaptation of "The Green Lantern."

Pine's publicist Melissa Kates is on vacation and thus was not available for comment, but the site cites a "very reliable source inside WB" with the news.

Soon after Latino Review says their sources have confirmed that the 'official offer' is out to Pine. Then Collider says their sources have denied any such report.

What is confirmed is that producers arrived in Australia this week to scout locations ahead of the film's production which kicks off this September in Sydney.

In the new Green Lantern film, Hal Jordan is a pilot who finds a powerful ring and its lantern-like battery when a spaceship crashes on Earth.

Jordan is selected to succeed the craft's dying occupant as the next Green Lantern, a galactic guardian who is a member of an interstellar corps.

"Casino Royale" director Martin Campbell is set to helm the project based on a screenplay by Greg Berlanti. A December 2010 release is scheduled.

[gbagok]

Well at least it's not Sam Worthington. I'd kinda like to see these guys prove themselves before they get multiple high profile genre roles like this.

[Optimus Prime]

Chris Pine?? Primus forbid. I'm tired of all these 'new thing' actors getting roles that should be going to seasoned actors, not babyfaces. Bad enough most of the actors for the new ST film don't even look like their namesakes, except perhaps the new Uhura.

[mattnotis]

As much as I like Chris Pine, I'd MUCH rather see him as Captain America than GL.

[Firefly]

hollywoodreporter.com:

Warner Bros. is about to decide who will wear the super-powered ring in "Green Lantern," the studio's latest DC Comics tentpole movie.

Along with director Martin Campbell and producers Donald De Line and Greg Berlanti, Warners has spent the past five months searching for the actor to play Hal Jordan, the hot-shot Air Force pilot who is chosen by a dying alien to be his successor in an intergalactic police force known as the Green Lanterns.

This week, the race narrowed to Bradley Cooper, Ryan Reynolds and Justin Timberlake. The clock is ticking on the decision as the holding deal the studio had on the actors expired Monday, meaning the three are now free to accept other offers.

The studio ordered up two rounds of screen tests with Cooper, Reynolds and Timberlake. Other actors in the early mix included Michael Fassbender, Henry Cavill and Jared Leto.

Apparently, De Line, Campbell and the studio each had a different favorite among the three finalists, making it difficult to come to a consensus.

Another issue impacting the casting process is the rising budget. "Lantern" is a full-blown space epic that is expected to cost between $150 million and $200 million, if not more. Warners would like to have the production costs at a reasonable level before proceeding.

The studio has scheduled the movie for a December 2010 opening.

Cooper, repped by CAA and Thruline, is feeling a lot of love from Warners as he stars in the studio's surprise comedy hit, "The Hangover," which has grossed $210 million domestically.

UTA-repped Reynolds recently starred in a comic book movie, Fox's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," where he played "the merc with a mouth" Deadpool. The character is now being developed for a spinoff to which Reynolds is attached. The actor is also in theaters with Disney's romantic comedy "The Proposal."

Timberlake, repped by CAA and Rick Yorn, has been steadily building an acting resume, appearing in such dramas as "Alpha Dog" and "Black Snake Moan" while also showcasing his comedy chops with appearances on "Saturday Night Live."

Timberlake?

[the_ultimate_evil]

reynolds is signed on for deadpool, and if a dc film comes his way it should be flash.

[gbagok]

I'm sorry that Jared Leto and Henry Cavill were passed over for Reynolds, Cooper, and Timberlake as I thought they had a little more to prove. I mean Reynolds has already been in two comic book hero movies, has long been tapped for the Flash (where the heck is that movie anyway?), and together with Hugh Dancy has taken over the rom com chick flick genre. Timberlake isn't exactly hungry for a hit. Cooper is already the current rising star/flavor of the month, plus if Nathan Fillion and David Boreanaz are "too old," then I don't get how Cooper is still in the running (maybe not having a TV show commitment is the real reason).

I'm also surprised Reynolds has been brought up and not Chris Evans. If they want to go with proven super hero actors, he's got the charisma but probably cannot demand as high a salary.

[TheShadow]

As long as it isn't Justin Timberlake, I could watch a movie with the other choices. Timberlake is OK with safe comedy sketches, he does fine on SNL from his MMC training. But, acting wise, no thanks. I saw him in some cheese tv movie and in Alpha Dog. I was not impressed.

If Reynolds couldn't do Flash, I think Mark-Paul Gosselaar would fit that role quite nicely.

[Firefly]

Variety.com:

Ryan Reynolds has landed the coveted role of “Green Lantern,” getting the starring role in Warner Bros.' live-action film based on the DC Comics hero.

Martin Campbell will direct. The studio is still working on the picture’s budget, but production is expected to begin in January.

The news caps off a memorable summer for Reynolds, who played Deadpool in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” a performance that prompted Fox to begin development on a spinoff film. Reynolds followed that by starring opposite Sandra Bullock in the romantic comedy “The Proposal,” which crossed the $100 million mark this week.

Warners and Campbell chose Reynolds, who vied for the superhero role along with “The Hangover” star Bradley Cooper and Jared Leto. The momentum built for Reynolds in the last week, as he was the only actor whose option was extended.

Greg Berlanti wrote the script with Marc Guggenheim and Michael Green. Donald DeLine will produce with Berlanti. Reynolds’ reps at UTA are working out his deal.

The actor will next star in “Buried,” a dark indie drama that will begin filming shortly in Barcelona with Spanish director Rodrigo Cortes. Reynolds will play a civilian contractor who is kidnapped in Iraq and awakes in a coffin, struggling against time to coordinate a rescue even though he doesn’t know where he’s buried in the desert.

I wonder what this means for Deadpool?

[Skullface]

Variety.com:

I wonder what this means for Deadpool?

It means that both movies are going to suck. (And that's being polite)

How does this guy land these primo superhero roles? I could deposit something into a toilet with more talent than this guy.....