Green Lanternhas got to go down as one of the most disappointing superhero films of all time.From the stunted dialogue to the disappointing CGI costumes,Green Lanternhas left a deep scar on cinema culture that is remembered to this day; with even the directorMartin Campbell admittingthe flick was “not up to par” with the nature of a “big studio movie.“However, one of the bright spots inGreen Lanternhas got to beRyan Reynolds, but this was almost a very different outcome.Actors who have gone on to play major roles in theMarvelandD.C. cinematic universesscreen-tested for the lead,which would have definitely brought a different vibe to the performance that Reynolds delivered. However, we should be glad we got Reynolds, ashis comedic delivery and charismaare exactly the kind of qualities that allowed him toembrace the critical andbox office failure ofGreen Lanternwhen almost no one else could.
Sebastian Stantold theHappy Sad Podcast, viaVariety, that hescreen-tested for the lead role of Hal Jordan inGreen Lantern, after a spell of failing to land rolessuch as Admiral James Kirk inJ. J. Abrams’Star Treksaga, which would eventually be given toChris Pine. Not only was Stan screen-tested for the intergalactic space cop, butThe Apprenticestar also mentioned thatJustin Timberlake,Jared Leto, and Ryan Reynolds were also in the room with him that day, all vying for the part. Stan obviously wasn’t successful in his endeavor and said that looking back, he was almost glad he didn’t land the part. When taking a look at what he would go on to do in the M.C.U., debuting inCaptain America: The First Avenger, I think we can all agree with him on that.
Ryan Reynolds Being Cast for ‘Green Lantern’ Was the Best Outcome
Sebastian Stan would later give a brilliant performanceinCaptain America: The Winter Soldierand throughout the M.C.U after his introduction as the titular Winter Soldier. Whilst Justin Timberlake and Jared Leto are both fine actorswho have givenengaging performances in the past,seeing how Leto’s later entry into the superhero genre went with the Joker, and withTimberlake’s acting career never quite reaching any notable height, it’s doubtful the presence of either would have added much to the already doomed movie from the start.
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Not only this, butRyan Reynolds' performance fits the comedic and unserious scriptfar better than others may have— ultimately doing leaps and bounds to lessen some of the weaker moments of the film. Reynolds has also been able to embrace the failure ofGreen Lanternandturn it into a running gag in hisDeadpoolfilmsthat keeps bringing laughter to audiences. Thatmoment in Deadpool 2where Wade Wilson travels back in time to execute Ryan Reynolds before he can sign on forGreen Lanternis one of the best jokes of the trilogy, along with his comment that he doesn’t want the super suit to be “green or animated” when first going to Ajax’s (Ed Skrein) laboratory.Reynolds’ embracing of this low point feels like something only he could pull off,as an actor who is regularly self-deprecating and doesn’t take himself too seriously, it’s a quality that makeshim so watchable in his long list of rom-coms.
WhilstGreen Lanternis still generally considered a disappointment,we can at least be thankful the part went to Reynolds in the long run.Sebastian Stan, Justin Timberlake, and Jared Letowould have likely done their best with the materialand character, but it’s obvious Reynolds was a far better casting choice. Not only was his performance more suitedto the overall wild tone and directionof the character,but his ability to tap into and control pop-culture fandom has madeGreen Lanterna far more fondly remembered pointin his career than it could otherwise be viewed as.
Green Lantern
Reckless test pilot Hal Jordan is granted an alien ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers that inducts him into an intergalactic police force, the Green Lantern Corps.
Green Lanternis available to stream on Prime Video in the U.S.WATCH NOW
