It has been quite a year for DC Films, as their cinematic universe is quickly growing in some unexpected directions. Not only is director Joss Whedon taking over the directing reigns for Justice League, but he’s also working on the upcoming Batgirl solo film. War For the Planet of the Apes’ director Matt Reeves has been making the publicity rounds for the upcoming sequel, while gleefully sharing his plans for his upcoming The Batman movie. Heck, even one of the studio’s most risky projects, Green Lantern Corps, is still quietly moving towards its own start date.
That Hashtag Show has uncovered some interesting news regarding the upcoming reboot that should widen the eyes of any comic fan. THS reports that director Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) is in talks to direct the upcoming superhero adventure. A little over a year ago, Wyatt was attached to the Gambit film starring Channing Tatum in the X-Men universe. Wyatt dropped out of the project – to be later followed by Doug Liman – however it’s clear that the director still has his eyes on the superhero genre with the upcoming reimagining of the Green Lantern mythology.
Casting is quietly underway for the two main roles of Hal Jordan and John Stewart to star in Green Lantern Corps. The movie will follow the adventures of those two space cops and their antagonistic relationship that should remind viewers of Men in Black. Warner Bros is hoping to set the movie apart from its predecessor by using the “buddy cop” formula, with Jordan serving as the aging veteran while Stewart serves as the younger upstart. In fact, THS even got their eyes on the casting notice for the new movie:
Hal Jordan: Caucasian, 39 – 50. A former military test pilot, he is now a veteran of the Green Lantern Corps.
John Stewart: African- American male, 21 – 30. Prior to joining the Green Lantern Corp, he was a sniper in the military.
The casting descriptions match closely with the heroes’ comic book origins. Jordan was the original Green Lantern with a background as a daring jet pilot; while it looks as if they were inspired by the New 52’s retelling of Stewart’s origin. In the New 52, Stewart served his time in the Marine Corps as a sniper, which is a change to his original roots as a hard-edged architect. While it has been rumored for some time that the studio was inspired by the Lethal Weapon formula, this notice all but confirms it for Green Lantern fans.
It seems that there is a lot more brewing behind the scenes on the WB lot as they look to expand their DC cinematic universe. The success of Wonder Woman should give DC Films some latitude to take some chances and hopefully exceed audiences (lowered) expectations, following their previously divisive releases of Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad. Wyatt has a checkered, yet eyebrow raising filmography, with Rise of the Planet of the Apes serving as perhaps the best example of his ability to craft powerful popcorn fare. It’s still very early in the process and negotiations could surely break down, but this does serve as a solid signal that the project is moving forward.
Green Lantern Corps is scheduled for release on July 24, 2020.
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Source: That Hashtag Show