Green Lantern: Birth Of A Hero
The Green Lantern movie we got in 2011 wasn't exactly a classic, but a strong contingent of fans disliked it for a reason other than the poor writing and CGI super-suit: they would rather have seen John Stewart, the African-American Lantern who debuted in the pages of DC Comics in 1972, than Ryan Reynolds' Hal Jordan.
It came very close to happening — in 2007, The Closer star Corey Reynolds was keen to play the role, and was trying mightily to get a starring vehicle for Stewart off the ground with a script that he himself wrote, entitled Green Lantern: Birth of a Hero.
Reynolds even had a vision for three films, but the whole thing fell apart when scribe Greg Berlanti got a greenlight for his Lantern flick — the one which would eventually go into production, after a phalanx of writers took their passes at Berlanti's script. Ever optimistic, Reynolds held out hope that he could at least get a cameo as Stewart in that film, but it was not to be -- and neither was Berlanti's film.
The Green Lantern franchise has witnessed a plethora of adaptations and characters, but John Stewart remains one of the most compelling figures due to his rich backstory in the DC Universe. Originating in 1972, Stewart was not only a member of the Green Lantern Corps but also a groundbreaking character representing diversity in superhero narratives. Fans have long debated the portrayals of Green Lantern, particularly in contrast with Hal Jordan. Many believe a film featuring John Stewart is overdue, especially given the evolving landscape of superhero cinema, which increasingly favors diverse characters. In recent years, there have been rumors and discussions regarding the potential revival of John Stewart's character in upcoming DC cinematic projects. Moreover, John Stewart's notable appearances in animated series such as 'Justice League' and 'Justice League Unlimited' have solidified his popularity among audiences, paving the way for a renewed interest in his story. As the DC Universe continuously adapts, fans are eager for a Green Lantern film that honors the legacy of John Stewart and potentially explores the interconnected stories of multiple Lanterns. These developments signal a promising avenue for future films that are both representative and expansive in the superhero genre.
