Jack Black
The Comedy Choice
Why him? Word had it back in 2004 that he’d locked in a deal to take on the Lantern’s power ring for a film described as “a zany comedy a la The Mask”. But bear in mind he wasn’t up as Hal Jordon – he was down to play one of the other men who have held the ring: Kyle Gaynor.
Why not? Frankly, we’re still shuddering at the idea. While not every superhero needs to be dark and brooding like Batman, the thought of a “zany” Green Lantern – even with Black’s comic chops powering it - is a terrible one. Thank goodness Warners ditched the notion. At least, we hope they did…
Common
The Cool Choice
Why him? He was mooted as a possible Hal Jordan when Warners was trying to get Justice League to the screen. And he may well have impressed the studio enough in Terminator Salvation to give him his shot yet.
Why not? The John Stewart Lantern was black, but Jordan is typically white in the comics. Fanboy reaction to colour-blind casting hasn’t always gone over well (see: Michael Clarke Duncan in Daredevil), but that seems a poor reason not to give him a shot. True, he’s never carried a film, but he was decent in his small Wanted role.
David Boreanaz
The Rumour Choice
Why him? Dragged straight from the vapourware file, Boreanaz’ name has never been officially linked with the role. And while he’s mostly stuck to TV work, he’s got some solid acting chops (displayed in Buffy, Angel and now Bones) and charisma to spare. Plus he can handle the action man stuff.
Why not? His lower profile status doesn’t strike us as the sort of casting choice Campbell or the studio would make – he’s not an unknown, but he’s also not the unexpected, Christian Bale/Robert Downey Jr choice.
Ryan Gosling
The Indie Choice
Why him? The lads over at Latino Review heard his name mentioned in connection with the role late last year, and he’s the sort of solid thesp that could really work well in the role a la Christian Bale.
Why not? Question is, would he take it? He’s not exactly shown much inclination to shoulder a blockbuster and he’s never struck us as the action/superhero type. That said, neither did Tobey Maguire and he did okay.
Nathan Fillion
The Underdog Choice
Why him? Like Boreanaz, he’s primarily known for his TV work, but unlike his fellow Joss Whedon star, he’s also made the leap to movies with the likes of Slither, Waitress and Serenity. He’s got charm to spare and anyone who saw web comedy musical Dr Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog can attest that he can take on a superhero part.
Why not? For all his Whedon-exposure, he’s not a big name. Still, maybe his stint voicing one of the leads in the animated Wonder Woman will endear him to Warners. Doubt Campbell would cast him, though.
Tom Cruise
The Movie Star Choice
Why him? He’s Tom Cruise. No matter what people say about his private life or his diminishing star power, he’s still a draw. Millions of column inches would be written about the movie even before it hits the screen. Plus, it’s not like he can’t handle a superhero role – and he could easily fit the Hal Jordan bill.
Why not? He’s Tom Cruise. The name tends to overpower all other considerations. Half the budget would likely be spent on his fee and the film would be burdened with huge expectations. It doesn’t need the pressure.
