It's no secret that tons of movie and TV projects fall through the cracks each year. They're dropped by studios or networks for one reason or another -- lack of funding, a change in production, or just bad luck -- and many don't get to see the light of day. Rarer still is the opportunity for an actor to relive the role they never got to play. However, it looks like one actor might finally see his day in the sun, given the right circumstances.
DC fans will undoubtedly remember the failed Justice League film project, Justice League Mortal, from 2007. Visionary director George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road) was slated to direct, and the film had a robust cast, but it was ultimately left in the dust before it could reach its 2009 premiere. Now, though, one of those cast members could have the chance to play his original character from Justice League Mortal in another upcoming DCEU film project: 2020's Green Lantern Corps.
In a recent interview with IGN, actor and rapper Common expressed interest in the role of John Stewart (a.k.a. Green Lantern), who he was supposed to play in Justice League Mortal. When asked if he would be interested in the role, or if he'd been approached for it, Common said:
"No, I haven't spoken to DC. John Stewart, the character, is amazing. When I had the opportunity of potentially being John Stewart, when we were working, I learned how he was part of the Green Lantern Corps and all that he was doing. He was kind of community-driven so I felt like, 'Oh, man, I love this character. He used his mind to do a lot of things, so I connected with him. I just love the character, but I don't know, I haven't talked to DC about it but, you know, hey! Yeah, I would love [to]. That would be an honor to play John Stewart."
Common is no stranger to the recently revived DC cinematic universe, as he made a cameo in recent blockbuster Suicide Squad as a gangster. The actor participated in numerous film and TV projects in the last decade, including Terminator Salvation and Now You See Me. He stars in the upcoming John Wick: Chapter Two, which premieres later this year. Common has also contributed to the film world via his music, as he and John Legend took home an Academy Award last year for their work on Selma.
It would certainly make sense to see Common take another crack at John Stewart, though a number of other worthy actors have burst onto the scene since Justice League Mortal's demise. It would definitely be cool for die-hard Green Lantern fans to see Common (sort of) reprise his role, but that casting choice isn't exactly a must for Green Lantern Corps. Still, though, despite his prolific career, Common has yet to land any seriously acclaimed roles, so this could be an opportune time for the underappreciated artist to finally gain larger recognition as an actor.
We're excited to learn more about this upcoming version of John Stewart as the character develops, as well as the actor chosen to play him. Whether it's Common or another hopeful actor, we're sure Green Lantern Corps will at least deliver an improvement on its notorious predecessor.
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Source: IGN
