[UPDATE: The Green Lantern has been chosen!]
One of these days, an official announcement will be made about the upcoming DC superhero movie, Green Lantern…
Today is not that day.
According to Harry at Ain’t It Cool News, he’s got a source with “an unconfirmed rumor” that Justin Timberlake screen-tested for the role of Hal Jordan.
This rumor adds to the growing list of speculated candidates for the role over the last few years which include Bradley Cooper, Shawn Roberts, Brian Austin Green, Chris Pine, Anton Yelchin, Ryan Gosling and even Jack Black.
I think I prefer all of the previous rumors over Justin Timberlake. I’ve never been impressed by his film appearances and putting him as the lead in big budget superhero epic would be a mistake in my opinion.
What they need to do is build a fanbase by having a strong movie, not by bringing in one of the most popular young stars of the MTV generation. Look at what Iron Man did and what Thor is currently doing.
Adding to this news and with strange timing, Rainn Wilson posted an interesting message on Twitter regarding him and Nathan Fillion:
“@rainnwilson and @nathanfillion are about to go meet with DC COMICS! Could be some good s**t percolating...”
It would be awesome to see Fillion play the lead in Green Lantern but it’s more likely that the pair are going in to meet about doing voice work for one of the next DC animated films. Wilson did voice work on this year’s Monsters vs. Aliens and Fillion played the voice of a character in the DC animated Wonder Woman film.
For fun, check out the fan-trailer for Green Lantern featuring the always-awesome Nathan Fillion as the lead character, Hal Jordan. And if you're a JT fan, look for his and Andy Samberg's hilarious music videos on YouTube.
UPDATE: Well that didn't take long! Just hours after we posted this it's being reported that Warner Bros. has narrowed the candidates for the role of Green Lantern/Hal Jordan down to just three candidates: Justin Timberlake, Bradley Cooper and Ryan Reynolds (Wolverine). See the pic below (courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter) for your three Hal Jordan finalists:
Right now Cooper seems in the best position, as The Hangover is making big bank for Warner Bros.; Ryan Reynolds is currently looking at another superhero franchise (Deadpool) to potentially occupy his time; and if I haven't already explained why Timerblake isn't the best choice, nothing will likely convince you. Expect Warner Bros. to announce this SOON, as the holding agreement they had with the three actors expired earlier this week.
The official announcement of Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern.
Green Lantern is scheduled to open June 17, 2011.
ALSO: With the timing of the super hero movies of 2011, notably Thor which is also debuting that summer, expect major announcements for this movie and Captain America soon (possibly at Comic-Con).
Sources: AICN, Rainn Wilson
Update Source: THR