The CW series Legends of Tomorrow almost brought Green Lantern into the Arrowverse as the Golden Age version, Alan Scott, was set to appear. The time-travel drama was very different back in its first year. While the ensemble series has become known as the franchise's most light-hearted spinoff, the series didn't start out that way. Initially envisioned to take a similar tone as Arrow and The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow ended up readjusting itself after critically mixed reception for season 1. With a focus on DC baddie Vandal Savage (Casper Crump), the Waverider-led series eventually leaned into the image it has today as a superhero dramedy.
When the series borrowed more from the DC Universe, one of its biggest usages was the Justice Society of America. Given the time-travel nature of the show, the group had an organic way to get introduced as the heroes of the present engaged with the league from the 1940s. Suits star Patrick Adams was cast to appear in the season 1 finale as a mysterious DC character. It ended up being Rex Tyler, a.k.a. Hourman, one of the original members of the JSA. While Adams' run started as a cameo, Hourman was killed off in the second episode of season 2 titled after the group. Despite executive producer Marc Guggenheim debunking Green Lantern rumors in 2016, Arrowverse concept artist Andy Poon has revealed the truth behind the Suits star's casting.
Released on the artist's Instagram page, Poon confirmed that Adams character on Legends of Tomorrow was initially going to be Alan Scott, a.k.a. the Golden Age Green Lantern. Scott, who is one of the prominent members of the JSA in the mythology, would have been the first time the franchise got to use the Green Lantern characters. But despite putting together a design for a costume, Poon revealed that DC Comics pulled the plug on those plans very quickly after pitching. The photo that Poon released has Ryan Reynolds being used for the concept art, given the actor played Hal Jordan in the 2011 film.
Despite the big set up in the season 1 finale, the Justice Society of America didn't have a big run on Legends of Tomorrow. Aside from their centric episode and introducing the Amaya Jiwe (Maisie Richardson-Sellers) version of Vixen, the JSA didn't play a large role going forward. While Alan Scott may have been cut, the JSA member Obsidian did end up being used as he is Alan's son in the comic canon. After their introduction, Obsidian and Stargirl were used for a few episodes, but that was it for the JSA's run in the Arrowverse at that point.
Following the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths, the new Multiverse established the upcoming DC Universe series Stargirl to be set on a re-created Earth-2. The Brec Bassinger-led drama will incorporate the JSA in a major way as trailers and casting additions have established. The current status of Earth-Prime's JSA has yet to be revealed as they may no longer be the same one that viewers met in season 2. Whether it's on Stargirl, Legends of Tomorrow, or any other show, if the Arrowverse ever chooses to introduce Alan Scott's Green Lantern, an amazing concept design for a costume is ready to be brought to life.
Source: Andy Poon