Source: /Film

It had been previously reported that there were four contenders for the role of the Green Lantern in the new film of the same title set to be releasd in 2011 – Bradley Cooper, Jared Leto, Ryan Reynolds and Justin Timberlake (yes, Justin Timberlake from ‘NSYNC). Well, it has been confirmed that Ryan Reynolds has been chosen to play the green-suited superhero!

The Green Lantern is the name of several fictional superheroes appearing in DC comics over the years. Wikipedia offers this description of the comic:

Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring that gives the user great control over the physical world as long as the wielder has sufficient willpower and strength to wield it. While the ring of the Golden Age Green Lantern (Alan Scott) was magically powered, the rings worn by all subsequent Lanterns were technological creations of the Guardians of the Universe, who granted such rings to worthy candidates. These individuals made up the intergalactic police force known as the Green Lantern Corps.

DC Comics has had great luck in making great comic book movies. Superman Returns was a worth addition to the franchise, and of course Batman Begins and The Dark Knight changed the way comic book movies are made. Hopefully this new Green Lantern film will hold up to DC’s other movies.

I am wondering how this will affect Ryan Reynolds’ role in the upcoming Deadpool spin-off film for Marvel. It may be weird to have him play two comic book heroes from two different comic franchises.

Martin Campell (Casino Royale) is directing, with Greg Berlanti, Mark Guggenheim and Michael Green helming the screenplay.

To get you in the mood, check out this fan made trailer for the film. He uses Nathan Fillion as the Green Lantern: