The speculation that Ryan Reynolds will return as Hal Jordan has been circulating around the Internet for some time now. Now, finally, James Gunn has given a clear answer to the question.
With excitement growing over ‘Lanterns’, fans were wondering if Gunn had attempted to lure Reynolds back after taking over DC Studios. The question spread like wildfire on social media, particularly as the series is about to feature a new Hal Jordan.
James Gunn Shuts Down Ryan Reynolds’ Hal Jordan Casting Rumors
Responding directly to a fan online, Gunn revealed there was never a serious discussion about Reynolds reprising the role. “Not really. Ryan wrote to congratulate me the day I got the job, and I jokingly asked him if he was ready to don the suit again, and he jokingly responded.”
Related: DC’s Next Major ‘Superman’ Story Wouldn’t Be The One Fans Expect
The exchange indicates friendly banter between the two and not a casting offer. It’s the newest in a series of Gunn’s efforts to put the word out on social media to silence rumors before they take hold.
DC is going to take a new approach rather than reinvigorating Reynolds’ version of Hal Jordan. The new ‘Lanterns’ series will feature Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, both investigating a mysterious murder in Nebraska.
DC Is Looking Ahead, Not Back
‘Lanterns’ (Image: HBO)
In 2011’s ‘Green Lantern’, Reynolds starred as Hal Jordan. However, the movie was a flop both at the box office and critically. The film, which starred several big names, received mixed-to-bad reviews and was not a commercial success at the worldwide box office.
In case you missed it: ‘Lanterns’ May Be The DCU Project That Changes Everything
Reynolds’ reputation has even become a running joke. He actually made fun of it in the sequel ‘Deadpool 2’, where the Merc with a Mouth humorously prevented his younger self from accepting the Green Lantern script in one of the movie’s most memorable post-credits scenes.
Despite this, many fans still recall Reynolds’ charismatic performance and sometimes wonder if he will ever have another opportunity to wield the power ring. Gunn’s new remarks indicate that for the time being, DC isn’t looking back at the past, but rather a new generation of Green Lanterns.
You might like to read: ‘Lanterns’ May Be Telling a Very Different Green Lantern Story Than Fans Expected
