The discussion of the upcoming DCU series ‘Lanterns’ has taken a curious twist as Zack Snyder reminded fans of a Green Lantern scene that nearly reached the screen several years ago.
Although Snyder did not mention the trailer backlash directly, the nostalgic post was a reminder of another route the DC superhero could’ve taken.
Zack Snyder Reveals His Original John Stewart Vision Years After It Was Cut
Soon after the initial trailer for ‘Lanterns’ was released, Snyder posted an image on Instagram of Wayne T. Carr as John Stewart, a character that the actor shot for Snyder’s ‘Justice League’. However, he never had the opportunity to be fully portrayed in the final version.
Related: James Gunn Makes It Clear The DCU Isn’t Moving On From Wonder Woman Anytime Soon
Alongside the image, Snyder reflected on the character’s intended introduction, writing that Carr’s John Stewart was “a hero we planned to bring into the Justice League story,” adding that “the green glow is still out there.” The time of the post immediately attracted the attention of fans. The ‘Lanterns’ trailer had just become a topic of conversation on the internet.
Some fans were disappointed that there was very little of the classic Green Lantern imagery in it, especially the glowing suits and the emerald energy that the franchise is identified with.
The Green Lantern Cameo That Never Happened
Snyder initially intended John Stewart to be introduced towards the end of Zack Snyder’s ‘Justice League’. He wanted to establish the character as a component of the story. Carr even shot his scene, although the cameo was eventually cut when the studio allegedly chose not to bring the Green Lantern character into the picture at that point. Rather, the last scene of the film had Martian Manhunter meeting Bruce Wayne.
In case you missed it: James Gunn Sets The Record Straight On DC’s Batman Plans
The studio had other plans regarding the Green Lantern mythology at the time. They wanted to make a possible Green Lantern Corps film, but it never saw the light of day. The franchise is currently proceeding in a new direction. ‘Lanterns’ will have Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan.
Other cast members in the series are Ulrich Thomsen as the villain Sinestro and Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner. Even though the initial trailer had most of the traditional Green Lantern spectacle hidden, the marketing campaign is just starting. As the series still has several months before it premieres, future trailers will probably show more of the cosmic action that fans are so excited to watch. In the meantime, Snyder’s post serves as a nostalgic what-if.
You might like to read: DC’s 2026 Comics Slate Might’ve Set Up James Gunn’s Plans For The DCU’s Future
