The reimagined DC Universe (DCU) under James Gunn’s leadership is already making waves, with big announcements and major shakeups dividing fans. Amid this transformation, Ryan Reynolds has reportedly turned down the chance to reprise his role as Green Lantern in the revamped franchise. While some characters and storylines from the defunct DCEU are transitioning into the DCU, Reynolds’ decision to step away from the character underscores Gunn’s selective approach to building this new cinematic universe.
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The Green Lantern Legacy
Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of Hal Jordan, aka Green Lantern, in the 2011 film was meant to launch a new superhero franchise. However, the movie received mixed reviews and struggled at the box office, becoming one of DC’s more forgettable outings. Despite this, Reynolds’ comedic charisma and dedication to the role earned him a loyal fan base, even as the film became a subject of memes and self-deprecating jokes by the actor himself.
With Gunn’s new DCU aiming to retain some elements from the DCEU while crafting fresh narratives, fans speculated that Reynolds could make a triumphant return to redeem the character. However, Reynolds has reportedly passed on the opportunity, making it clear that Hal Jordan’s journey in the DCU will not feature his version of Green Lantern.
James Gunn’s Selective Reboot
James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has emphasized his intent to combine successful elements from the DCEU with new, bold storytelling in the DCU reboot. While Reynolds’ Green Lantern won’t be returning, other characters and events are making the leap to Gunn’s universe.
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Notably, characters from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, both projects helmed by Gunn, are confirmed as canon in the DCU. Additionally, Xolo Maridueña will reprise his role as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle in an upcoming DCU animated series, keeping the character alive after the lukewarm response to the Blue Beetle live-action film.
Gunn’s approach has sparked debates among fans. Some see his cherry-picking as a smart move to retain what worked in the past, while others feel slighted by the absence of beloved actors like Henry Cavill, who previously played Superman, and others who helped define the DCEU.
Fan Reactions to Reynolds’ Decision
The news of Reynolds declining to reprise Green Lantern has elicited mixed reactions. Some fans expressed disappointment, believing he deserved another chance to showcase the character in a better script and direction under Gunn’s creative leadership.
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“Ryan Reynolds could have been the perfect Green Lantern in the right hands. It’s a missed opportunity,” one fan wrote on social media.
Others, however, supported Reynolds’ decision, noting that his current trajectory as Deadpool in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and other ventures leaves little room for revisiting a character from a less successful chapter of his career.
“Reynolds has moved on to bigger and better things. Let Green Lantern be a fresh start for the DCU,” another user commented.
Why Reynolds’ Decision Makes Sense
Reynolds’ choice to decline the Green Lantern role could stem from multiple factors. For one, his portrayal of Deadpool in the MCU has solidified his position as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and bankable actors. The Deadpool franchise allows him to flex his comedic chops and subversive sensibilities, making a return to Green Lantern potentially redundant.
Moreover, Reynolds has been candid about his experience with the original Green Lantern film, often poking fun at its shortcomings in interviews and even within Deadpool movies. Revisiting the character in a serious capacity might not align with his current career goals or personal brand.
What This Means for the Green Lantern in the DCU
While Reynolds won’t be donning the green ring again, this doesn’t mean the Green Lantern will be absent from Gunn’s DCU. The character remains a cornerstone of DC Comics’ mythos, and rumors suggest that Gunn and his team are actively exploring ways to bring the Green Lantern Corps to life in a fresh and compelling way.
Fans are speculating whether Gunn will introduce Hal Jordan with a new actor or focus on other prominent Green Lanterns, such as John Stewart, Kyle Rayner, or Jessica Cruz. A Green Lantern project has long been teased by Warner Bros., with early announcements of a Green Lantern Corps series or film still lingering in the background.
The Broader DCU Transition
Reynolds’ decision is just one part of the larger puzzle Gunn is piecing together as he redefines the DCU. His selective integration of past projects, such as The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and Blue Beetle, reflects his intent to balance legacy with innovation. However, his choices have not come without backlash.
Many fans are still vocal about the absence of Henry Cavill’s Superman, who was initially teased for a return in Black Adam. Cavill’s departure and the sidelining of other DCEU mainstays have fueled criticism that Gunn is discarding beloved elements of the past in favor of his own vision.
Whether Gunn’s strategy will pay off remains to be seen. His first major DCU project, Superman: Legacy, is set to define the tone for the new universe. Its reception will likely determine how fans view the broader transition from the DCEU to the DCU.
Conclusion: A Fresh Start for Green Lantern
Ryan Reynolds’ decision to decline the Green Lantern role underscores his confidence in leaving behind a character that no longer fits his career trajectory. For Gunn and the DCU, it opens the door for a fresh interpretation of the iconic superhero, unburdened by the mixed reception of the 2011 film.
As the DCU takes shape, fans can look forward to a reimagined Green Lantern, one that aligns with Gunn’s vision for a cohesive and innovative cinematic universe. While Reynolds’ departure may feel like a missed opportunity to some, it also signals the potential for new stories and characters to take the spotlight in the ever-evolving world of DC.
