In 2011, Warner Bros. guess massive on Inexperienced Lantern, pondering it’d be the shining spark to launch a DC film universe. Everybody remembers Ryan Reynolds glowing like a human nightlight in a film that flamed out on influence, not everybody is aware of how shut the position got here to touchdown in fully totally different fingers.
Seems, the shortlist was wild. Earlier than Reynolds sealed the gig, the studio was eyeing names like Jared Leto and Justin Timberlake. The reality got here straight from the director’s mouth. Per FandomWire, in a resurfaced 2009 interview with MTV Information, Inexperienced Lantern director Martin Campbell spilled the tea on what went down throughout casting.
“Jared Leto was superb. Timberlake was actually good,” Campbell stated. “They’re all good guys. They’re all very totally different, and so they all got here in and did terrific display checks.” So yeah, this wasn’t only a wishful rumor. These stars really auditioned for Inexperienced Lantern.
Sebastian Stan, Jared Leto, and Justin Timberlake display examined to play Inexperienced Lantern!
The position in the end went to Ryan Reynolds. pic.twitter.com/WM1ToGEGQQ
— Animated Occasions (@AnimatedTimesTV) October 18, 2024
Why Have been Jared Leto & Justin Timberlake In The Working To Lead Inexperienced Lantern?
So, why have been Leto and Timberlake even on the radar? Warner Bros. was gunning for a star who might click on with followers and first-timers alike. The strain was on to make Inexperienced Lantern their reply to Iron Man. They wanted attraction, youth, and a face that might promote lunchboxes.
As a result of dominating the charts wasn’t sufficient, Justin Timberlake determined to see if he might attraction his means onto the massive display, too. With roles in movies like The Social Community, he was beginning to show he had chops. He had the charisma and fanbase and will most likely pull off a flight go well with. Warner Bros. appreciated what they noticed. However he wasn’t alone.
Earlier than diving into superhero mayhem, Jared Leto was busy perfecting his ‘haunted stare’ in indie movies—and yeah, he introduced all that broody vitality to Hal Jordan. It wasn’t the apparent route, however it labored properly sufficient for him to remain within the operating. Campbell confirmed each gave “terrific” performances throughout display checks, however one thing about Ryan Reynolds simply clicked more durable.
14 years in the past immediately ‘Inexperienced Lantern’ was launched.💚 pic.twitter.com/qx7qljT87v
— Kennedy Ryan Reynolds fan❤️ (@ilyryanreynolds) June 17, 2025
How Did Ryan Reynolds Get The Titular Function Inexperienced Lantern?
When Reynolds walked in, Campbell says he merely owned it. “Reynolds got here in and simply owned the position,” he stated. “He has this factor you simply can’t take your eyes off him.” That blend of snark and vulnerability made the distinction. He had the fearless-pilot vitality, certain, however he additionally introduced a way of worry and duty beneath.
“He has that likable smart-ass factor,” Campbell added. “But additionally vulnerability, which I believed was vital for Hal Jordan.” And identical to that, Ryan Reynolds acquired the inexperienced mild.
Sadly, the film didn’t get the identical approval from followers. Inexperienced Lantern grew to become a field workplace misfire, sinking sooner than you might say “Oa.” Critics slammed the messy script and overloaded CGI. Warner Bros.’ plans for a sprawling DC area saga fizzled out quick.
Leto nonetheless joined the DC Universe, simply in a a lot darker shade. A number of years later, he performed the Joker in Suicide Squad, although that model additionally break up followers. Timberlake, in the meantime, stayed distant from superhero tights and saved issues mild with comedy and drama roles.
In the long run, Ryan Reynolds could have received the audition, however the position didn’t win anybody over. At the very least now, with this casting bombshell out within the open, followers can solely marvel: What would a Justin Timberlake Inexperienced Lantern even sound like?
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