And the superhero news keeps coming…
With production set to begin on the new live-action Green Lantern movie at the end of this summer (for a December 2010 release), the collective geek community anxiously awaits word on who, exactly, they’ve chosen to play the Green Lantern. Some have suggested the character be played by an older dude, since, in the comics, Hal Jordan doesn’t become the Green Lantern until he’s well past his late-teens and twenties. However, early word on casting said the studio was, instead, looking for someone a bit younger to launch the new franchise.
We already know that Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) is directing the film, and now HitFix reports that Bradley Cooper is currently the frontrunner to star in the lead role as Hal Jordan. Cooper, who most of you probably remember as Will Tippin from Alias, has popped up in a number of random, forgettable movies over the past couple years – like Failure to Launch, The Rocker, Yes Man and He’s Just Not That Into You. That may change, however, with Cooper’s starring role in this summer’s The Hangover, which I’ve heard terrific buzz on as some are already labeling it the comedy of the summer.
Cooper would bring something I think every superhero movie needs: charisma. Most of his roles have come in the form of comedies and romantic comedies (so the guy knows humor), but turns in Alias and The Midnight Meat Train shows he has some range. He’s approaching his mid-30s, which makes him perfect for the character (in terms of staying true to the comics), and he’s an actor who I feel is just about to hit it big. Dare I say he’s the perfect choice to play Green Lantern?
What’s the word from you Lantern fans out there? Do we like Cooper, or would you rather see them go with someone else?
