question of the day: Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern: good move, or bad?

Box office for The Proposal probably influenced the studio executives more than any other factor in this decision. Drawing those numbers is something they surely value far above the most dedicated comic book fan's ideas of which actor would be the best match for the character.

That being said, they could have done far worse, so I'll be looking forward to opinions from the more informed Green Lantern fans.

Aren't there at least four or five Green Lantern characters, all with different real names, backgrounds, and personalities? Sometimes they have teacher-student relationships, or fought along side each other against particularly nasty villains. So you can't really decided which actor would do a good job until you know which Green Lantern.

I think it's a fine choice. I think the constant hyping of actors as the make or break for movies is a bigger problem. Reynolds is a solid choice. He has the ability, the looks and the attitude. But in many ways, the actor can only make a good movie great. If the story and direction is not there it doesn't matter who the actors are.

Hollywood keeps churning out these big event films with actors-of-the-moment and hyping the cast. Their accountants say so-and-so's last movie made $X and so this movie should make $Y. And no one stops to wonder if the movie is any good.

And, on a slightly different note, in the comics there are three or four versions of Green Lantern all with decades of history plus supporting cast. They've each had wildly different takes depending on the writer. So, basically, no matter what version/take/amalgamation the movie decides to go with the fanboys (and girls) are going to be up in arms.

Reynolds as Green Lantern Guy Gardner: maybe
Reynolds as Green Lantern Hal Jordan: no

But of course it will be Hal Jordan in the movie; he's the most recognizable GL.

If the deal is completed, it would make Reynolds the only actor to have played heroes for both Marvel and DC.

As much as we'd all like to forget Halle Berry's Catwoman, she holds that distinction. And James Marsden portrayed characters, if not heroes, in both universes.

Well, if it HAS to be a Hal Jordan movie, Reynolds could inject some much needed personality into the character.
He is a good actor and has the superhero physique. Let's not forget that fanboys nearly stroked out over the casting of Hugh Jackman, Tobey Maguire and Heath Ledger in their defining comic book movie roles.
It won't be Van Wilder: Green Lantern.

Well, Tobey Maguire was a good Peter Parker, but not a good Spider-Man.

That's beside the point, though. I honestly think that just because of it being Reynolds, it should be Guy Gardner, but since it will almost certainly have to be an origin story, it'll be Hal Jordan. Jordan isn't as...loud as Gardner, but he does have a pretty good wit, so I think Reynolds will be fine.

Oh, fuck me running. No. For the following 2 reasons.

1. Ryan Reynolds has already MADE a comic book movie, and he was perfectly cast in it. I'd fork over $10 gladly to watch a full length Deadpool movie.

2. Jensen Ackles and Nathan Fillion are still around.