12 Amazing Black Actors Who Should Play Green Lantern
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Green Lantern - John Stewart |
For those who don't know, Green Lantern is a comic book about Hal Jordan who gets a ring from a dying alien that gives him the ability to construct anything he can imagine. He joins an interstellar police force known as the "Green Lantern Corp." In the comics, many have taken on the role of the Green Lantern for Earth, including John Stewart. He's a Black former military specialist who has a unique way of approaching his role as protector of Earth. Stewart's best known for his appearance in the Justice League animated series.
There are a lot of rumors about casting, but here is a list of amazing actors who could take the role.
1. Idris Elba
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Idris Elba |
Idris Elba already plays the superhero Heimdell in Thor, and he's playing an unnamed role on Star Trek Beyond, but he could play a DC superhero too. When someone tweeted him a fan made poster as Green Lantern he said, "Thank you baby love. I like this idea." If Elba likes it, that's all it takes.
2. Lance Gross
Lance Gross |
Lance Darnell Gross is famous for his role on the TV dramatic sitcom House of Payne so he can bring a sense of humor and intensity to the role. The 34-year old actor gave up a Pro Track & Field career to become an actor, so he's got the physicality and his role as Secret Service Agent Marcus Finley in NBC's political drama Crisis shows he can play a convincing policeman.
3. Nate Parker
Nate Parker |
4. Common
Common |
Back in 2007, the movie Justice League Mortal cast Common as John Stewart. But a writers strike and a whole host of other problems sidelined the project. He told Screen Rant "That was one of those things where I was so excited because we rarely see African-American superheroes or people of color as a superhero. I think it would be great for the world to see, and for people to see, and for Hollywood to put that out there, too. But just for the world to see, just for kids to be able to see, for all nationalities to see a person of color as a superhero, too." John Stewart is from Detroit and was really for the community, and Common related to that.
5. Dayo Okeniyi
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Dayo Okeniyi |
6. Tequan Richmond
Tequila Richmond |
7. Denzel Washington
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Denzel Washington |
In 2010 he said "I think that comic book movies now are what comics were 30 years ago. I think now with the technology it's like comic books on steroids and I’m very excited about that. I'd love to be a part of something." When he was asked about what superpower he’d want at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival he chuckled and said, “I dunno. You know it’s something positive. I dunno. Something that could help us get along. You know. Like a Jedi mind trick. Trick people to being nice to each other.” Green Lantern don’t have Jedi mind tricks but the Green Lanterns are all about helping people get along.
8. Brandon T. Jackson
Brandon T. Jackson |
Brandon Jackson is 30-years old and he's starred in action films like Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief and Fast & Furious so he's got that down. He's from John Stewart's home town of Detroit and a rapper so he can capture Green Lantern's street smarts.
9. John Boyega
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John Boyega |
10. Aml Ameen
Aml Ameen |
Aml Ameen is a British actor that appeared in the action film Maze Runner. But his best known role is in the police series The Bill where he played headstrong Lewis Hardy who's a former street kid turned policeman. That's exactly the kind of attitude John Stewart needs.
11. Tyrese Gibson
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Tyrese Gibson |
Tyrese Gibson is a former model and singer who's proven himself in action films like the Fast & the Furious films and Transformers series. Fans decided he'd be the perfect Green Lantern and began making pictures and movies of his as the superhero. It convinced him he'd be perfect for the role and he's been campaigning hard on social media. Will he take the oath? We'll see.
12. David Ramsey
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David Ramsey |
Who would you like to see play John Stewart the Green Lantern?
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A while back I posited that Will Smith would be good and it could help revitalize his career but then he took the role of Deadshot so I guess that would be kind of awkward. CGI can help older actors still do action movies but 60 seems like it's pushing it for Denzel.
ReplyDeleteElba would be awesome. He so has the look. I also like Brandon Jackson. Of course, I'll watch anything is Denzel Washington.
ReplyDeleteGreat list! You had me at Idris Elba!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think about Roger Cross?
What a tough choice! Elba would be awesome, as I've loved him in Thor, though Lance Gross is a personal favorite as well. 2020 seems forever and a day away, but then I remember that's really only 5 years :)
ReplyDeleteWill Smith would be a good choice and i didn't put him in because he's already in Suicide Squad. But you never know. Denzel Washington would be a tough sell but he says he's in good shape and he still does his own stunts. Robert Downey Jr is over 50.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Meradeth. 2020 feels like a lifetime away but its just around the corner.
ReplyDeleteIt's a tough choice because we have many fine actors to choose from.
ReplyDeleteHe is a goodp one David! I hadn't thought of him but ill add him to the list!
ReplyDeleteMos Def. Mekhi Phifer. Derek Luke. Djimon Hounsou. Just some of my favorites. If Anthony Mack weren't currently playing Falcon, I'd include him.
ReplyDeleteCommon is already in Suicide Squad and it looks like he's playing the Tattooed Man.
ReplyDelete