Warner Bros. Shelling Out A Cool $150M For “Green Lantern”

So by now there’s no real need to discuss how superheros and comic books have become the main course of Hollywood’s appetite over the past several years. After the success of The Dark Knight, Warner Bros. realized that they needed to start tapping into the other hundreds of heroes and villains their partner DC Comics has stocked on the shelves. Marvel Studios has been pumping out a feature flick with a major comic character pretty steadily for years and now it’s time for WB to catch up.

So, with the Superman franchise in limbo indefinitely, the next obvious choice for a live film adaption is Green Lantern. Basic recap if you’re unfamiliar: Hal Jordan is a man who is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe; becoming The Green Lantern.

This film has been put on the fast track in order for WB/DC to stay competitive with Marvel. First, the director of Casino Royale and Golden Eye Martin Campbell, was announced to direct back in February. Then the obvious question and biggest deciding factor on the potential success or bust for the movie would be…”who will be cast as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern?” Then the inevitable rumor mill started spinning out of control (not as bad as the initial Batman 3 villain rumors). First Ryan Gosling’s name was thrown around during internet chatter, that ended up being debunked. Then Anton Yelchin was thrown into the mix, with reports saying that he was actively seeking the role. Thank god that ended up not panning out. Nothing against the kid. I rather enjoyed him in Charlie Bartlett, it’s just  he’s 20 years old, looks like he’s 12 and scrony; not the best superhero combo. Lastly, and with the most sense involved, Chris Pine was said to have been a front runner amongst the various studio discussions at the WB lot. This would be fantastic if it pans out. Pine is the perfect age, build and look. He’s a fine actor and he’s going to have epic fanboy support after Star Trek blows up the box-office next month. Unfortunately, there was some misinformation with the apparent aggressive interest into Mr. Pine, where he alluded to the the lack of seriousness of talk with Warner Bros.

Now we get word that the Green Lantern movie, titled The Green Lantern, is set to BEGIN principal photography and shooting in Sydney Australia this September, with the release date of December 17, 2010. One could infer from their past two projects, The Dark Knight & Watchmen, that Warner Bros. is pulling out all the stops in an attempt to make sick superhero flicks. This is now confirmed with their granting of a very solid $150 million budget for Green Lantern.

So with the confirmation from the director that the style and vibe of his Green Lantern movie, would be similar to Iron Man, and not go the “dark” route, everything seems all sewn up and rearing to go with this movie….except of course, that pesky little detail of what actor will play the lead. Stay tuned.

Are you excited for a Green Lantern flick? Who should be cast?

What Do You Think? Discuss.