For the longest time, actor Channing Tatum was connected to the role of the X-Men character Gambit, aka Remy LeBeau, in the Marvel Universe. Now, it looks like Tatum might be in the running for the DC Universe as Green Lantern, aka Hal Jordan. According to John Rocha and industry insider Jeff Sneider on The Hot Mic Podcast, Rocha claimed that his sources at Warner Bros. liked a casting idea by Sneider of Channing Tatum as Hal Jordan, DC’s longtime superhero who carries the mantle of Green Lantern.
Thus far, DC Studios has not announced any new plans for the Green Lantern Hal Jordan character, or a new Green Lantern movie or television series. DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran announced their initial slate of DC Studios films and shows, and Green Lantern was not among them.
COULD CHANNING TATUM PORTRAY GREEN LANTERN HAL JORDAN FOR THE DC UNIVERSE?
In terms of Green Lantern, what we do know is that actor Nathan Fillion has been cast in the role of Green Lantern Guy Gardner in the upcoming film, Superman: Legacy, due out later in 2025. That could be a potential introduction to the concept of Green Lanterns and the Green Lanter Corps. for the new cinematic DC Universe.
The thing about Green Lantern is that it’s a mantle that’s been held by many superheroes over the years, including Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner, Alan Scott, and John Stewart to name a few. With the Corps., there exists a whole legion of space-faring Green Lantern heroes, who help bring justice to the universe.
While not the original Green Lantern, Hal Jordan has been appearing in the comics since 1959, first appearing in Showcase #22, created by writer John Broome and artist Gil Kane. Originally an aerial test pilot, Hal became the new bearer of the power of will after being granted a special green power ring by the wounded alien Abin Sur. Hal Jordan was also a founding member of the Justice League of America.
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Over the years, Hal has endured as the most popular and beloved hero to carry the mantle of Green Lantern. At one point, he became corrupted by the power of Parallax after the destruction of his home, Star City, which drove Hal made. The corruption by Parallax influenced him to turn on his friends, the Corps., and fellow heroes, becoming the villain known as Parallax.
In a moment of redemption, Hal sacrificed himself to help save the solar system and restart the sun. Years later, Hal would be brought back to life and would take up his role as a superhero once again. The character certainly be a coveted and prestigious role for any actor looking to join the new cinematic DC Universe.
Previously, Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds starred in the live-action debut of the character with the 2011 film, portraying the Hal Jordan version. The movie was a flop, making only $237 million worldwide off of a hefty $300 million budget. The film also scored poorly with critics, with a 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
A Green Lantern television series has reportedly been in the works for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max for years now, but there’s been little movement on it. Last December, DC Studios CEO James Gunn denied that the project had been canceled in a post on social media. However, there’s been very little movement or talk of the series since.
Furthermore, with the actors’ union (SAG-AFTRA) still on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, DC Studios can’t make any new casting announcements for the DC Universe until the strike has been resolved. So, even if it’s true that Warner Bros. executives like Tatum for the role of Hal Jordan, they can’t give him an offer or sign him onboard until the strike issues have been dealt with.
For now, we do know that Nathan Fillion is appearing as the Guy Gardner in Superman: Legacy. That film is currently scheduled to arrive on July 11, 2025. James Gunn is attached to write and direct the picture.
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What do you think of the news? Do you think Channing Tatum is a good fit for the Green Lantern role? Or would you rather still see him portray Gambit in the X-Men movies? Let us know your thoughts on the news on The Illuminerdi’s social media.
SOURCE: Hot Mic Podcast, ComingSoon
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