Most long-running superheroes have been in publication since the 30s-60s, a time when diversity wasn’t acknowledged or a priority with comic book creators. Things began to change in the late 60s but there are still few headlining black superheroes. And since the colorful comic book heroes are the biggest thing at the box office right now, you can’t blame black actors for wanting to jump on that bandwagon. Marvel has placed actors in color into pivotal supporting roles, like Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Anthony Mackie as The Falcon and Idris Elba as Heimdal. And DC has Will Smith portraying Deadshot in ‘Suicide Squad’. And, of course, Marvel has ‘Black Panther’ headlining his own movie in 2018, with Chadwick Boseman as the lead.
But one role seems to have actors clamoring; that of Green Lantern. The character (or at least one of them) will factor into ‘Justice League – Part One’ due in 2017 before headlining ‘Green Lantern Corps’ in 2020.
Tyrese Gibson, star of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise was the first star that began lobbying for the role. Then ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star Lance Gross made it known that he wanted the part. Now another actor is making it known that he would also like to portray the Emerald Knight.
D.B. Woodside, who currently stars on the controversial hit ‘Lucifer‘ wants Warner Brothers (who own DC Comics) to know that he wants the ring, saying:
“The whole series and the characters have always been one of my favorites. I grew up as a comic-book guy, so I love these characters. We’re living in a superhero bubble right now that I am hoping will never burst. And, maybe I was wearing a Green Lantern t-shirt because I’m trying to get into the minds over at DC as they are looking for their Green Lantern. ‘Open up and take a look at some others out here in Los Angeles.’ That was my cheeky way of trying to influence them.
“Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to audition for any of those movies. That’s why I was going with the Green Lantern t-shirt and trying to let people know I am very interested in that world. I would love to play Green Lantern. There are so many other fascinating characters out there in the DC Universe, as well as Marvel. I would relish the opportunity to play one of those guys.”
Good luck, D.B.!
Dan AmboyerAfter the failure of 2011’s ‘Green Lantern’ with Caucasian Ryan Reynolds in the title role, it looks like Warner Brothers is hedging its bets by casting an ensemble for its second try at bringing the emerald ring-slinger to the big screen.
Right now, it looks as if Caucasian Dan Amboyer is going to appear in ‘Batman V Superman’ as Hal Jordan, the same role Reynolds played in the 2011 film.
But there are clearly plans to bring the African American GL John Stewart into the fold with ‘GLC’.
Do you have a favorite in mind to play John Stewart? Is it Tyrese Gibson, Lance Gross or D.B. Woodside? Or is there someone else you would rather see in the role?
Source: Comic Book Resources
