I Still Can’t Get Over The Way The DCU Just Broke Green Lantern’s 13-Year-Long Movie Hiatus

The DC Universe has always been full of surprises, but nothing could have prepared me for the way it reintroduced Green Lanterns to live-action movies. For over a decade, the Green Lantern Corps has been conspicuously absent from the big screen following 2011’s Green Lantern. That hiatus was finally broken in the trailer for Superman, where Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner made a brief but memorable debut. It’s a scene that no one saw coming, making it a pivotal moment for fans of the Green Lantern mythology.

Back in 2011, Green Lantern starring Ryan Reynolds was intended to kickstart a major franchise within the DCU. Unfortunately, the film’s uneven tone and subpar CGI left it falling short of both critical and commercial expectations. As the DCEU timeline grew with films like Man of Steel and Wonder Woman, the Green Lanterns were notably absent, relegated to occasional mentions or small Easter eggs. Enter James Gunn’s Superman, a film poised to reboot the DCU and finally bring the Lanterns back into the spotlight – albeit in the most unexpected way imaginable.

Superman’s Trailer Gave Us A First Look At A Live-Action Movie Green Lantern in 13 Years

When the Superman trailer dropped, the focus was naturally on Clark Kent and his journey to becoming the world’s most iconic superhero. Viewers were treated to glimpses of Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Kypto the Superdog. Then, out of nowhere, Guy Gardner appeared, rocking his signature bowl cut and wielding his green ring to lock a door.

It was a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, but its impact was enormous. Not only did it signal the long-awaited return of Green Lanterns to live-action cinema, but it also exemplified James Gunn’s signature blend of humor and reverence for comic book lore. The decision to introduce Guy Gardner in such a casual and comedic way was surprising, especially given the grandeur often associated with the Green Lantern Corps.

Rather than focusing on a dramatic display of his power, the trailer chose a lighter, more humanizing moment. This choice feels quintessentially James Gunn, known for injecting unexpected levity into his superhero narratives. It was a stark departure from the solemnity of 2011’s Green Lantern, signaling a new direction for the character and the Corps as a whole.

Why Superman’s Green Lantern Debut Was So Unexpected

The appearance of a Green Lantern in Superman was unexpected for several reasons. First, the trailer’s focus seemed firmly rooted in Superman’s journey, with little indication that it would introduce other major DC characters. The inclusion of Guy Gardner felt like a curveball, adding intrigue to an already highly anticipated film. I was not expecting such a significant cameo in a trailer centered on the Man of Steel, let alone one that leaned into humor rather than heroics.

Second, the nature of the scene itself was unpredictable. Instead of a grand entrance or a display of cosmic power, Guy Gardner’s moment involved him using his ring to lock a door – a mundane but hilariously practical application of his abilities. This small act spoke volumes about Gunn’s approach to the DCU. By showing the everyday uses of superhero powers, he grounded the character in a relatable context while staying true to Guy’s brash and quirky personality from the comics.

Finally, the choice of Guy Gardner over more prominent Green Lanterns like Hal Jordan or John Stewart was surprising. While all three are iconic, Guy is often considered the most brash and unconventional member of the Corps. His inclusion suggests a deliberate move to differentiate this iteration of the Green Lantern mythos from previous portrayals. It’s a bold choice that hints at a DCU unafraid to embrace its quirkiest characters.

I’m So Excited To See What The DC Universe’s Green Lantern Stories Actually Look Like

The reintroduction of Green Lanterns to the DCU opens the door to a wealth of storytelling possibilities. Guy Gardner’s appearance is just the beginning, as James Gunn has hinted at plans for a broader exploration of the Green Lantern Corps. This includes both cinematic and television projects, such as the upcoming Lanterns series, which promises to delve into the darker, more investigative side of the Corps’ work.

Guy Gardner’s debut raises exciting questions about how the DCU will balance humor with the grandeur of the Green Lantern mythos. His comedic moment in the Superman trailer contrasts sharply with the more serious tone expected in Lanterns. This duality highlights the versatility of the Green Lantern concept, which can encompass both lighthearted and profound narratives.

Audiences can look forward to seeing not only Guy Gardner but also other iconic Lanterns like Hal Jordan and John Stewart, each bringing their unique perspectives and stories to the table. From cosmic adventures to grounded team-ups, the possibilities are endless. The return of the Lanterns in Superman represents a significant step forward for the DCU, signaling a commitment to exploring its vast and varied universe.

Upcoming DC Movie Releases