Josh Brolin Declines Green Lantern: A Missed Opportunity for DC or a Smart Career Move?
Josh Brolin's journey in the superhero world is nothing short of iconic. From playing the big-bad Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the rugged Cable in Deadpool 2, Brolin has long been one of Hollywood's go-to actors for comic book roles. So when The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Brolin had turned down the chance to play Hal Jordan (aka Green Lantern) in HBO's upcoming Lanterns series, fans were understandably surprised.
For Warner Bros., the offer made sense. Brolin's proven track record with comic book movies, combined with his charisma, made him a natural fit for the role. Green Lantern, after all, has had a shaky history on screen—most notably with Ryan Reynolds' infamous turn in the 2011 Green Lantern film. HBO's Lanterns is a fresh attempt to bring the DC universe's emerald protector to life, and Brolin's involvement could have added serious star power. Yet, Brolin chose to pass, signaling perhaps that the actor is ready to hang up his superhero boots, at least for now.
This isn't Brolin's first brush with DC Comics. He starred in the critically panned Jonah Hex (2010), which, despite a stellar cast, was a box office flop. Perhaps that experience, along with seeing his Deadpool co-star Ryan Reynolds lampoon his own superhero missteps (namely, Green Lantern), influenced Brolin's decision to steer clear of the role.
With Brolin opting out, the hunt for the next Hal Jordan continues. Could this lead DC to cast a fresher face, giving the series a different energy? One thing's for sure: with HBO's high stakes and fans eagerly awaiting, whoever dons the ring next has some big shoes to fill.
