James Gunnhas addressed one of the projects that was abandoned in the transition between the DCEU and the new DCU – the originalGreen LanternTV series. Between the merger of Warner Bros. and Discovery, and the inception of the new DCU under the control of DC Studios’ joint CEOs Gunn and Peter Safran, there were several projects that ended up on the scrap heap. This included a long-in-developmentGreen Lanternseries fromArrowversecreator Greg Berlanti.
The original project was expected to feature several generations of Lanterns, including Alan Scott and Guy Gardner, with other Green Lanterns such as Jessica Cruz, Simon Baz and Sinestro also featuring in the show. However, the cost of the production, as well as creative differences between the studio and showrunner Seth Grahame-Smith, saw the series pulled from the slate, despite eight of its 10 episodes reportedly being ready to start production.
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Checking in onGunn’s Threads account, one user asked about the Lanterns series and why Finn Wittrock (who was set to star in the show) was “done dirty.” The user wrote:
“[James Gunn] what happened to the original Lantern series that was being developed in the DCEU? It was in development for so long with an amazing cast. Finn Wittrock was involved in the project too. Would you consider casting him in another role in the DCU? Feel like he was done dirty. He’s such a good actor!!!”
Gunn replied directly to the comment, noting that he didn’t believe the project was ever part of the old DCEU, and no one was “done dirty.” He said:
“I didn’t think it was in the DCEU, but it was before my time. That said, I think Finn’s a [talented] boy and he’ll be okay! Writers, directors, actors have projects fall through every day. We’ve all had it happen many times. It’s not being “done dirty,” it’s part of the job.”
A Green Lantern Series is Bringing True Detective Vibes
Among James Gunn’s casting announcements forSuperman, it was revealed that regular collaboratorNathan Fillion would be taking on the role of Guy Gardnerin the DCU. However, back in January 2023, it was revealed that a Green Lantern series centering on Hal Jordan and John Stewart would also be coming down the line.
Rather than the big-budget spectacle that the original Lantern show seemed to be promising, Safran said during a press conference that the DCU’s shows would be“more of aTrue Detective– type mysterywith our two Lanterns. A terrestrial-based mystery.” Following this, Gunn said at the time:
“Leads into the overall story that we’re telling throughout the different movies and television shows. And we find this Ancient Horror on Earth. And these guy are basically, you know, super cops on precinct Earth.”
Currently there have been no further details revealed about the Green Lantern series, and currently no casting news or release date revealed.
