Tyrese Gibson Keeps Green Lantern Hopes Alive

Nearly a decade ago, petitions sprang up on various fan sites with the singular goal of seeing singer-model-actor Tyrese Gibson play the role of Green Lantern John Stewart in a live-action Warner Bros. movie. After the colossal flop that was the 2011 Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds, Gibson’s name popped up again and again as the right man to bring the most popular — and controversial — version of Green Lantern from the DC Animated Universe to life on screen.

Given the recent rumor that Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) is being considered as the director of the planned Green Lantern Corps movie that will supposedly feature an older Hal Jordan (Reynolds reprisal, please!) mentoring a much young John Stewart, it’s unlikely that the now-38 Gibson will be the right man for the job, but that hasn’t stopped him from stoking the flames of speculation about the role in a recent interview.

I would love to do it. You know, I had a couple meetings at Warner about it. I just think that they’re still trying to figure out what the move is. I would love to officially confirm, but I can’t. And if they go in a different direction — I think they know what’s best for the movie — but the fans started this campaign, and all I’ve done is made use of my social media to let folks know that I’m interested.

Despite his age, Gibson is a solid choice for the role given his background and, let’s face it, impressive physicality. Marvel has gone with older actors in many of its roles — Robert Downey, Jr., Don Cheadle, Mark Ruffalo — and it could just as easily hire an even older actor to play Hal Jordan or age-up Ryan Reynolds. What are your thoughts? Does Gibson have what it takes to wear a Green Lantern ring? Sound off below!

Green Lantern Corps is tentatively slated for a June 19, 2020, release.