Ryan Reynolds told James Gunn to ‘get the f**k out’ when asked to make DCU return with ‘Green Lantern’

James Gunn had a playful interaction with Ryan Reynolds after he and Peter Safran assumed creative control of the DCU
UPDATED DEC 6, 2024
Ryan Reynolds brushed off making a return to 'Green Lantern' in a hilarious exchange with James Gunn (Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images,  Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Ryan Reynolds brushed off making a return to 'Green Lantern' in a hilarious exchange with James Gunn (Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images, Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ryan Reynolds has humorously dismissed the idea of returning as Hal Jordan in the 'Green Lantern', in James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe (DCU).

According to Gunn, the playful interaction took place shortly after he and Peter Safran assumed creative control of the DCU, as reported by GamesRadar.

James Gunn reveals Ryan Reynolds’ response to a 'Green Lantern' comeback



 

Speaking on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast, James Gunn revealed, "Ryan doesn’t give a s**t. One of the first people I talked to after getting the job was Ryan Reynolds. I’m like, ‘You coming back?’ He’s like, ‘Get the f**k out of here.’ I’m joking! I wasn’t really telling him to come back."

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 02: Ryan Reynolds seen at
 Ryan Reynolds seen at the 'Deadpool & Wolverine' special screening at Private Residence on November 2, 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Eric Charbonneau/Disney via Getty Images)

Reynolds first portrayed Hal Jordan in the 2011 'Green Lantern' film, directed by Martin Campbell. The movie, intended as the starting point for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), was met with widespread criticism and underwhelming box office performance.

Following its failure, the sequel was scrapped, and the studio shifted its focus, launching the DCEU with the 2013 'Man of Steel'.

Ryan Reynolds in Green lantern (IMdB)
Ryan Reynolds in a scene from the 2011 movie 'Green Lantern' (IMDb)

Despite the setback, Reynolds found redemption in the superhero genre with his portrayal of Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, in the wildly successful 2016 Marvel movie 'Deadpool', which later became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre to lead DCU’s 'Lanterns'

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: James Gunn speaks at the DC Studios Creature Commandos panel during New York Comic Con 2024 at The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on October 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for ReedPop)
James Gunn speaks at the DC Studios Creature Commandos panel during New York Comic Con 2024 at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center on October 19, 2024 in New York City (Craig Barritt/Getty Images for ReedPop)

While Ryan Reynolds is not returning, the 'Green Lantern' mythology will live on in James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU through the upcoming TV series 'Lanterns'.

The show, described as a "true detective-style" take on the iconic characters, will star Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. Together, they will tackle a mysterious Earth-based murder with universe-altering implications.

Chandler, an Emmy winner, is known for his signature role on 'Friday Night Lights', while Pierre is famous for his role in 'Rebel Ridge'.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Kyle Chandler attends the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at
Kyle Chandler attends the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 5, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

'Lanterns' is among the five animated series from Max under the DCU's 'Chapter One: Gods and Monsters'. Leading the slate is the recently launched 'Creature Commandos'. Filming for 'Lanterns' is set to start next month, with Chris Mundy, known for 'True Detective: Night Country', at the helm as showrunner.

Terry's struggle to justice intensifies in the climax of 'Rebel Ridge'(@netflix)
Aaron Pierre in a scene from 'Rebel Ridge' (Netflix)

Gunn recently teased that 'Lanterns' might debut ahead of 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow', slated for a 2026 theatrical release.

Though 'Lanterns' doesn’t have a confirmed release date yet, anticipation is building as it promises to redefine the 'Green Lantern' legacy.

Meanwhile, fans can dive into the DCU’s first official TV series, 'Creature Commandos', now streaming on Max.

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