The DCU’s Controversial Green Lantern Debut Is Secretly The Most Effective Way To Make Up For DC’s 2011 Movie Flop

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The DCU is secretly already making up for 2011’s infamous movie flop via the controversial introduction of the franchise’s first Green Lantern character. In December 2024, the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters got underway with Creature Commandos. Creature Commandos‘ many DCU Easter eggs massively expanded the franchise in only its first entry, setting up installments to come via characters, cameos, and even outright appearances from major comic heroes like Batman.

After Creature Commandos, the next true step in the DCU is James Gunn’s Superman movie. More than anything else, Superman has been billed as the official beginning of the franchise, meaning many references to other heroes and upcoming DCU movies and shows are expected. One way in which Superman will tease what is to come in the future is by the introduction of a Green Lantern. Ironically, the controversy surrounding this Green Lantern character is the perfect way for DC Studios to subtly make up for 2011’s flop movie, Green Lantern, starring Ryan Reynolds.

The DCU’s First Look At The Green Lanterns Has Already Led To Some Audience Division

Superman’s Green Lantern Character Is Causing Discussion

The character in question is Superman‘s Guy Gardner. Gardner will be played by Nathan Fillion in Superman‘s ensemble cast with the character debuting in the film’s teaser trailer alongside the other DC heroes that will kickstart the movie side of the franchise. The appearance of Guy has caused some discussion among fans, with some insisting that they do not like his appearance or his role in the movie, while others think it is perfectly on-brand with how the character is depicted in DC Comics.

On one hand, audiences are stating Guy looks too goofy thanks to his fake-looking bowl cut and that a Lantern like him seems as though he would not fit in the Superman story. Conversely, others state that Guy Gardner has always been a visually goofy character and is regularly intentionally written as somewhat of an obnoxious, loud, opinionated character who quarrels with other heroes. As such, Gardner’s depiction in Superman matches this. Nonetheless, the division between fans since Superman‘s trailer was released has been prevalent.

How The DCU’s Green Lantern Debut Looks Set To Fix Issues 2011’s DC Movie Set Up For The Hero Mantle

Guy Gardner’s Controversy Might Just Work Out For The Better

Ironically, however, the debate about Guy Gardner in Superman may prove to work out by fixing the issues of 2011’s Green Lantern. This film became an infamous box office failure, grossing only $237 million against a $200 million budget. Moreover, the film was critically panned, with audiences also seeing it as an inferior adaptation of the source material concerning Hal Jordan as a member of the Green Lantern Corps. This failure essentially ended the chance of seeing Hal, or other Green Lanterns, on-screen in any major capacity, as evidenced by the lack of appearances since 2011.

All that said, Guy Gardner’s Superman appearance could fix some issues brought on by the Green Lantern movie. For one, Gardner is a very different character from Hal Jordan. The goofy appearance, abrasive attitude, and overall demeanor of the character are vastly different, meaning the controversy is actively distancing the DCU’s Green Lanterns from the 2011 movie. By the time Hal appears again, he may be more welcome as a result.

Secondly, Guy Gardner will prove to audiences that the Green Lanterns exist in the DCU completely. Rather than a brief, wordless cameo like in the DCEU, the franchise is beginning with a Green Lantern front and center. Proving that even one of the more eccentric Green Lantern characters can exist in the DCU will benefit the further introduction of more characters from the Corps down the line, scrubbing the stain of 2011’s movie from existence once and for all.

“}]] The DCU is already redeeming the Lanterns.  Read More