A recently resurfaced discussion about a canceled film project has revealed that the iconic superhero Green Lantern was set to appear in a proposed R-rated movie centered on the antihero Lobo. The film, which was never produced, was intended to be a darker and more violent take on the DC Comics universe.
Jason Fuchs, the writer behind the unmade Lobo film, shared insights during an episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast hosted by Josh Horowitz. He described the project as “extremely violent” and emphasized its intended R-rating. Fuchs stated, “Hard R. Psychotic movie, very violent. It made Deadpool look like a Disney family film, which is probably why it ultimately didn’t get made.”
Details of the Canceled Project
The screenplay reportedly aimed to expand the DC mythology, featuring not only Lobo but also a variety of other beloved characters, including Green Lantern. Fuchs expressed his enthusiasm for the script, saying, “I loved writing that script, and there was a Green Lantern involved. There were all kinds of fun DC characters who popped up in the context of that.”
He elaborated that while the film was primarily a Lobo story, it also laid the groundwork for a potential series focused on the Legion of Super-Heroes. The ambitious nature of the project likely contributed to its cancellation, as studios often hesitate to greenlight films that deviate significantly from established norms.
Green Lantern’s Near Miss in Other DC Projects
The Lobo film is not the only occasion when Green Lantern almost made a significant appearance in DC productions. Around the same timeframe, director Zack Snyder considered introducing John Stewart, a character associated with the Green Lantern Corps, into the DC Extended Universe.
In Snyder’s vision, Stewart was set to replace Martian Manhunter in a crucial scene. The role was filled by actor Wayne T. Carr, who was cast as Stewart and even filmed the scene. However, it was ultimately removed following a studio review, marking yet another missed opportunity for the character.
The revelations regarding the Lobo film and previous Green Lantern adaptations underscore the complexities and challenges faced by filmmakers in bringing beloved comic book stories to the big screen. Despite the excitement surrounding these projects, the industry continues to grapple with balancing creative ambition and commercial viability.
