Rumours are swirling that Josh Brolin, renowned for his portrayal of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has been offered the role of Hal Jordan in James Gunn’s DC Universe, specifically in the upcoming TV series Lanterns. As reported by The InSneider and Nexus Point News, this new role would mark Brolin’s shift from one of Marvel’s greatest villains to a leading hero in the DC Universe.
The series, part of James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe, is set to highlight the Green Lantern Corps more prominently than its predecessors in the DCEU. Lanterns will focus on the characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a dark, earth-based mystery involving a murder in the American heartland. While casting for John Stewart has not yet been confirmed, Brolin is reportedly in talks to play Hal Jordan, a role that has not been prominently featured since Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal in the 2011 film Green Lantern.
Chris Mundy of Ozark and True Detective: Night Country fame is set to showrun the series, collaborating with writers Damon Lindelof and Tom King. The show promises a more mystery-focused narrative, diverging from the earlier light-hearted or straightforward superhero plots seen in prior adaptations.
Brolin, who is 56, brings a wealth of experience to the potential role. His portrayal of Jonah Hex in 2010’s movie of the same name, Cable in Deadpool 2, and his iconic role as Thanos have shown his capability to handle complex characters across various narrative styles. This experience makes him a suitable candidate for Hal Jordan, who is described by HBO as a ‘Lantern legend’, indicating a more mature and mentor-like version of the character, especially in relation to the newer recruit, John Stewart.
Despite some fans favouring younger actors like Glen Powell and Chris Pratt for the role of Hal Jordan, Brolin’s offer aligns with DCU’s casting patterns, as seen with Nathan Fillion, aged 53, playing the Green Lantern Guy Gardner in Gunn’s Superman. This suggests a deliberate choice for more seasoned actors to take on these seasoned roles.
In the broader context of his career, Brolin’s roles often mesh well with characters that require a deep moral complexity and a robust physical presence, traits essential for Hal Jordan. His portrayal of Gurney Halleck in the Dune franchise, where he mentors Timothée Chalamet’s character, showcases his ability to guide and influence pivotal characters, a dynamic expected to be central in Lanterns.
With his proven track record in blockbuster franchises, Josh Brolin’s potential casting in the DC Universe could offer a fresh yet experienced perspective to one of its most storied heroes.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
