Early plans for the Green Lantern film considered including Superman and/or Clark Kent as part of the story. Even before the concept of an Avengers film materialized, Marvel Studios made a tradition of including cameos from stars of their other movies. The most iconic of these cameos was Samuel L. Jackson’s appearances, but it also extended to Robert Downey Jr. making an appearance in The Incredible Hulk.
Before the release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, it was relatively uncommon to see significant overlap between characters in DC films. Interestingly, rumors have circulated that there was a potential Superman cameo considered for the 2011 Green Lantern film.
Superman Cameo Was Planned In Green Lantern
Indeed, plans were in place for a Superman cameo in the Green Lantern film, and the idea involved him being a potential Green Lantern ring bearer. Marc Guggenheim, known for his involvement in DC’s popular TV series such as Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow, discussed this possibility with Rick Marshall at MTV during the early stages of the film’s production.
“Honestly, it changes on a daily basis. Whatever information I gave you today would be obsolete in a week, and maybe come back again in two weeks,” said Guggenheim.” And even if it wasn’t in flux at the script stage, it would still be constantly in flux because you can film it, put it in the original cut, and eventually it could end up on the editing room floor.”
In discussing the Green Lantern film, Marc Guggenheim expressed a strong attachment to the idea of a Clark Kent cameo.
“The Clark Kent cameo is still near and dear to my heart. I really wanted it to be in the movie,” he said. “You never know — it can still happen. If Tom Welling has a free hour or two, you never know.”
Guggenheim mentioned his genuine desire to include it in the movie, and playfully hinted at the possibility.
Was Ryan Reynolds Forced To Star In Green Lantern?
In 2011, Ryan Reynolds ventured into the superhero realm, starring in Green Lantern as the titular character, a bearer of a powerful ring from DC Comics. His mission was to combat Parallax, a malevolent force intent on Earth’s destruction. Although there were high expectations for the film to kickstart a successful franchise, it was met with unfavorable box office results. Earning just $220 million worldwide against its $200 million budget, Green Lantern fell short of expectations, receiving poor reviews from critics.
“At the time, it was a huge opportunity for me so I was excited to try and take part in it. I did however write a letter to Fox right before I had to decide whether or not I was gonna do Green Lantern. I asked one last time sort of like the groom standing at the alter, ‘Will you please be my wife?’ and they said they couldn’t pull the trigger on Deadpool. For too many reasons too boring to illustrate, it just didn’t work.”
Renowned director Martin Campbell helmed the film, but the movie’s disappointing reception and underwhelming box office results prompted Warner Bros. to abandon any aspirations for a sequel.
Source: Legends Revealed