By now, you’ve presumably heard that Bradley Cooper (“Wedding Crashers”) is reportedly in line for the lead in Martin Campbell’s “Green Lantern.”
Hitflix‘s Drew McWeeney, who broke the story did say the deal isn’t done and that Warner Bros. were still eyeing many actors, but stated, “I’m not a betting man, but if I were, I would bet that Cooper’s going to be the guy,” which makes it sound that he’s pretty sure about his sources.
However, EW, who are wont to write, “Ohnoyoudint! well, actually…” pieces said nothing is set in stone yet (umm, but Hitflix said that too). A source tells EW, “[Cooper] came in and met [director] Martin Campbell. He’s definitely in contention, everyone’s very interested in him, but it’s far from being decided. He’s one of the people that’s in serious consideration, but he’s not in a negotiation.”
They’re not adding a lot to the story frankly, but are they just trying to poo-poo Hitflix’s story (like they are inclined to do with any story they don’t break themselves)? Hard to say (yes).
Last night, news broke that the “Green Lantern” intended release date of December 7, 2010, was being pushed back until June 17, 2011. What many have failed to note (including us this morning), is that this date means, WB/D.C. Comics’ ‘Lantern,’ will go head to head with Marvel Studios’ “Thor” which is also set for a June 17, 2011 release date.
Is this intentional? In your face, Kenneth Branagh? Perhaps WB’s game of chicken two years before the fact? Hard to say, but obviously both films have plenty of times to change their schedules. Update: Hmm, “Thor” seems to have quietly moved to a May 20, 2011 release date. When did that happen? Scratch that DC/Marvel beef theory, too bad, woulda been interesting.
Cooper will next be seen in Todd Phillips’ likely return-to-form, “The Hangover” which hits this June. For the record, we love Cooper, but after seeing “Star Trek,” its quite evident that Chris Pine — once rumored to be up for “Green Lantern” — would also make for a very capable Hal Jordan too. However, if claims that the ‘Lantern’ film might center around some elements of light comedy ala “Iron Man,” are true (and the one version of the script does suggest that) maybe Cooper does have the edge.