10 Reasons John Stewart Needs To Be The Cinematic Green Lantern
Hal who?
The most famous Green Lantern in DC Comics is Hal Jordan. Yet, famous in the comic book world and famous in the movie world are not the same thing. Comic book readers make up but a fraction of a blockbuster’s audience, so Jordan’s notoriety to a small few, despite his appearances in the 2011 film as well as the New 52 incarnation of the Justice League, means little to the powers that be.
The DC brain trust is looking for the most electric, exciting and mass appealing character possible to wear the Green Lantern ring in the upcoming Justice League film, one who's both recognizable and relatable. Thankfully, there's a character who fits the bill, and if recent rumours are to be believed, he could be the new Green Lantern.
That man is John Stewart. Over the years he's been an architect, an engineer, and a military man, but in every version of his story he’s been drafted to become a Green Lantern, using the power of will to fight threats both alien and Earth-based.
Because of his power and importance, the Justice League has always had a Green Lantern and the upcoming film will be no different. And, with the Corps member yet to be cast, it's time to realise that it should be Stewart who wears the Green Lantern’s ring.
10. A Different Kind Of Hero
In 1971, in order to fit with America’s diverse makeup, an African-American named John Stewart was introduced as a new Green Lantern. Even though it was due time for a prominent black superhero, it wasn’t just what was on his outside that set him apart.
On top of being a different superhero in terms of race, Stewart offered a completely new perspective on how a superhero can operate. He stayed true to Hal Jordan’s ideas of justice, but his means of attaining those results were vastly different.
Fresh off the Civil Rights movement, Stewart was angry and arrogant. In his very first appearance, he challenged police officers and called Hal Jordan a racist. He even discarded his mask, not wanting to hide who he is. In spite of all that, at the end of the day, Stewart still stopped the threat at hand. Considering the ever-present prospect of superhero fatigue, a hero who essentially spits in the face of the ways things are usually done could be just the thing DC needs to set their films apart from Marvel's safer fare.