Former '90210' star Brian Austin Green has revealed that he is actively campaigning for the lead role in Warner Bros.' 'Green Lantern,' making him the latest addition to a list of possible contenders that also includes Chris Pine, Ryan Gosling, Emile Hirsch, Sam Worthington and Anton Yelchin. But for all its impressiveness, the list of rumored names remains just that.And 'Green Lantern' isn't the only superhero tentpole of late to experience casting difficulties. There's also 'Thor,' 'The First Avenger: Captain America,' 'The Flash' and the eagerly anticipated 'Iron Man 2.' With all the rumors and Internet chatter, it's often impossible to distinguish fact from wishful thinking. But fear not -- Moviefone is here to save the day with a rundown of what's really going on with the next big wave of superhero blockbusters. -- By Tom DiChiara
'The Green Lantern'
Though WB is still in search of the man to play Hal Jordan and his alter-ego the Green Lantern, the film already has a finished script, courtesy of Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Michael Green, and an accomplished director in Martin Campbell, best known for helming the James Bond flicks 'Golden Eye' and 'Casino Royale.' Though Ryan Gosling was long rumored the top choice to play the character, whose green ring gives him power over the physical world, he reportedly passed on the role in February -- and 'Star Trek' star Chris Pine has since confirmed to MTV.com that he's met with the 'Lantern' casting director and producers to discuss the role but has yet to be offered the part. The movie is poised for a Dec. 17, 2010, release.
'Iron Man 2'
After much behind-the-scenes drama, filming on the sequel to last summer's breakout hit got underway last week with a cast that looks a bit different than was originally intended. Robert Downey Jr. is obviously back as Tony Stark, as is Gwyneth Paltrow as his faithful assistant Pepper Potts. Also returning as Nick Fury is Samuel L. Jackson -- who has inked a deal with Marvel to appear as Fury in up to nine movies, including 'Thor,' 'Captain America,' 'The Avengers' and 'The Shield.' But in a huge shocker, Don Cheadle has replaced Terrence Howard as Col. Rhodes in the sequel. Meanwhile, Emily Blunt, who was initially tapped to play villainess the Black Widow, was forced to drop out due to a commitment to 'Gulliver's Travels'; Scarlett Johansson stepped in to take her spot. And, after strenuous negotiations, Marvel finally nabbed Mickey Rourke to play main villain Whiplash. But all that drama is in the past now, and the future -- May 7, 2010, to be exact -- holds more 'Iron Man.'
Scarlett Johansson Photos
LONDON - MARCH 24: Scarlett Johansson arrives for the Moet and Chandon: A Tribute to Cinema party at Big Sky Studios on March 24, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
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LONDON - MARCH 24: Scarlett Johansson arrives for the Moet and Chandon: A Tribute to Cinema party at Big Sky Studios on March 24, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
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LONDON - MARCH 24: Scarlett Johansson arrives for the Moet and Chandon: A Tribute to Cinema party at Big Sky Studios on March 24, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LONDON - MARCH 24: Scarlett Johansson arrives for the Moet and Chandon: A Tribute to Cinema party at Big Sky Studios on March 24, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LONDON - MARCH 24: Scarlett Johansson arrives for the Moet and Chandon: A Tribute to Cinema party at Big Sky Studios on March 24, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LONDON - MARCH 24: Scarlett Johansson arrives for the Moet and Chandon: A Tribute to Cinema party at Big Sky Studios on March 24, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LONDON - MARCH 24: Scarlett Johansson arrives for the Moet and Chandon: A Tribute to Cinema party at Big Sky Studios on March 24, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LONDON - MARCH 24: Scarlett Johansson arrives for the Moet and Chandon: A Tribute to Cinema party at Big Sky Studios on March 24, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LONDON - MARCH 24: Scarlett Johansson arrives for the Moet and Chandon: A Tribute to Cinema party at Big Sky Studios on March 24, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LONDON - MARCH 24: Scarlett Johansson arrives for the Moet and Chandon: A Tribute to Cinema party at Big Sky Studios on March 24, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
Getty Images
'Thor'
This flick about a hammer-wielding, helmet-wearing Norse god has fanboys champing at the bit thanks to the odd and oddly exciting news that Kenneth Branagh -- whose directorial experience is comprised of mostly cerebral fare and Shakespeare adaptations -- has signed on to direct. So far the only cast member announced is Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. Meanwhile, Channing Tatum recently told MTV.com that he's out of the running to play Thor because the studio wants someone "more Nordic-looking." That leaves Alexander Skarsgard, son of actor Stellan, at the top of the rumors list for the hero, while Josh Hartnett is reportedly the frontrunner to play villain Loki and Natalie Portman is the first choice to play Thor's love interest. The film is set to be released June 17, 2011.
'The First Avenger: Captain America'
'Rocketeer' and 'Wolfman' director Joe Johnston is set to helm, and Sam Jackson is -- once again -- on board to play Nick Fury. Other than that, all that exists are rumors. Though Will Smith was once thought to be in contention for the lead, that's since been debunked. Matthew McConaughey now tops Marvel's wish list, though Channing Tatum has also been rumored (definitely a better fit than 'Thor,' if you want our two cents). But sadly, there's nothing concrete to report -- except that the film has been set for a July 22, 2011, theatrical bow.
'The Flash'
'Jonny Quest' screenwriter Dan Mazeau is currently at work on the script, and 'Wedding Crashers' director David Dobkin is attached to direct. Ryan Reynolds had been in the running (get it?) to play lightning-quick Barry Allen/the Flash, but it appears his role as Deadpool in 'Wolverine' has filled his superhero quotient for the foreseeable future. That leaves Neil Patrick Harris (who dressed up like the Flash in an episode of 'How I Met Your Mother') and 'Friday Night Lights'/'Speed Racer' star Scott Porter as rumored frontrunners, though nothing has been confirmed. We vote for NPH.
Best & Worst Superhero Costumes - Poll Results
Superpowers are nice and all, but just as vital to the superhero mystique is the costume. Can you imagine someone trying to save the world in a sweatshirt and jeans? Wouldn't stand a chance.
With 'Watchmen' adding some slick new additions to the costume department, we asked users to vote on which crimefighters have donned the coolest outfits. Click through to see the poll results after almost one million votes, as we count "down" superhero costumes from coolest to lamest.
Warner Bros.(2) | Paramount | 20th Century Fox
Spider Man (Black Version)
Played by: Tobey Maguire in 'Spider Man 3' (2007)
Sure, the red suit is a classic -- but the black threads Tobey Maguire dons in 'Spider Man 3' are the perfect expression of his transformation into an edgier, angstier, more emo webslinger.
You Said...
Super-cool: 91%
Super-lame: 9%
Sony
Iron Man
Played by: Robert Downey Jr. in 'Iron Man' (2008)
It takes a righteously inventive dude like Tony Stark to fashion a suit of red and gold that gives him the power of flight, fight and might. He has no special abilities at all without it, making it a super costume indeed.
You Said...
Super-cool: 89%
Super-lame: 11%
Paramount
Batman
Played by: Christian Bale in 'Batman Begins' (2005)
Christian Bale's 'Batman Begins'/'Dark Knight' Batsuit strikes the perfect balance of form and function: Not only is it fear-strikingly badass, but it features tons of nifty state-of-the-art gadgets and armor to ensure that the Dark Knight always vanquishes his foes.
You Said...
Super-cool: 87%
Super-lame: 13%
Warner Bros.
Batman
Played by: Michael Keaton in 'Batman' (1989)
Before Christopher Nolan entered the scene, Tim Burton took the Bat a bit darker (no more Bam! Kapow!). We've long thought Michael Keaton's personification in Burton's 1989 flick is under-rated, as is his getup. The neoprene suit made us believe 'Mr. Mom' was a superhero. Talk about Bam! Kapow!
You Said...
Super-cool: 82%
Super-lame: 18%
Everett Collection
Spider-Man
Played by: Tobey Maguire in 'Spider-Man' (2003)
With great power comes great responsibility -- to dress the part of respectable arachnid-bitten good guy. Created by Peter Parker for his aborted career as a pro wrestler, the suit was retooled when Parker decided to use his power for good.
You Said...
Super-cool: 82%
Super-lame: 18%
Sony
Elektra
Played by: Jennifer Garner in 'Elektra' (2005)
Jennifer Garner's Elektra costume does little to hide her identity (or much of anything else) -- nothing like pummeling baddies whilst wearing crimson Victoria's Secret lingerie.
You Said...
Super-cool: 80%
Super-lame: 20%
Doane Gregory, 20th Century Fox
Wolverine
Played by: Hugh Jackman in 'X-Men' (2000)
The X-Men's superpowers are derived from genetic mutations, but there's nothing freaky about the team uniform. Luckily all the good mutants can rock a tight black one-piece -- none more pleasingly than Wolverine.
You Said...
Super-cool: 80%
Super-lame: 20%
20th Century Fox
Silk Spectre II
Played by: Malin Akerman in 'Watchmen' (2009)
The getup Silk Spectre (Malin Akerman) sports while fighting crime in 'Watchmen' looks like something a futuristic stripper would wear -- and we mean that in the best possible way.
You Said...
Super-cool: 77%
Super-lame: 23%
Warner Bros.
Catwoman
Played by: Halle Berry in 'Catwoman' (2004)
Say what you will about the movie (oh, and we do), but Catwoman's costume -- a black distressed leather suit -- is not the reason this franchise didn't fly.
You Said...
Super-cool: 74%
Super-lame: 26%
Warner Bros.
Reader Comments (4)
Ken Hill at 6:48PM on Apr 16th 2009
Ok, it's "The Batman" and just "Green Lantern" not "the Green Lantern". NPH as Flash are you serious!?!?! He is to scrawny to play the Flash! Also as a note to Warner Brothers, people who watch and go to superhero movies by and large already know the stories. Watchmen, probably not so much. Wil Smith maybe could have played GL if they were doing John Stewart. Give him a bit role in the JLA movie as Black Lightning, that would be a cool move. Also, get out Kevin Smith's script and relaunch Superman. Have Brandon Routh gain 20 more pounds of muscle or wear the padded suit(I vote for the 20 pounds), have Kate Bosworth gain 20 pounds also. Lois has curves!! Or scrap Brandon and Kate and have Tom and Erica do the parts like they're supposed to. They don't have a son, he's Kryptonian, she's human. It's called genetics! I wish Marvel would take a page out of the movie dudes stuff and trim and pare down their line-up. My comic shop has a whole half a shelf of X-men comics. They are as much a mess in comics as the final X-men left the movies! Brett Ratner should never ever ever be allowed near a comic movie director's chair. If anyone gets the urge, call me and I'll come direct it!!
Allen Kephart at 6:55PM on Apr 16th 2009
Maybe the producers of the Green Lantern movie picked the guy from 90210 because his name is Brian Austin GREEN (LOL)!
Chrissi at 5:10PM on Apr 17th 2009
i thought the green lantern was a black guy??? lol
tori at 12:30AM on Apr 19th 2009
I think Brian Austin Green would be perfect as The Great Lantern, he's hot looking and is in great shape. He's one hell of an actor to if they would give him a chance.