It has been a good while since I first posted my top picks for the role of Hal Jordan in the DCEU, and since then we know for sure that Dan Amboyer was nothing more than a drone pilot in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and that the upcoming film will be written by David Goyer and Justin Rhodes. Therefore, after updating my list with picks for John Stewart, I figured it was about time that I did the same with my picks for Hal.
Assuming Ryan Reynolds is not returning to Oa anytime soon (no, we don't believe you Umberto), we will see a new Hal Jordan once Green Lantern Corps hits theatres in 2020.
This time around, our fearless pilot will be accompanied by fellow Lantern John Stewart, as the two will set out on a (space) buddy cop adventure. However, we still don't know within what age-range WB will be looking for talent, so for this list I will assume anything between 25-50 is fair game. I have also considered things such as physical resemblance, personality traits, and of course, the actors' acting abilities.
Preferably, Hal Jordan should be tall - but not tower over Superman - so an appropriate height might be somewhere in between 5'11" and 6'2". Our Hal should be fit and muscular, but he does not have to be as big as Aquaman or Batman, or as ripped as Superman. In my opinion, one of the more crucial aspects is that the actor needs to be charming, as charm is a big part of Hal's character.
Armie Hammer
Acting abilities
Charisma
Age
Cons:
Height
Armie Hammer has been linked with the role in recent weeks, and he remains my top pick.
Not only does the 6’5” American actor have the look of Hal Jordan, he also a very capable actor. The upcoming
GLC also happens to feature more than one lead, and Hammer especially shines when he gets to share the spotlight with someone else. Although, while his height would make him fit right in with the likes of Affleck, Momoa, Johnson and Fisher, Hammer too would tower over the Man of Steel himself, much like he did in Man from U.N.C.L.E. Nevertheless, given his resemblance to the character, his charm, and his age, it would be unwise to not even consider him for the role.
Jake Gyllenhaal
Pros:
Acting abilities
Charisma
Height
Cons:
Busy
Fans have been dreaming about seeing Gyllenhaal star in a comic book movie for years, so when his name popped up on a rumored shortlist regarding Hal Jordan, fans rejoiced. Turning in several great performances in recent years, Gyllenhaal is currently a hot name in Hollywood and the kind of name that could draw an audience to another GL flick, after Ryan Reynolds failed attempt, but his star power might make finding time to join a franchise hard for the 34-year-old American. Nevertheless, Gyllenhaal has the look, the height and, the charm, and the star power needed. Go get him, WB.
Jamie Dornan
Pros:
Height
Charm
Cons:
Bad reputation
Oh, Jamie. Once believed to be the next star on the rise, Dornan unfortunately signed on to portray Mr. Grey in the horrendous
50 Shades of Grey adaption, and will reprise the role in the upcoming sequel. With that on his resume, Dornan needs something else to make him the star that he was predicted to become, and that could be righting Reynolds’ wrongs and taking on the role of Hal Jordan in
GLC. He might be Irish, but this 5’11” 33-year-old Irishman has proven to have a knack for accents and should have no trouble adapting an American one for Hal Jordan.
John Krasinski
Pros:
Height
Charisma
Acting ability
Cons:
Lack of star power
You know his face, but perhaps not his name. The former
Office star has recently grown into something of a fan favorite for Hal Jordan, and it is easy to see why. Once in the running for the role of Captain America in the MCU, Krasinski has tried to reshape his career in recent years by transforming the lanky physique we remember from the
Office and starring in more action films. With his incredible charisma, Krasinski would portray an excellent Hal, and the only thing standing in his way might be that the smell left behind my Reynolds might coerce WB into looking for a bigger name. If that is the case, WB will miss out.
Bill Skarsgård
Pros:
Age
Acting
Cons:
Height
The son of
Thor and Avengers actor Stellan Skarsgård, and the younger brother of actors Alexander (
True Blood, The Legend of Tarzan) and Gustaf (
Vikings) is starting to make a name for himself in Hollywood, and it is easy to understand why. After putting together a string of impressive performances, the young Swede is set to play Pennywise in the remake of Stephen King's
It later this year, which could potentially take his career to new heights. At 6'3.75", some might say that Skarsgård might be too tall for Hal, but given his talent I think WB should give the up-and-comer a second glance.
Jack Reynor
Pros:
Height
Charisma
Cons:
Lack of star power
The American-born Irishman had his first big break in 2014 when he portrayed Mark Wahlberg's daughter's boyfriend in
Transformers: Age of Extinction, but the actor has received plenty of praise for what he has accomplished since. Reynor might still be far from a household name in Hollywood, but a role in the DCEU could change that in a heartbeat, and he would be a great fit for Hal Jordan. Naturally charismatic, young, and appropriately tall, Reynor could potentially really shine as the fearless pilot, and WB would be wise to at the very least consider the young Irishman.
Glenn Howerton
Pros:
Height
Acting
Cons:
Inexperience with blockbusters
For fans of
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, picturing Howerton playing anyone but Dennis Reynolds might be tough, but it is hard to deny that he would be a great pick for Hal Jordan. Incredibly charming and funny, the 40 year old, 5'10" tall actor does not only physically resembles the fearless pilot, but Howerton could easily bring the level of arrogance Hal needs, without compromising the natural charisma of the character.
James Marsden
Pros:
Acting
Charisma
Cons:
Age
The subject of a recent rumor regarding Hal Jordan, the 43 year old American actually fits the bill quite well. He looks like the character, has the needed charm, and has plenty of experience acting in comic book movies after portraying Cyclops in two (and like 2 additional scenes) of Fox's X-Men films, and appearing in Bryan Singer's
Superman Returns. However, he's turning 44 this year, so he might be hesitant to join a franchise of this magnitude at this stage of his career.
Can you think of anyone else that would be a good fit? Share your thoughts below.