In less than a week its time for Comic-Con once again and this year is special. Not only is Marvel sitting this one out, but DC is expected to really bring the heat this year with rumored new footage from BvS, a first look at Suicide Squad and perhaps some information on Justice League: Part 1. People are also speculating that DC/WB might be revealing which actor(s) they have picked to play Green Lantern. Fans are somewhat divided as far as which GL they want to see on screen next, after Ryan Reynolds' Hal bombed and the debated lack of prominent non-white characters in CBM's.
Chris Pine - among others - have been rumored to be the next actor to get a chance to play the fearless pilot turned hero. However, recent rumors claimed there would be at least two GL's present at the same time in the DCCU, with Hal Jordan being one, and John Stewart being the other. Recently Tyrese Gibson has been heavily and publicly campaigning for the role, but personally I would prefer if DC/WB went with someone else for the role.
When I think of John Stewart I think of a rather tall, muscular, proud black man with a very compelling and powerful voice, which is why I would like our John Stewart to be preferably at least 6', have a darker complexion (since most black characters in the DCCU have been rather light-skinned) and a voice that demands respect.
Here are my top choices:
Idris Elba
Acting ability
Height
Voice
Cons:
Marvel Contract
Age
Idris Elba is the perfect choice, hands down. He’s a great actor who’s currently being underutilized by Marvel. If he’s able and willing to leave Marvel he is the John Stewart we need, and the John Stewart we deserve. At 6'2.75", Elba won't look out out place next to Affleck, Momoa, Johnson, Fisher and Cavill. He also has a voice that will make men sound like boys and women drop their panties. The Brit is turning 43 later this year but personally I’ve always pictured John Stewart to be in his late 30s/early 40s. Don’t let his age stop you WB - steal him now!
Terry Crews
Pros:
Height
Size
Voice
Cons:
Questionable acting abilities
Age
Terry Crews deserved to be Luke Cage. But Marvel chose someone else and that means their loss could be DC’s gain. He might be turning 47 this year but I think we’re safe to assume that Crews is going to stay in shape for years to come and at 6’2.5”, he’ll fit right in with the rest of the JL members. Plus, much like Stewart is in the comics, Crews is from Michigan. Although, the big question remains: is he a good enough actor to play Stewart?
Rob Brown
Pros:
Age
Height
Acting abilities
Cons:
Voice
Physique
At 31, Rob Brown is one of the youngest names on my list. At 6’1”, he’s also tall enough to fit right in with the likes of Cavill, Gadot and Miller, without rising as tall as Momoa and Affleck. He’s also proven himself a capable actor in movies such as Coach Carter, Finding Forrester and The Express. Plus, he also had a brief role in the Dark Knight Rises, so WB knows he exists. However, Brown lacks the powerful voice I think John Stewart needs and he needs to put some hours in at the gym before being ready to don the green ring.
Michael Ealy
Pros:
Acting abilities
Physique
Cons:
Height
Age
Voice
Standing at 5’10” Michael Ealy is the shortest guy on my list. I’ve previously stated that I want John Stewart to be at least 6’, but with the Tyrese Gibson rumors I figured if we’re going to have JS be one of the shorter members, we might as well have a better actor than Gibson portraying him. Ealy is turning 42 this year, but if the height isn’t an issue, I don’t see his age being one either. But, like Brown, Ealy lacks that truly compelling voice I picture John Stewart with.
Michael Jai White
Pros:
Physique
Height
Voice
Cons:
Questionable acting abilities
Age
Michael Jai White would have been almost as perfect as Elba for the role if he could act half as good as the Brit. He’s 6’0”, ripped and has a powerful voice. But his acting really is hit or miss, with significantly more misses. But, with the right director, I would remain open to the idea. Unfortunately, Jai White turns 48 this year and is the oldest name on my list. Perhaps his performance in The Dark Knight and as the Bronze Tiger in DC’s TV-universe has been good enough for DC to trust him with John Stewart, despite his age.
Charles Michael Davis
Pros:
Age
Height
Cons:
Inexperienced in Movies
At 30 years old, Davis is the youngest name on my list and the most inexperienced one. Sure, he’s had several recurring roles on various TV Shows and starred in a couple TV movies but has never appeared in any major productions. However, he has put in solid performances in both Grey’s Anatomy and The Originals, so perhaps his big break is just around the corner.
Damon Wayans Jr.
Pros:
Age
Height
Acting
Cons:
Voice
Inexperience
Previous involvement with Marvel
If Wayans signed on to play John Stewart he would be the second member of the Wayans family to land a role in a DC movie adaption, after his uncle Marlon landed the role of Robin in Tim Burton’s purposed third Batman film. For better or worse, that movie never got made so perhaps it’s time for another Wayans to get a shot. At 32, while filling out a reasonably fit 6’1” frame, Wayans definitely fits the physical requirements (although, a Snyder-workout wouldn’t hurt). The main cause of concern when it comes to Wayans is his acting. He’s a great comedic actor but is untested in more serious waters. Portraying John Stewart would give him a chance to prove that he is more than just another Wayans.
Trai Byers
Pros:
Height
Physique
Age
Voice
Cons:
Untested as a lead
I only had to watch one episode of Empire to see that Byers would be a great choice for John Stewart. At 32, he’s still young without looking too young, plus he’s also big enough with a 6’1.5” muscular frame. His voice might not be as powerful as for example Elba’s, but it can still be compelling. Also, with movies like Selma and Americons under his belt, along with Empire being a hit on TV, Byers sure is a star on the rise. Snag him before it’s too late, WB.
Who's your favorite pick? Share your thoughts below.