Following the cancellation of the Green Lantern series in the DCEU, Finn Wittrock shares his journey with Guy Gardner and his vision for the future.
The ever-changing and ever-changing DC Comics universe has given us a glimpse of what could be: Finn Wittrock as Guy Gardner in the Green Lantern series will never see the light of day. Known for his versatility and charisma, Wittrock immersed himself in the Green Lantern universe with a keen sense of adventure, albeit a short one, leaving indelible marks and valuable lessons.
Interrupted destiny
Finn Wittrock was on the verge of playing one of the iconic Lanterns when the project was abruptly canceled. The actor talked about how his house was transformed into a little Green Lantern comic shrine. “I had like 20 green lanterns in my closet. I started reading them, and my five-year-old son found them and said, ‘Dad, what’s this?’ And I said, ‘Do research on an unlikely project,'” Wittrock said in an interview with ComicBook.
This brief but significant exposure to Green Lantern history not only increased his appreciation for the superhero narrative, but also set the stage for future roles in the comic book universe.
In addition to immersing himself in his stories, Wittrock faces the challenge of meeting the visual needs of his characters. Guy Gardner, known for his distinctive bobbed hair and red hair, is a character that requires a significant physical transformation. “I know fans won’t forgive me if I don’t sport red hair and a bowl cut. So I was mentally preparing myself. Physically, I would have waited until the last possible second for that,” Wittrock says of his commitment to character and the importance of honoring fans’ expectations.
Full of possibilities in the future
While the project with Wittrock as the main character is fading, James Gunn and Peter Safran have announced a new vision for a different approach to the DC Universe. The new project, Lantern, explores the adventures of Hal Jordan and Jon Stewart, leaving Guy Gardner behind. However, it is known that Nathan Fillion will play Gardner in the future in the DCU, starting with Creature Commando and possibly joining forces in the Lanterns.
Despite the disappointment, Wittrock is optimistic: “It was a great Green Lantern lesson and I love the story now. It definitely hurt to know it wasn’t going to happen, but it was good because I was able to realize what I needed to do to prepare for a role like this. So, let’s hope that another role in the world of comics, whatever that may be, comes my way. And at least now I have an idea of how to enter that world.
Teaching in bankruptcy
Wittrock’s experience, though marked by an unfinished project, highlights an important lesson in the entertainment industry: adaptability and persistence are essential. For actors and creators in the world of superheroes, each canceled project is an end and a new beginning, an opportunity to redirect interests and efforts into new creative horizons.
This event not only highlights the current nature of the industry, but also highlights the importance of the fan community and its influence on creative decisions. As Finn Wittrock moves on, his brief stint in the Green Lantern world remains a reminder of what could have been, and still is, in the wider DC Comics universe.