Why Ryan Reynolds Left DC: The Green Lantern Stance Revisited
The career of Ryan Reynolds, particularly his departure from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), has been a subject of speculation and discussion. As of August 2023, Reynolds had not been involved in any significant roles within the DCEU. He is primarily known for his portrayal of Deadpool in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) under 20th Century Fox, a role he played during a period when Fox was still independent before Disney's acquisition.
Initial Interest in Green Lantern
Reynolds had initially expressed interest in the character of Green Lantern, which he played in the 2011 film. However, the movie was poorly received, and since then, there has been no significant return to the DC franchise. His focus remained on projects within the Marvel universe and other ventures including his production company and various film roles.
Reflection on the Green Lantern Film
Reynolds described the Green Lantern movie as a 'horrible, hokey film' with only a few bright spots. Despite some positive aspects, the overall experience was not enjoyable. When discussing the reasons for his departure, he provides a more nuanced perspective, explaining that the project faced significant production challenges and a lack of coherent vision. This sentiment is echoed by Reynolds himself:
“Green Lantern fell victim to the process in Hollywood which is poster first, release date second, script last.”
The Behind-the-Scenes Experience
Reynolds shares that he initially felt excited about the opportunity to play Hal Jordan, one of his childhood heroes. However, as production progressed, the film's rushed production process and lack of direction became apparent. He felt that the project was a 'ship headed straight for an iceberg.' He actually begged the studios to consider scrapping the film early and suggested making a Deadpool-based flick instead, which he believed could work better. This demonstrates his efforts to salvage a project he otherwise felt proud of. His experience with Green Lantern negatively impacted his career:
“After Green Lantern studios avoided Reynolds like the plague. Job opportunities thinned out, castings became less frequent, and his professional life basically hit a standstill.”
The Leap into Deadpool
Only after Fox listened to his advice and produced Deadpool did Reynolds see a significant turn in his career. He firmly clung to his passion project and seized the opportunity. Having been pushing to make Deadpool for 11 years, its success allowed him to find his home within the MCU. Reynolds' fondness for the character highlights his desire for a well-structured and well-direct film project.
Appreciation for Green Lantern Team
While Reynolds is not fond of the Green Lantern film, he respects the crew members and women who worked on it. He appreciates their efforts to salvage the film. Reynolds maintains a high level of respect for the film's team but is in no hurry to return to poorly-planned projects. This stance aligns with his desire for quality work and his understanding that not all projects can be salvaged.
Future Collaboration
If DC casts him in a film he fancies, Reynolds would gladly take the role. Until then, he remains content in his current position. This statement reflects his pragmatic approach to his career and his focus on making the best decisions for his professional growth.