Tyrese Gibson Teases 'Green Lantern' Casting

Rumors have been circulating for some time now (even as recent as the past week) that Warner Bros.’ new Green Lantern movie will focus on not one, but multiple Green Lanterns, in keeping with the comics. Chris Pine has been rumored for the role of Hal Jordan since last year, but Fast and Furious star Tyrese Gibson has been lobbying for a role in WB’s reboot as well. It looks like he may have gotten it.

Gibson took to Instagram to post the two photos below, teasing “The Oath has been taken” and “double trouble.” The photos feature a Photoshopped version of Pine as Hal Jordan, with Gibson as John Stewart:

Beyond that, Gibson also spoke with E!, saying “I took an oath” before confirming that he had a meeting with WB and “certain things were said.” As for a potential Comic-Con announcement, Gibson said, “you never know,” but seemed to be hinting that is was likely. He didn’t completely confirm his casting (although those Instagram posts would indicate otherwise), but he did add:

You know, listen, there are certain things I can’t speak on. But I will say that, however way this works out, it’s definitely the fans’ fault. I was at home minding my own business and fans start creating these fan-made videos of me as Green Lantern and I looked into it. I’ve been a fan of the Green Lantern.

For those unfamiliar, John Stewart was DC’s first black superhero, originally created as a substitute Green Lantern. Stewart is a Marine veteran and architect from Detroit who has issues with authority. He was selected by the Guardians as a back-up for Hal Jordan after Guy Gardner was seriously injured while trying to save someone from an oncoming car. Stewart eventually became a full-time Green Lantern for a stretch of time in the ‘80s.

Gibson is best known for his role in the Fast and Furious franchise, where he often provides comic relief, so he definitely has the charisma for a superhero film. Some might argue that he lacks the seriousness for the role of Stewart, a guy who has a lot of emotional baggage, but perhaps Gibson needs a real acting challenge.

On the flip side, it’s possible that Gibson has not been cast in a Green Lantern movie, but instead has been cast as Stewart in a new animated series. That would make sense, and would offer another explanation to his “double trouble” tease — we could have Pine on the big screen and Gibson on the small screen, and Gibson’s charms are perfect for an animated series.

It seems we’ll have a definitive answer next month during Comic-Con.