Yeah, there was a big Green Lantern theme at Comicpalooza 2011 and, while I don’t know who most of these Lanterns were supposed to be, they seemed enthusiastic. Speaking of Green Lantern, I had a chance to talk with Nick Jones, who is playing John Stewart in the movie and I learned Stewart won’t become a Lantern in the film. Here is what he had to say:
** Jones’s scene was cut from the final movie **
Shawn S. Lealos: We’re you a comic fan growing up?
Nick Jones: I was.
Shawn S. Lealos: We’re you a Green Lantern fan in specific?
Nick Jones: Not a Green Lantern fan in specific. I wasn’t really introduced to Green Lantern until the JLU cartoon came out on Cartoon Network so I was a Justice League fan and knew about John Stewart. I didn’t know too much about Hal Jordan until the movie went into pre-production. That’s when I started reading about the mythology of that. I kind of grew up on the Marvel side.
Shawn S. Lealos: Do the fans that stop by seem pretty accepting of the movie so far?
Nick Jones: Yeah, I think so. I know there was a lot of heat towards Warner’s in the beginning when they cast Ryan but we all knew he was the best person for the job. I think fans are starting to see that as more of the footage is being released.
Shawn S. Lealos: With Ryan in it, you might think it has a lot more humor in it because he is known for comedy. The first couple of trailers were iffy but the last trailer really kind of kicked some ass.
Nick Jones: A lot of people may forget but Ryan played in Smokin’ Aces and he was serious that entire film. And also The Amityville Horror. So, I’ve seen him play a character and go one entire movie without saying one joke or having one comedic scene in the film.
Shawn S. Lealos: Have you seen Buried?
Nick Jones: Yes, so there are three films right there he starred in that had no comedy. I knew he could pull it off.
Shawn S. Lealos: Does John Stewart become a Lantern in the movie.
Nick Jones: No.
Shawn S. Lealos: Is it kind of like Iron Man, where you say ‘here is Rhodey and he is going to become War Machine down the line.’ Have you signed on for the sequels?
Nick Jones: We are all open for sequels but no one has signed on yet. I think they are waiting to see how big the first one does. As far as me being like Rhodey in Iron Man, I can only say if you have read Secret Origins, you kind of know where we are going.
Shawn S. Lealos: Have you seen the movie?
Nick Jones: Not yet.
Shawn S. Lealos: People have been kind of worried about Ryan’s costume.
Nick Jones: Nothing to worry about. It was the best idea for the costume.
Shawn S. Lealos: So, what is next for you?
Nick Jones: I’ve got Weather Wars coming out July 7 on the Scy-Fy channel. I’ve still got a year and three months left in the military so I’m not out there auditioning as much as I’d like to because I’ve got restrictions. We’ll see where it goes
