Ryan Reynolds Could’ve Saved Green Lantern — Director Admits He Wasn’t the Right Fit

It’s been more than a decade since Ryan Reynolds donned the emerald ring in 2011’s Green Lantern, a film that’s become almost legendary for its missteps—both inside and outside the DC fandom. Yet, director Martin Campbell, best known for his James Bond hits like Casino Royale and GoldenEye, believes the movie might have found its footing with one crucial change: Reynolds behind the script.

In a recent interview with The Direct, Campbell was frank about what could have saved the superhero film from its infamous fate. “In fact, I wish to God he had written the script, and it would have been great,” Campbell admitted. “But he’s always taking jabs at it. And fair enough.” The director is, of course, referencing Reynolds’s signature wit—now immortalized in his Deadpool films and frequent social media jokes at Green Lantern’s expense.

It’s a perspective that resonates. Reynolds has proven time and again that his sharp comedic voice can transform a movie’s tone—something that was missing in the overly serious, CGI-heavy Green Lantern. “Ryan’s a very funny guy, very fun. We actually had a terrific time on the film. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and with Blake Lively. She was terrific as well,” Campbell recalled, emphasizing the enjoyable atmosphere on set even if the end result didn’t meet expectations. “He’s got a great whip, you know, Ryan,” he added with a laugh.

Despite the camaraderie among the cast and crew, Campbell has never shied away from owning the film’s failings. Speaking with IGN in 2021, he was candid about his own ambivalence toward the superhero genre, which may have played a part in the film’s shortcomings. “The film did not work, really. That’s the point, and I’m partly responsible for that. I shouldn’t have done it. Because with something like Bond — I love Bond, and I watched every Bond film before I ever directed it. Superhero movies are not my cup of tea, and for that reason, I shouldn’t have done it.”

He went on to reflect on the nature of cinematic flops, saying, “It’s on directors to carry the can for the failures. Success has many fathers whereas failure has one. I see myself as the father.”

But there’s a bright spot for Green Lantern fans: the emerald hero is set to reemerge in the new DC Universe. James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film, arriving in July, will introduce Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, another iconic Green Lantern. For Campbell and Reynolds, Green Lantern may always be a “what could have been”—but for DC, the ring’s story is just beginning anew.