Geoff Johns to Write, Produce “Green Lantern Corps”

Geoff Johns is reportedly taking over as writer and producer of the DC Extended Universe’s upcoming Green Lantern Corps movie, implying that that film may be on the docket once again.

This word comes from The Hollywood Reporter, which notes that this new role comes as he steps down from his executive posts at DC Entertainment, to be replaced by Jim Lee. This sounds like good news for fans of the Green Lantern franchise, as Johns had a popular nine-year run on the comic book.

Johns (who is also involved in Aquaman and Wonder Woman 2) seems happy with this change. “I took on a role at DCE because I love the characters and this universe more than anything,” he said. “But, I want to spend my days writing and on set. I’m thrilled to get back to a more hands-on creative role.”

Warner Bros. has been restructuring, particularly regarding those in charge of the struggling DCEU. Earlier attempts tried to position Johns as the head of the franchise, a position akin to Kevin Feige with the Marvel Cinematic Universe; however, some wondered if he was up to the task, because, as his statement indicates, Johns is more of a storyteller than an executive.

Green Lantern focuses on a group of interstellar peacekeepers chosen from planets all over the known universe. Each member has a special ring that allows them to create any item that they can imagine out of solid light and their own willpower. Naturally, stories usually focus on the human Green Lanterns, who include Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardener and Kyle Rayner.

Warner Bros. made a Green Lantern movie back in 2011, with Ryan Reynolds starring as Hal Jordan; this film was actually meant to be the first in a shared universe. However, the movie did not do well either financially or critically, so it is not canon to the DCEU, which instead begins with 2013’s Man of Steel.

The new movie has been said to focus on Hal Jordan and John Stewart, and is currently scheduled for release in 2020. That said, little has been heard about it since, and there are conflicting rumors about what projects the franchise plans to work in beyond next year, so it is entirely possible that it will come at a later date.