SDCC 2010: ‘Green Lantern’ Panel News

The first footage of “Green Lantern” was unveiled today at SDCC and it wasn’t just spectacular, it was mind blowing.

“Green Lantern” kicked off WB’s panel and fans who’ve camped outside Hall H since last night got to meet comic book superstar Geoff Johns as well as the entire cast of the movie: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Mark Strong and Peter Sarsgaard.

We were all shown a quick unfinished cut that began with a glowing green orb and the voiceover of Sinestro asking the audience to concentrate on the light as they have been chosen as candidates for enlistment of sector 2814… “The light you see before you is controlled by your will. Focus on the light. If you will it, it will be. Now, focus.”

It then cuts to a series of really quick shots that gave us first looks at Hal Jordan with the ring, Carol Harris, Hector Hammond and Tomar-Re (which looked a little rough, but very cool). The clip ended with Hal Jordan getting his ass kicked in an ally. But he then activates his ring for the first time and conjures up a giant green fist which hook punches everyone away, violently into a brick wall. It then ends with Hal memorized by the conjure and then cuts to a beautiful shot of the Green Lantern Corp HQ on planet Oa.

There were no footage of Reynolds in actual costume as it was explained before the showing that the costume is still all a work in progress. They believe the finalized suit will be amazing and match the outline of all the major muscles on the human body.

Nothing really was said about the plot of the story, but it will be an origins story that will include scenes in space and just about every popular Green Lantern will appear in the film such as Bzzt and Kilowog.

In the Q&A a little boy had asked Reynolds to recite the Green Lantern oath, which he did to the crowds delight (Reynolds then gives the kid an autograph book!). Reynolds also explained that he was inspired by Han Solo and Chuck Yaeger for the role of Hal Jordan. Moreover, he talked about how he’s not familiar with the comic books and originally wasn’t sure about the role despite the studio really wanting him, yet still wanting him to earn the role.

Geoff Johns also mentioned how someone at WB originally suggested making a “Green Lantern” film without the ring.

Throughout the entire panel, Reynolds was wearing a movie prop ring which he said he wanted to give away to a lucky audience member. According to Reynolds, he’s been wearing the ring for quite some time, but similar to the Green Lantern tradition he now wants to pass it on to a worthy successor. Fans were asked to check for the winning ticket to the ring underneath their seats.

Overall, it was an amazing panel and despite not seeing Hal in costume live, the footage shown was still exciting and refreshing.