DC’s Green Lantern Corps movie is “still in the works,” David S Goyer confirmed to IGN at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour.
"I don't know,” Goyer continued when asked when fans can expect further updates. “Who knows, especially with what's currently going on with the DC universe? There's obviously a whole recalibration happening with that right now."
Goyer is referring to the recent restructuring (per Variety) of Warner Bros. DC Entertainment film division. Jon Berg stepped down from DC Films' production division and CCO Geoff Johns recently welcomed his replacement, Walter Hamada. The changes are rumored to be a reaction to Justice League’s mixed reception and production issues, however, the exact reasons behind the executive shakeup remain unclear.
Another element to the recalibration is DC’s new focus on standalone films, a strategy that contrasts with Marvel’s ever-expanding cinematic universe, where every movie affects the next. Instead, DC appears to be focusing on self-contained stories (outside of Flashpoint and presumed Justice League sequel). Wonder Woman 2 won’t take place in the present day, Suicide Squad 2 exists on its own, and Aquaman will be more of an origin movie. DC stuck to the strategy when it recently added both a Joker/Harley Quinn movie and a Joker standalone film (with different actors in the role) to its docket of future releases.
Asking whether Green Lantern Corps is still in development might otherwise have been a stupid question, but considering the recent shakeups and the big green tease Justice League, it’s extremely valid. While the Corps didn’t show up at the end of the film like many fans anticipated, the film did confirm their existence in a flashback battle with the Atlanteans, Amazons and mankind against Steppenwolf.
Insiders describe the Green Lantern reboot as “ Lethal Weapon in space.” It is expected to focus on both Hal Jordan and John Stewart, but at this point it’s unclear if that’s still an accurate description. Goyer and Justin Rhodes will write Green Lantern Corps, with Johns serving as executive producer.
