Green Lantern Might Be Grounded
Tue, August 25, 2009 
The thought of another DC related character outside of Superman and Batman flying across the big screen always seemed like a novelty to me. I never felt quite at ease with the notion, but I sure wanted to see it happen. Since "Green Lantern" was first announced, I found myself doubting that I would ever get to enjoy it at the local multi-plex. Even my multiple email correspondences with Green Lantern writer Marc Guggeheim always screamed for reassurance from the scribe. I was never sure. I'm still not.
Its been almost two months since the news broke that Ryan Reynolds had been cast as Green Lantern, since then, we haven't heard much. We were expecting that WB would announce that Carol Ferris had been cast, maybe Sinestro. The only person who has given any real insight into the project has been screenwriter Marc Guggenheim, who has since turned his attention to television to work on Flash Forward. Martin Campbell hasn't uttered a peep since being announced as director of the project, although the most recent draft of the script was said to have been heavily influenced by his ideas.
Today via Production Weekly's Twitter we were finally given some news on "Green Lantern", although it doesn't seem to be all that positive.
"Green Lantern’s proposed Australian shoot is understood to be under threat after the rising Australian dollar has blown out production costs."
It is certainly possible that Warner Bros could lock up a different location to shoot the film. New Zealand, Vancouver, Montreal, or Toronto being the most likely destinations. This could also be the beginning of a string of bad news. I hope the next report will be positive and we don't hear something like Martin Campbell has dropped out and new writers have been brought on board. I really don't feel like being witness to another "Justice League: Mortal".
According to Brendan Swift of Inside Film, Warner Bros is trying to negotiate with the NSW State Government in hopes of receiving a higher level of concessions to make up for the increased value of the Australian Dollar.
The value of the Australian dollar has climbed by more than 16 per cent since the State Labor government announced the deal to film at Fox Studios in mid-April. The big-budget Hollywood blockbuster was expected to create around 500 local jobs, including 100 performers and 200 crew.
Normally a production would lock in finance once said film received the all important green light. However, subsequent drafts of the "Green Lantern" script delayed filming and the ability to lock in said finance.
Reader Comments (5)
Say it ain't so!
We're still closer to this film than the next Batman or Superman and once the Harry Potter series has ended, WB is going to need films like this. If they're going to be a match for Marvel's proposed film slate over the next few years (assuming it goes according to plan) then they can't afford to let Green Lantern go the way of Wonder Woman.
Either trim the budget and lose some set pieces or shoot somewhere else but get this film made.
I still have faith that this will get made :).
@ Phil
WB doesn't necessarily need Green Lantern, they do want it however, but no their terms.
WB has the Hobbit films lined up to be their next Harry Potter through the guise of New Line and have bought the rights to books such as Septimus Heap and The Shannara among others. They also have the rights to the entire Wizard of Oz series as well.
Australia is cursed for superheroes!