Why Green Lantern and Hawkman Were Excluded from the 2017 Justice League Movie

The Justice League movie (2017) featured an ensemble cast of DC superheroes, but two significant characters were notably absent: Green Lantern and Hawkman. This article delves into the reasons behind their exclusion and explores the implications of these decisions.

Green Lantern's Omission: A Multi-Faceted Reasoning

The exclusion of Green Lantern from the 2017 Justice League movie was driven by several influential factors, reflecting the complex interplay between cinematic storytelling and ambitious plans for future DC Entertainment (DCE) productions.

Previous Film Performance: The 2011 Green Lantern Film

The Green Lantern film in 2011 did not perform as well as DCE and Warner Bros. had hoped. The movie faced critical and box office failures, casting a shadow of doubt on the viability of further Green Lantern standalone or team films. This financial and critical disappointment likely influenced the decision to exclude him from a major crossover event.

Focusing on Core Members: Streamlined Storytelling

The decision to include only core members of the Justice League—Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg—was strategic. This choice aimed to streamline the storytelling, ensuring that audiences remained engaged with familiar characters while building a cohesive narrative within the DC universe. By focusing on these key members, the filmmakers intended to create a more digestible and compelling experience for viewers.

Character Development and Complications

Integrating Green Lantern into the Justice League would have required extensive character development and backstory. The filmmaker's goal was to maintain a focused narrative, avoiding overcomplication and ensuring that the audience could easily follow and enjoy the plot. The inclusion of Green Lantern might have introduced unnecessary complexity, potentially detracting from the core storylines of the existing characters.

Future Plans and Opportunities

At the time of the Justice League production, there were discussions about a potential Green Lantern Corps movie. This hinted at larger plans for the character, including his role in future series and shows. The decision to exclude Green Lantern from the Justice League movie might have been a deliberate move to build anticipation for these upcoming projects and to focus the audience's attention on the ongoing narrative.

Hawkman's Exclusion: Team Dynamics and Character Planning

Hawkman's omission from the 2017 Justice League movie is less about character development and more about team dynamics and future plans. His exclusion aligns with the idea that he is more closely associated with the Justice Society, a distinct team alongside the Justice League.

Justice Society vs. Justice League

Hawkman is a member of the Justice Society, a team that predates the Justice League by decades. In the DC Universe, he has a strong affiliation with this team, often being portrayed as a symbolic figure for the Justice Society. The inclusion of Hawkman in the Justice League movie would have disrupted this established dynamic, and his exclusion respects his role within the broader DC canon.

Future Plans and On-Going Storylines

The studio's plans for future DC shows and films have also played a role. Speculations about a standalone Hawkman movie suggest that the character is being cultivated for a larger presence in the DCE universe. Excluding Hawkman from the Justice League movie probably aligns with these plans, allowing for a smoother transition into potential future projects.

The 2021 Snyder's Cut: A New Chapter and Green Lantern's Role

In 2021, the release of Zack Snyder's Zack Snyder's Justice League (ZSJL) presented a new chapter in the Justice League saga. In this extended cut, a brief scene featuring Martian Manhunter visiting Bruce Wayne unintentionally included elements that hinted at a Green Lantern presence. This scene, originally intended to be John Stewart's appearance, demonstrates the ongoing narrative interest in the character and his potential inclusion in future projects.

John Stewart's Future and the Green Lantern Corps

John Stewart, a key figure in the Green Lantern Corps, was slated to appear in ZSJL. This character's importance is further emphasized by the upcoming Green Lantern Corps series, where John Stewart plays a pivotal role. His absence in ZSJL suggests either a deviation from the initial narrative plans or a strategic move to keep him fresh and exciting for future audiences.

Overall, the exclusion of Green Lantern and Hawkman from the 2017 Justice League movie reflects a carefully considered approach to storytelling and character development, while also addressing future plans and narrative continuity within the DC universe.