Would the Justice League Movie Have Been Better with Green Lantern in Place of the Flash?

Discussing the various elements that could have improved the Justice League movie, one topic that often comes up is the inclusion of Green Lantern as a key member, replacing the character of the Flash. Personally, I find Green Lantern (GL) more compelling than the Flash (F). The portrayal of Flash in the movie is somewhat different from his comic book counterpart, with Barry Allen appearing more similar to Wally West than his original self. Despite this, there are several arguments to be made that support the idea of using Green Lantern instead of the Flash in the Justice League movie.

Why Green Lantern Over the Flash?

The universe of Green Lantern, with its mother box and the Guardians of the Universe, offers a more rich and complex narrative compared to the simpler character of the Flash. If the mother box had not been kept on Earth, and one of the Green Lantern corps members, such as John Stewart, had been assigned to protect it, it would have added a layer of intrigue and mystery to the story. This would have been more engaging than just having it as a means to threaten Earth.

During events such as the Silas Hamilton-14 crisis in the comics, John Stewart's integration with the Justice League involved him addressing the mother box and understanding its power. If this had been incorporated into the movie, it could have provided a deeper exploration of the mystical and technological aspects of the Green Lantern mythos. Additionally, Stewart and Batman could have accessed and analyzed the information within the mother box, preparing the team for future threats more effectively.

Analysts' Take on Flash and Green Lantern

In my opinion, the Flash is a much more popular character and, therefore, a more obvious choice for inclusion in the Justice League movie. However, the perspective of the movie audience is crucial to consider. Many fans and casual viewers may not be as familiar with Green Lantern's history or the complexities of his character. Nevertheless, if the filmmakers had delved deeper into Green Lantern's background, especially focusing on his relationship with the Guardians of the Universe, it might have created a more cohesive and layered film.

Adapting the storyline to incorporate Green Lantern could have offered the Justice League movie a unique twist. John Stewart, a member of the Green Lantern Corps, has a strong bond with Batman, as they are both users of intergalactic technology. If these two characters had investigated the mother box's defenses and prepared a plan for containing it, it would have given the movie a different pacing and dramatic shift. The inclusion of Green Lantern would have also allowed for the exploration of the Green Lantern rings' powers, which have not been fully utilized in the film.

The Role of the Justice League

Batman is a key figure in the Justice League movie, as he often plays the role of the strategist and the one who ensures the proper use of technology and information. If Green Lantern, particularly John Stewart, had been a part of the team, he could have served as an expert on alien technology. This would have been beneficial in situations like the silas hamilton-14 crisis, where the guardians provided guidance to the Lanterns. Stewart's insights could have provided the team with crucial information and strategies, making them more prepared against potential threats.

Furthermore, the inclusion of Green Lantern would have given the Justice League movie a more diverse range of experiences. The Guardians of the Universe and the Green Lantern rings would have provided a metaphorical and literal defense, adding depth to the narrative. This would have been a contrast to the more straightforward and action-oriented approach of the Flash, making the movie more interesting and challenging for the audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Flash remains an incredibly popular and beloved superhero, the inclusion of Green Lantern in the Justice League movie could have offered a more multi-layered and thought-provoking experience. The combination of Green Lantern's cosmic awareness, his connection with the Guardians of the Universe, and his expertise in using the Green Lantern rings would have provided a richer, more engaging story. While the popularity of the Flash must be taken into consideration, it is important for filmmakers to push the boundaries and explore the full potential of each character, especially in larger ensemble pieces like the Justice League movie.