Armie Hammer says Green Lantern report was first he’s heard about the role

Several days ago we reported on a shortlist of rumored actors who were being considered for the role of Hal Jordan in the new GREEN LANTERN CORPS movie. Of course, it’s difficult for a report to come out saying a certain actor is being considered for a major superhero role without said actor being asked about it, and that very scenario just occurred with one actor's response being…exactly what you probably expected.

Armie Hammer, who is at Sundance promoting his movie CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, was asked to comment on the information by the The Wrap (who originally reported the list), and his answer proves either the shortlist is mostly wishful thinking or that Hammer is being very, very, very sneaky:

I saw the reporting too. That’s the first I’ve heard of it.

Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Hammer won’t play the part if offered; it just means he isn’t as close to signing the lease for a green costume as fans would like – and probably isn’t even holding the pen. Hammer isn’t new to news about Lantern casting, as plenty of fan speculation and rumors have been flying around for bit. Granted, Hammer would still be a likely candidate for the role, as at one point he was up for the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in the JUSTICE LEAGUE movie that was happening under George Miller, before that train wrecked in mythic fashion.

Hammer’s words could also mean that all the other names on the list, including Tom Cruise, Bradley Cooper, Joel McHale, Ryan Reynolds and Jake Gyllenhaal, are in the dark too about the role – which would make sense. Cruise seems too busy; Cooper already has Marvel dealings and; Reynolds already traded his shit-streaked green costume for a red one. McHale may make sense, as he could be looking for a chance to really launch his movie career. Gyllenhaal also wouldn’t be too far-fetched a scenario, as he was also on a shortlist to play Doctor Strange some time ago and doesn’t seem averse to playing a superhero. I mean, the dude was a bubble boy once.

As much as I could get behind Hammer playing the Jordan I think his involvement right now doesn’t go beyond his name being thrown at the wall along with a bunch of other actors. In the end it’s very likely we could see a name who isn’t even on the list get the part. Whoever they get for the role is going to have quite the humanitarian effort on their hands, as saving the role in the eyes of the movie going public after the 2011 opus will be key to the movie's success. Seriosuly, whoever gets the part should get some sort of tax deduction.