While the possibility of Chris Pine portraying Green Lantern Hal Jordan in a DC movie universe seems slim, fans who regard him as an ideal fit for the character still have reason to celebrate. Their sentiments are echoed by none other than a prominent artist who, over ten years ago, depicted Pine as the superhero in the Justice League.
The cadre of live-action Green Lanterns is expanding swiftly, starting with Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner featured in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman. Following this, viewers will meet Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, who play Hal Jordan and John Stewart, respectively, in the new series Lanterns. While this development is sure to excite many, it also stirs a sense of disappointment among those who wished to see Chris Pine’s interpretation of Hal Jordan on the big screen. Luckily, fans can still appreciate the storyline where Pine has been informally cast as Green Lantern within the DC comic universe.
Chris Pine as Green Lantern in DC Comics
Justice League of America (2015) by Bryan Hitch & Comrades
This intriguing artistic choice is credited to the renowned Bryan Hitch, a seasoned talent in both Marvel and DC Comics. Hitch served as both the writer and artist for the 2015 Justice League of America comic series, where the character of Hal Jordan was crafted in Pine’s likeness. This incorporation of a celebrity’s image into comic book characters is not unprecedented, especially with the help of the traditional white-eyed masks that add a layer of ambiguity (which we have clarified above). There is, however, no mistaking the influence of Chris Pine in this representation of Green Lantern.
As the series progressed, Hitch’s illustrations increasingly highlighted the playful tribute to the actor. Despite occasional guest artists, including Philip Tan and Tom Derenick, the main storyline saw Hal Jordan’s design evolve—starting with a youthful appearance akin to Captain Kirk from Star Trek to a more rugged and bearded Pine reminiscent of his role in Outlaw King. This artistic trajectory undeniably solidifies the notion that the casting of Chris Pine as Green Lantern was a brilliant choice.
Sadly, Hitch’s tenure on Justice League of America concluded prematurely with Issue #10, as he transitioned to the upcoming Justice League: Rebirth relaunch.
The Justice League Inspired by DC Actors
Bryan Hitch’s Influences Evident for DC Film & TV Enthusiasts
Hitch’s dedication to Pine’s visual representation is just one example of a broader trend. Readers of the JLA series will also find familiar faces, including Superman drawn in the unmistakable likeness of Henry Cavill, a Batman echoing Christian Bale’s portrayal from Batman Begins, and an artwork of Barry Allen that bears a striking resemblance to Grant Gustin’s interpretation of The Flash. Each artistic choice remains unacknowledged, yet it is impossible for devoted fans of DC’s live-action adaptations to overlook these nods.
Regardless of what the future holds for Chris Pine or the Green Lantern character, fans longing for what might have been can take solace in the DC Comics storyline that has given Pine’s impressive portrayal a permanent place alongside DC’s most acclaimed movie and television stars.