jackie earle haley

Just a quick casting update: Though he was rumored to be the frontrunner for the role (after the Jackie Earle Haley rumors went away), it was never officially confirmed. Well, D.C.'s CCO Geoff Johns announced via his Twitter that Mark Strong is indeed playing the villainous Sinestro (who may or may not a villain in this first Green Lantern movie). Most of you know Strong as the dude who played the villain in the recent Robert Downey Jr.-led Sherlock Holmes, and he's also playing the villain in Kick-Ass. What is it with this guy and villains, anyway? Kinda creepy ... maybe a little bit?

Johns said via Twitter: "Back from an amazing trip to Green Lantern town a.k.a. New Orleans. Ryan IS Hal. And Mark Strong is going to be a brilliant Sinestro." Sinestro is the quintessential villain, and the arch-nemesis of the Green Lantern Corps., however it's been reported that he may not become that arch-nemesis until either late in the first film or in the sequel, if one happens.

It's strictly a rumor until he signs on the dotted line, but Ain't It Cool News reports that Jackie Earle Haley is the frontrunner to play Sinestro in Martin Campbell's upcoming Green Lantern movie. It's an interesting casting choice, but as a longtime Green Lantern fan, I think I pictured someone a little more slick--not as rugged as Haley--to play Green Lantern's arch-enemy.

For those that are unfamiliar with the character, Sinestro is a power-hungry member of the space-faring Green Lantern Corps, chosen to train Hal Jordan (played in the upcoming film by Ryan Reynolds). Sinestro eventually turns against the Corps and faces off against his pupil. I was surprised at how much of the recent animated Green Lantern: First Flight feature was a Sinestro origin story, and I'd recommend it if you're interested in learning more about the character.

Haley will next appear in Platinum Dunes' Nightmare on Elm Street remake as iconic boogeyman Freddy Krueger on April 30, 2010.