sinestro

Last week's leaked Green Lantern concept art literally blew my socks off, which was especially remarkable seeing as how I was wearing shoes at the time. Ouch. Now, io9 has two new images they're presenting as legit leaked art from the 2011 Martin Campbell science-fiction superhero film.

Represented in these images are designs for the Guardians and Green Lantern's mentor-turned-nemesis Sinestro (an unfortunate name if his parents ever wanted him to grow up to be anything but evil). The Guardians are the otherworldly beings responsible for the Green Lantern Corps - the intergalactic police force which recruits Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) in the film. They're represented as arrogant and judgmental in the comics, but they're also responsible for who gets a power ring (the outlet for Green Lantern's power) and who doesn't. Sinestro is their star Lantern, until he gets power hungry and turns on the Corps. Mark Strong is said to be taking on the role of Sinestro in the film.

Thanks to Devin at Chud for bringing this new art to my attention. You can see the Sinestro mock-up after the jump.

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.