The universe is counting on Ryan Reynolds. So is Warner Brothers.
The studio released a final, epic trailer for its big screen comic book adaptation, "Green Lantern," a big budget, CGI romp through colliding worlds and space. Reynolds stars as Hal Jordan, a pilot who is chosen by a mythical green ring to wield the mighty powers needed to save the universe from evil.
Joining him is a computer-enhanced team known as the Green Lantern Corps., as well as a love interest played by Blake Lively. Warner Bros. has a lot riding on the film, recently adding $9 million to its special effects budget; the movie had already cost over $150 million to produce.
Reynolds, working to lock down true leading man status with the film, has a lot riding on it, too, and he set the bar high with the comparisons he made for his character, which had to straddle both charming and serious.
"The character is somewhere in the middle," he told the Los Angeles Times. "He's a classic male. Han Solo, who was witty but not really funny, was one of the touchstones...
"It's about courage versus fearlessness and the power of willpower and the need for sacrifice and service. This is not a comedy film but like Han Solo or an Indiana Jones, there are moments where you smile and the hero can trades lines with anybody."
The film hits theaters on June 17th.