James Gunn was recently given the unenviable task of taking over the DCU (formerly the DCEU). Gunn may be the best person for the job. He brought The Guardians of the Galaxy to Marvel and subsequently softly rebooted The Suicide Squad for the DCU.

Putting James Gunn at the helm of the franchise will undoubtedly bear some fascinating fruit. However, Gunn has three problems facing him: space, the chase, and representation. Each of these can be dealt with and solved with the help of a DC superhero. The answer to Gunn’s problems may lie in Green Lantern.

The Green Lantern Corps are central characters in DC Comics. They are space police whose power emanates from cosmic rings. These green rings can project anything the bearer can picture in their mind. These Green Lanterns are assigned sectors of the galaxy, with Earth being a pivotal planet. There have been at least five central Green Lanterns that have come from Earth.

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Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern on the Big Screen

     Warner Bros. Pictures

Hollywood sometimes makes a dud so bad that the stink of the project never leaves the industry’s nostrils. Such was the case with the 2011 Green Lantern debacle starring the much-better-at-superheroing-now Ryan Reynolds. It had too much CGI, a poorly thought-out plot, and a pre-Thor Taika Waititi in a forgettable supporting role. It was a lesson in what studios will do without proper direction, a star in a role that doesn’t suit him, and a character that exemplifies the overused trope of the cocky, white, sarcastic guy. It also gave us a DC character that has been overused: Hal Jordan.

Hal is old news in the comics and even though he has a “rich history,” this is one of those times when the movies should steer clear. Since his inception, writers have come up with far better options that would suit Mr. Gunn in some helpful and unique ways.

The DCU Needs to (Re)Start in Space

     DC Comics

Can we all agree that DC has been trying to be Marvel for years? They saw the spectacle of The Avengers and thought they could do it themselves. However, they chose their top three characters (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman), gave them less-than-stellar movies, and then threw them together in Justice League with a few side characters (we’re looking at you, Fish Guy).

DC needs to address the fact that Marvel has presented a pantheon of interesting characters showing remarkable staying power. The individual movies have led to huge tent pole movies. These have introduced new characters who themselves have been given their own stand-alone. Admittedly, it’s a formula, but it works.

Gunn stands at the foot of a mountain while being told by execs that he should immediately be on top. This presents nothing but challenges. James Gunn has the opportunity to review every mistake Marvel has made. He has an entire blueprint laid out before him that can unlock an entirely different way of approaching superheroes and how he presents them. One of the first things he can do is start where Marvel eventually ended up.

James Gunn taught Marvel how to approach space. Marvel heroes spent quite a bit of time on the ground fighting each other. But the Marvel universe is rich with characters from elsewhere in the universe. The Guardians of the Galaxy proved that introducing this broader scope could significantly affect the overall Marvel plan. But why should DC end up in the same spot? Why not start there and work its way back? The Green Lantern Corps can introduce the vastness of space to a new audience. DC has an amazing array of characters completely different from their main rival.

If Gunn starts in space, he can then bring that back to Earth and show the role humans will play in the greater scheme of things. Superman has proven that there are aliens. Expanding on this concept is something that can continue, but from the outside in. This approach will show that Earth is insignificant. But when a hero is chosen from Earth to become part of this intergalactic peace-keeping force, it will show that we are necessary. That is why there is one specific Green Lantern that will fit the mold of the superhero while breaking it at the same time: John Stewart.

Who Is John Stewart?

No, not The Daily Show guy. The John Stewart we are talking about is an African-American ex-marine who is a born leader whose power comes directly from his resolve and desire to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

John Stewart has been a mainstay in modern comics for decades. He has also been the de facto representative of the Green Lantern Corps in the DC Animated Universe. With this level of popularity, why not bring him into the universe?

Gunn has another problem. Actor Ray Fisher, who played Cyborg in the Justice League movies, left (or was removed from) upcoming DCU projects due to his allegations of racial mistreatment at the hands of studio execs and director Joss Whedon. Fisher was the first Black mainstream superhero as his character appeared on screen nearly a year before Chadwick Boseman’s performance as Black Panther.

Should Gunn use the Stewart character simply because he is African-American? Of course not. However, it should play a part in the decision. In 1971, the original artist remarked, “Given the racial makeup of the world’s population, we ought to have a Black Green Lantern, not because we’re liberals, but because it just makes sense."

In the end, James Gunn has some big and challenging choices to make. However, making Green Lantern a centerpiece of the DCU should be the easiest decision he’ll ever make.