Mark Strong up for Sinestro in ‘Green Lantern’

Published by Jeff Leins on: January 16th, 2010

Mark Strong is in talks to play Sinestro in the DC Comics adaptation Green Lantern.  Jackie Earle Haley was previously rumored for the role, but those reports were “completely wrong,” director Martin Campbell told MTV.  Instead Campbell revealed Strong was in negotiations.

In the June 17, 2011 release, Sinestro serves as a mentor to test pilot-turned-costumed hero Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds), who inherits a powerful green ring and is thrust into the Green Lantern Corps of galactic defenders.  On the planet Oa, Sinestro educates him about the sectors protected by the organization and the capabilities of the magical ring.

Sinestro is the most well-known villain of the Lantern comic books, but the character will remain an ally for the first film with a setup for a possible sequel.  Instead, Hector Hammond (played by Peter Sarsgaard) will have the honors of challenging the Green Lantern first.

As for other characters (incoming spoilers), Carol Ferris plays Jordan’s love interest, Kilowog trains Jordan in ring combat, Abin Sur passes his ring to Jordan on Earth, Tomar-Re pitches in when needed, Guy Gardner makes a brief appearance (possibly for the sequel?), and Alan Scott serves as special counsel to the President.  The casting choices for these characters remain unannounced, except for Ferris who will be played by young actress Blake Lively.

Strong has carved a niche for himself playing a villain in every Hollywood movie that will cast him (and can distinguish between him and Andy Garcia).  Recently he’s played a baddie in Stardust, RocknRolla, Body of Lies, The Young Victoria, Sherlock Holmes, and the upcoming releases Kick-Ass and Robin Hood.  That’s one diabolical dude.