Jon Hamm Reveals Why He Passed on ‘The Green Lantern’ Role
Jon Hamm shares why he turned down a part in the infamous 2011 superhero film 'The Green Lantern,' focusing instead on bigger opportunities in TV and film, and how his career took off after 'Mad Men.'
Jon Hamm has built a reputation for playing charming antiheroes, and his recent work in Apple TV ’s dark comedy Your Friends and Neighbours is no exception. In the series, Hamm takes on the role of a disgraced hedge fund manager who turns to crime to maintain his lavish lifestyle. The show’s first season received positive feedback, and a second season is set to premiere in April, marking Hamm’s return to a major leading role since his breakout performance in Mad Men.
Mad Men, one of the most acclaimed television dramas of the 21st century, catapulted Hamm into the spotlight after years of smaller film roles, including appearances in Space Cowboys and We Were Soldiers. As Don Draper, the enigmatic New York ad executive, Hamm captivated audiences over seven seasons, helping the show earn 16 Emmys and five Golden Globes. Hamm himself took home two Golden Globes for Best Actor, solidifying his place among Hollywood ’s elite.
Turning Down a Superhero Blockbuster
With his newfound fame, Hamm began landing more prominent film roles as Mad Men neared its end, including parts in The A-Team, Bridesmaids, Baby Driver, and Tag. However, in 2011, he made a decisive choice to decline a role in the Ryan Reynolds- led comic book adaptation The Green Lantern, which would later become infamous for its critical and commercial failure. Reflecting on his decision, Hamm explained,
“That was one I definitely didn’t want to do. But I’ve pitched myself for a couple parts of the Marvel universe, I don’t want to say what exactly, but it was a part of a comic book that I really liked. I was like, ‘Are you going to do this story?’ And they were like, ‘Yeah, we’re actually thinking of that.’ I go, ‘Good. I should be the guy.’ So maybe it’ll work out.”
Despite ongoing discussions, Hamm has yet to appear in a Marvel film, though he did lend his voice to the animated feature Transformers One in 2024. The Green Lantern, meanwhile, is remembered as one of the most disappointing comic book movies ever made, struggling to recoup its massive $200 million budget and receiving harsh reviews from critics. For Ryan Reynolds, however, the film had a silver lining, as it was where he met his future wife, Blake Lively. A reboot from James Gunn is now in development.
Expanding His TV and Film Legacy
After sidestepping The Green Lantern, Hamm continued to make his mark on television, with memorable appearances on 30 Rock, a standout role in the Black Mirror special “White Christmas, ” and more recently, parts in Fargo and Landman in 2024. His career choices have consistently showcased his range and willingness to take on diverse projects.
Looking ahead, Hamm is set to star in more episodes of Your Friends and Neighbours and will appear in the upcoming film Wilder & Me alongside Maya Hawke. The movie tells the story of a young musician in 1977 who begins working with legendary filmmaker Billy Wilder, known for classics like Some Like It Hot, The Apartment, and Sunset Boulevard.