Arrowverse Star Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Battle for Green Lantern & Reacts to DCU Reboot

David Ramsey, who plays John Diggle in the Arrowverse, discusses the challenges they faced in developing the Green Lantern storyline. Despite numerous successful story arcs throughout the series, realizing the Green Lantern hint proved to be a significant obstacle. Ultimately, the DC plot associated with Green Lantern had to be abandoned altogether.

In the eighth season of The Flash, the long-anticipated transformation of Diggle into a Green Lantern was suddenly concluded, as Ramsey declined the offer from the mystery box. This left many viewers disappointed that the Green Lantern storyline in the Arrowverse didn’t get to fully unfold.

At FAN EXPO Denver, ScreenRant witnessed a fan inquiring about the Green Lantern plot and its origin from Ramsey. The fan wanted to know why the storyline was ultimately cancelled. Ramsey clarified that the plan had always been to provide fans with some resolution regarding this plot, as he disclosed some behind-the-scenes details:

Viewer: I’m quite intrigued! Was the appearance of Green Lantern in the finale of Arrow a planned event or did it come about due to fan theories?

David Ramsey acknowledges that they’ve been hinting at the Green Lantern storyline for six years. During that time, there were numerous changes in leadership at Warner Bros. and DC, including presidents and regimes. Marc Guggenheim, myself, and other executives persistently advocated for the Green Lantern project to become a reality. While some executives have agreed, others have not.

Every time Ernie Hudson, who portrayed Colonel Stewart, John Stewart’s father, graced our screens, it felt like a confirmation. And during Elseworlds, one of the Flashes asked, “Hey, John, where’s your ring?” – another affirmative sign. The pieces were falling into place, even in the finale when a meteor appeared and we found a box. However, things took a turn with a series of ‘Nos.’ Ultimately, it’s now clear what transpired with Green Lantern: Initially planned as a movie, then a TV show under Greg Berlanti, there were complications regarding that property that seemed to be beyond my understanding.

After that, Mr. James Gunn arrived, and I must admit there’s quite a buzz surrounding that event. I’m genuinely excited to witness it unfold. To answer your question, yes, it did take place. However, there were a lot of political maneuvers happening that were over my understanding level. It seemed like a series of approvals and denials, with written confirmations for the yeses and unwritten rejections for the nos.

What David Ramsey’s Green Lantern Comments Mean For The Arrowverse

During the time when the Arrowverse series were broadcasted, the franchise faced numerous obstacles due to limitations imposed by Warner Bros.’ film division on the TV side regarding what they could and couldn’t include in their shows on The CW. This was particularly tricky with Green Lantern, especially given that the DCEU was attempting to create a Green Lantern Corps movie at the same time.

One key point from Ramsey’s remarks is that, even though the Arrowverse boasted a highly successful interconnected DC TV world, it was constrained in numerous ways. This observation further highlights the confusion and disagreements that were prevalent within Warner Bros., as they oscillated between approving and dismissing multiple Green Lantern proposals for the Arrowverse.

It’s truly gratifying, after so many years, to learn that the Lanterns TV show is indeed part of James Gunn’s DCU. Although Ramsey’s Diggle didn’t get to fully don the suit, it means the Emerald Knights are back in live-action once more.

Our Take On David Ramsey’s Green Lantern Comments

It’s quite clear that Ramsey’s account sheds light on the intricate relationship between the Arrowverse and the studio, which makes us appreciate even more what the shows managed to achieve while airing on The CW. Although Diggle may not have been explicitly called John Stewart, his character can certainly be seen as a variation of that figure within the Arrowverse.

It’s nice to know that Ramsey is backing the Lanterns too, because this series will at last delve into John Stewart in live-action, as well as a more comic-book faithful portrayal of Hal Jordan. Even though Diggle didn’t receive his Green Lantern, it doesn’t diminish his remarkable impact within the Arrowverse collection of shows.

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2025-07-06 21:07