It may have begun as a playful rumor, but it now seems Fast & Furious star Tyrese Gibson really - really – wants to play Green Lantern. The DC Comics superhero seemed to be placed on the back-burner of the shared movie universe when the new Green Lantern movie was announced for 202o. It’s still unclear if the studio is planning a total reboot, but if that’s the case, then it means a prime opportunity for a new actor – possibly even a new version of the hero.

Word had been circling that Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was pursuing the role (a rumor he later confirmed) before Johnson was cast as Shazam villain Black Adam. But news on a potential casting – or what role there may be for GL in the new movie universe, if any – was silent until recently, when Gibson brought attention to a piece of fan art placing him in the famous emerald suit, and social media took care of the rest.

If the ‘#GreenLanternMission’ and ‘#BlackSuperHeroMission’ being spread by Gibson aren’t clear enough, it would seem that the actor is making the most of the sudden attention linking him to the 2020 Green Lantern film.

Fans have long speculated that the movie franchise would, like the title of Earth’s Green Lantern itself, be handed off to John Stewart; due not only to Ryan Reynolds’ lack of interest in reprising the role, but DC’s animated universe turning to Stewart for years.

Tyrese Gibson is certainly a departure from the last actor set to play John Stewart – hip hop artist Common – though, strangely, a step closer towards the other Green Lantern that almost was: Jack Black. Exactly what Gibson is playing at, or how seriously his presence at Warner Bros. should be taken is nowhere near clear (grains of salt should be cast across every bit of the story).

Could WB and DC turn to Gibson to carry not just a superhero franchise on his shoulders, but that of a Justice League member. It seems a long shot, but Warner Bros. and DC Comics have made a habit of surprise casting. Only time will tell, but if you want to lend your own support to the cause, the actor would surely welcome it. And we already know that it worked for Vin Diesel.

What do you think of Gibson’s chances? Would make an interesting addition to the movie universe, or is there another actor (or Lantern) that you would like to see fill the role come 2020? Share your thoughts (and picks) in the comments.

Green Lantern is scheduled to release on June 19, 2020.