Warning - This article contains spoilers for Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
The Snyder Cut has finally arrived on HBO Max, bringing the definitive version of Justice League to the small screen.
After opening to positive early buzz , the Snyder Cut seems to have delivered in providing the version of the film that many fans had hoped for. The four-hour blowout expands on many of the elements seen in the theatrical version, such as by improving Cyborg’s backstory , extending numerous action sequences, and adding extra flavor through extensive world-building.
The film also brings a bombastic new score from composer Tom Holkenborg, which sets a completely different tone for Zack Snyder’s Justice League .
One surprise from 2017’s Justice League that remains in Zack Snyder’s version though is the inclusion of a Green Lantern, who gets a bit more limelight this time around…
THE SNYDER CUT’S ANCIENT GREEN LANTERN
During the flashback to Darkseid’s first invasion in Zack Snyder’s Justice League , a Green Lantern is seen once again fighting alongside the forces of Earth.
The Lantern is given much more play in the Snyder Cut, conjuring up some energy constructs and getting a few more licks in with the forces of Apokolips. Following his bitter end to Darkseid, the Green Lantern ring zips off in a similar fashion to in the 2017 version.
Eagle-eyed Reddit user u/NylonPurple17 pointed out that this specific ring-bearing hero is likely to be Yalan Gur, a Green Lantern from the Bronze Age of DC Comics. On the illustrated page, Yalan Gur is a Lantern that existed in ancient times to watch over Sector 2814, much like his Snyder Cut counterpart.
However, the comic version differs from his film incarnation in that he became an enemy to the human race instead, betraying his duty to protect Earth by growing fearful of the potential threat that human civilization posed. The Lantern was eventually killed for his actions, a far cry from his noble death in Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
But Yalan Gur was not the only Lantern to appear in the Snyder Cut, as another member of the Green Lantern Corps is seen during the future premonition scene when the League attempts to reawaken Superman.
A destroyed Hall of Justice is shown to be one of the victims of Darkseid's potential invasion, with an evil Superman hovering above the wreckage. Within the ruins is a deceased Green Lantern, who is implied to have died fighting off the forces of Apokolips. The Green Lantern is alien in appearance and wears a classic, vibrant green outfit, but it is difficult to discern which specific DC hero this could be.
The character's large size and face is slightly reminiscent of Kilowog, though the Lantern does not wear a domino mask in the comics.
THE BRIGHTEST DAY FOR GREEN LANTERNS IN THE DCEU
Although his role is brief, the Snyder Cut can be seen as a way to redeem Yalan Gur of his crimes against humanity in the comics. Perhaps the Lantern could have played a villainous role prior to his on-screen appearance, but had a change of heart when the fate of Earth was on the line.
Much like 2017’s Justice League , Yalan Gur’s ring flew off elsewhere upon his death. So, where did it go? It could have headed back to the Green Lantern home world of Oa, where it would have been reassigned. Alternatively, it may have gone off on its own accord to search for the next most worthy ring bearer.
Even though the Snyder Cut is not currently canon, perhaps this could set up another potential Lantern in ancient times. Black Adam is likely to take place partially around the same time period as this flashback, so perhaps the events of Zack Snyder’s Justice League could indirectly impact the events of that film.
The Dwayne Johnson-led film is said to be building a Justice Society of its own , so perhaps a Lantern will be needed to complete the ensemble.
It is also interesting that another non-human Lantern is seen in the Snyder Cut. This could either indicate that Earth has been relying on other alien races to protect its sector or that the forces of Oa may have had to step in to help the planet against Darkseid. It seems that these efforts were less than fruitful.
Zack Snyder's Justice League is available now on HBO Max.
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