Blake Lively Cast as Carol Ferris in Green Lantern

Ryan Reynolds’ Hal Jordan now has a love interest. This weekend the news broke that Gossip Girl star Blake Lively had been cast as Carol Ferris, the love interest to Ryan Reynolds’ superhero character Green Lantern. For months now we have been reporting about all the casting news that has been running rampant. Before Reynolds was cast in the title role, it was rumored Justin Timberlake and The Hangover’s Bradley Cooper were in the running for the role. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Lively had beaten out Kerri Russel and Jennifer Garner to land the role in the Martin Campbell-directed film. The 22 year old actress won the role even though the part called for an older actress to play Carol Ferris, but Lively impressed the studio with her audition. Continue reading for more on this news.

You may have not heard of Blake Lively before, but I guarantee this role is going to skyrocket her career. Lively has been the lead on the CW’s Gossip Girl since the show premiered in 2007. Other movies the gorgeous actress has been seen in include The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Accepted. I think having an actress who has less recognition is a smart move to play a role opposite the very well known Ryan Reynolds.

The character of Carol Ferris becomes the love interest of Hal Jordan aka Green Lantern. Ferris hires Jordan as a pilot at her father’s aerospace company before he possesses the ring which makes him the Green Lantern. In the comics Ferris becomes the villain Star Sapphire which complicates the romance between her and Jordan. It is unknown if any of that story line will be seen in this first film. I am very much looking forward to this superhero movie. I love director Martin Campbell (Casino Royale), Ryan Reynolds was a great choice for the lead role, and the addition of Blake Lively brings everything together to get this project rolling!

Green Lantern is set to begin filming in March for a June 17th 2011 release date.