Like it or not, "Super Max" could well be in danger. The Green Arrow-starring film has unexpected competition in the form of "Supermax"—an almost identically titled movie with a similar premise, except instead of super villains incarcerated in a maximum security prison, the focus is on supernatural killers.
For this reason, I identified "Green Arrow" as one of the top five franchises that DC Entertainment needs to prioritize as they go forth with their movie plans.
Of course, "Super Max" can't happen without an Emerald Archer—certainly not in its current script form—so here are a few actors that would deliver a bullseye as Oliver Queen.
BRADLEY COOPER: As one of the top contenders for "Green Lantern," actor Bradley Cooper must have exuded some superheroic quality in the eyes of the WB, even if he himself isn't so proud of his audition. Part of that might be Cooper's tendency to play comedic roles, a type that certainly isn't synonymous with Hal Jordan.
But the actor has proven himself as both a sympathetic lead on "Alias" and as an unapologetic jerk in "The Hangover," both of which are qualities exhibited by Oliver Queen. For those reasons and more, Cooper could be well at home in Ollie's green duds.
JOSH HOLLOWAY: One of the most bittersweet moments of 2010 will undoubtedly be the end of "Lost," but one benefit of the cult classic's conclusion is Josh Holloway's newly-freed schedule. The occasional James Ford has all the physicality and self-assuredness required to play a comic book hero, and was even attached to play Gambit at one point.
With Taylor Kitsch securing that mutant role, Holloway has to look elsewhere for his superhero fix—and with the right mixture of toughness, snark and bravery proven in his role as Sawyer, Green Arrow might be right on target for the "Lost" star.
RYAN KWANTEN: If you're a fan of the HBO vampire series "True Blood," then you already know that Ryan Kwanten has exactly what it takes to play a younger version of Green Arrow. The actor is a perfect physical match with Queen thanks to his small but muscular build—but more importantly, Kwanten can act.
Say what you will about the HBO series, but when you match up the actor's natural Australian voice to his onscreen southern drawl, there's no doubt that Ryan Kwanten is a gifted actor—he sells the dramatic and comedic moments equally well, which is an important requirement for Green Arrow.
TIMOTHY OLYPHANT: While the "Deadwood" actor already headlined the film adaptation of the "Hitman" video game franchise, Timothy Olyphant is much closer to Oliver Queen than he is to Agent 47—you only need watch the HBO western to see his potential.
As the sheriff of Deadwood, Olyphant demonstrated both a commitment to his ideals and relentless defiance towards his adversaries that Star City's own law-enforcing vigilante consistently exhibits from panel to panel.
GUY PEARCE: Between his potential as Wes Cutter in "Loveless" and Sinestro in "Green Lantern," it seems like I talk about Guy Pearce a whole heck of a lot. Blame that on the actor, though—it's not my fault that he's perfect for Oliver Queen, among other characters.
Pearce is a master chameleon that goes from character to character seamlessly. He has previously demonstrated all the arrogance and herosim needed in DC's bleeding heart liberal archer. He has the exact right look. Do the math yourself—Pearce is clearly a great fit for the Emerald Archer.
Who would you cast as Green Arrow? Let us know your picks, and make sure to recommend other characters for future installments of SECRET IDENTITY!