In another sign that Warner Bros. is getting closer to greenlighting DC Comics’ Green Lantern as a major movie, Daily Variety reports that Martin Campbell is in negotiations to direct.  The presence of workmanlike action helmer Campbell, with his association with the James Bond franchise (Casino Royale, GoldenEye) and the Antonio Banderas Zorro movies, should quell persistent rumors that the GL movie will be a jokey spoof more akin to The Greatest American Hero.

Oddly, however, the same article notes that Jimmy Hayward – last seen directing Horton Hears a Who — will be directing the studio’s Jonah Hex picture shooting in April.  With Hayward’s pedigree as a kid-friendly animator for Pixar movies, it’s a head-scratching choice since the Hex character has generally been associated with grim-’n'-gritty vengeance stories in the tradition of Clint Eastwood westerns, some (like the excellent Joe Lansdale minis) shot through with a particularly black streak of humor.  Josh Brolin is slated to play the scarred, vicious gunfighter.

Is Campbell right for GL?  Is Hayward right for Hex?  Let us know what you think.

- Steve D -