Jon Hamm’s Bold Call: Why He Passed on Green Lantern

Jon Hamm has built a reputation for playing charming but flawed characters, and his recent work in Apple TV’s dark comedy Your Friends and Neighbours is no exception. In the series, Hamm takes on the role of a disgraced hedge fund manager who turns to crime to maintain his lavish lifestyle. The first season was well received, and a second is set to drop in April, marking Hamm’s first major lead since his breakout days on Mad Men.

Mad Men, one of the most influential television dramas of the 21st century, catapulted Hamm into the spotlight after years of smaller gigs in films like Space Cowboys and We Were Soldiers. As Don Draper, the enigmatic advertising executive, Hamm captivated audiences for seven seasons, helping the show rack up 16 Emmys and five Golden Globes. Hamm himself took home two Golden Globes for Best Actor, cementing his place among TV’s elite.

Turning Down a Superhero Flop

With Mad Men’s success, Hamm found himself in demand, landing roles in films such as The A-Team, Bridesmaids, Baby Driver, and Tag. But in 2011, he made a decision that would set him apart from many of his peers: he declined a part in the superhero film The Green Lantern, which ultimately became a box office disaster. Reflecting on his choice, Hamm said,

“That was one I definitely didn’t want to do. But I’ve pitched myself for a couple parts of the Marvel universe, I don’t want to say what exactly, but it was a part of a comic book that I really liked. I was like, ‘Are you going to do this story?’ And they were like, ‘Yeah, we’re actually thinking of that.’ I go, ‘Good. I should be the guy.’ So maybe it’ll work out.”

Despite his interest in joining the Marvel universe, Hamm has yet to appear in any of their films, though he did lend his voice to Transformers One in 2024. The Green Lantern, meanwhile, is remembered as one of the least successful comic book adaptations, struggling to recoup its massive $200 million budget and receiving harsh reviews from critics. For Ryan Reynolds, who starred in the film, it was at least notable for being where he met his future wife, Blake Lively. A reboot led by James Gunn is now in the works.

Shifting Gears: TV and Film After Mad Men

Hamm didn’t let the missed superhero opportunity slow him down. He continued to make his mark on television, with memorable appearances on 30 Rock, a standout role in the Black Mirror special ‘White Christmas’, and more recently, parts in Fargo and Landman in 2024. His versatility and knack for picking interesting projects have kept him in the public eye.

Looking ahead, Hamm is set to return for more of Your Friends and Neighbours and will star in the upcoming film Wilder & Me alongside Maya Hawke. The story follows a young musician in 1977 who begins working with the legendary filmmaker Billy Wilder, known for classics like Some Like it Hot, The Apartment, and Sunset Boulevard. Hamm’s career choices continue to reflect his desire to take on roles that challenge him, rather than simply chasing blockbuster fame.