It looks like the cast of Green Lantern shaping up nicely, with actor Peter Sarsgaard in negotiations to play Dr. Hector Hammond opposite Ryan Reynolds as the Green Lantern aka test pilot Hal Jordan. This news, in addition to the confirmation of Blake Lively as GL love interest and employer Carol Ferris, sets up for an anticipated March production commencement. Sarsgaard, previously seen in the movies Jarhead and Garden State, would take on the role of Dr. Hector Hammond, “pathologist son of a senator” that becomes “infused with psychic powers when he discovers a meteor.” The movie is helmed by Goldeneye and Casino Royale director Martin Campbell, and is set to release in 2011.

It might be pre-emptive, but the addition of character actor Peter Sarsgaard to the Green Lantern film confirms that the creative team behind the GL film are committed to success; the same couldn’t be said about the Superman franchise. It’ll be interesting to see the next cast member announced for the film, which would likely be for the role of Green Lantern alum Sinestro. If the level of talent involved with the GL production is any indication, the 2011 release of Green Lantern could be one of the great superhero films, and the lack of a Raimi and Maguire Spider-Man flick would be forgivable.