While Bradley Cooper readily admits that rejection "is such a huge, inherent part of the [movie] business," the Hangover star told USAWeekend that losing the role of Green Lantern to Ryan Reynolds was difficult to take:
It was more of an ego hurt than any sort of artistic one.
Cooper must feel that way because, artistically, he's busier than ever. With All About Steve opening September 4, the romantic comedy Valentine's Day currently shooting, and starting work on the A-Team next month before heading over to The Hangover 2. He also recently took part in a Middle East USO tour where he couldn't hide from his Green Lantern rejection:
It's surreal being in a forward-operating base in Afghanistan and having a Marine coming up to you and him going, "Hey, man. Sorry you didn't get Green Lantern."