"I was quite humbled by being asked to play Kilowog in the first place," Madsen said of joining the "Green Lantern" cast. "I don't often get asked to voice animated characters, and I've always wanted to do something like that -- it's great fun for me."

For Madsen, part of the appeal of playing the burly alien was Kilowog's moral middle ground -- he's not a bad guy, but he's certainly not the friendliest Green Lantern out there.

"I liked the idea that Kilowog was forceful, yet has a gentle nature," said the actor. "I'm often thought of as playing villainous characters in movies. Everyone forgets that I was the father in 'Free Willy' -- they only like to remember that I cut off a policeman's ear in 'Reservoir Dogs.' There's me in the middle somewhere and I think that's kind of like Kilowog. He's dangerous, yet has a heart."

Of course, part of the appeal of Kilowog has to be shouting "poozers!" every five seconds. The etymology of the alien's favorite curse word is unclear, though Madsen had his own theory on what it means.

"I've heard that it's closely associated with somewhat of a bungler or a misfit or someone who's annoying, to put it mildly," he laughed.

While Madsen has had experience in comic book cinema before through "Sin City," his work on "Green Lantern: First Flight" is his first real taste of the superhero world. Now, the actor thinks there are a few other characters in that realm that he'd like to explore.

"I've always thought I'd make a great Batman," Madsen mused. "Batman needs to have a light side and a dark side. I think I'd bring a duality."

Do you think Madsen would make for a good Batman? Are you excited for his take on Kilowog?