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DC Studios is in the midst of a massive overhaul under the creative leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, and one of the most highly anticipated projects on the horizon is Lanterns, an HBO Max live-action series focusing on the Green Lantern Corps. This new show is set to bring some of the most beloved characters in the Green Lantern universe, Hal Jordan and John Stewart, into the revitalized DC Universe (DCU). Here’s everything we know so far about this exciting project, from casting news to plot details and more.
A Fresh Take
The Green Lantern franchise has had a rocky live-action past. The 2011 Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds is widely regarded as one of the most disappointing superhero films to date, and it left many fans wondering if the Green Lantern Corps would ever get a worthy live-action adaptation. Fortunately, Lanterns promises to be a fresh start, with James Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm of a gritty, character-driven series that will reboot the Green Lantern story for a new generation.
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Lanterns was officially announced as part of the new DCU slate in January 2023, along with a handful of other exciting projects. Gunn described the series as having a True Detective-style vibe, focusing on a grounded, Earth-based mystery that will tie into the larger narrative of the DCU. Unlike previous iterations of Green Lantern, this series won’t be a traditional superhero story. Instead, it will follow two intergalactic “space cops,” Hal Jordan and John Stewart, as they investigate a mystery with cosmic implications.
Plot Details
While specific plot details are still scarce, James Gunn has teased that Lanterns will be a “terrestrial-based mystery” centred on Earth. The series will focus on two of the most iconic Green Lanterns: Hal Jordan, a veteran Lantern who is a legend among the Corps, and John Stewart, a younger Lantern who is still learning the ropes. The two heroes will team up to investigate a murder in the American heartland, but the case will soon reveal itself to be part of a much larger, ancient mystery that could have universe-wide consequences.
Gunn’s approach to Lanterns seems to be more grounded and grittier than previous Green Lantern adaptations, with the series leaning heavily into the crime thriller genre rather than the typical superhero formula. The show will also introduce multiple Green Lanterns, further expanding the cosmic scope of the DCU. While Hal Jordan and John Stewart will take centre stage, Gunn has hinted that other members of the Green Lantern Corps will appear throughout the series, possibly setting the stage for more intergalactic adventures in future seasons.
Cast
Casting news for Lanterns has been one of the most exciting aspects of the project. After months of speculation, it was reported that Friday Night Lights star Kyle Chandler is in talks to play Hal Jordan. Chandler’s portrayal of Coach Eric Taylor on Friday Night Lights earned him an Emmy, and his ability to bring a mix of stoicism, leadership, and emotional depth to his roles makes him a strong fit for the seasoned, mentor-like Hal Jordan. This is a surprising but intriguing choice for the role, as Chandler brings years of experience in both television and film.
As for John Stewart, Rebel Ridge star Aaron Pierre has reportedly nabbed the coveted role. Pierre’s star has been on the rise, especially after his leading turn in Netflix’s Rebel Ridge. He has also appeared in critically acclaimed projects like The Underground Railroad and Brother, and he will soon voice Mufasa in Disney’s Lion King prequel. His casting as John Stewart is a significant moment for DC, as Stewart is one of the first Black superheroes in the comics and a fan-favorite character, especially due to his prominent role in the Justice League animated series.
The casting of Pierre and Chandler signals a strong focus on character development, with the relationship between the two Green Lanterns likely serving as the emotional core of the series. Hal Jordan, the seasoned veteran, will mentor John Stewart, the younger Lantern, in what could become a dynamic partnership reminiscent of other buddy-cop dramas.
A High-Profile Creative Team
Lanterns is shaping up to be a high-pedigree project behind the camera as well. James Gunn and Peter Safran have tapped Chris Mundy, the showrunner of Netflix’s hit crime drama Ozark, to lead the series as head writer. Mundy’s experience with character-driven narratives and complex mysteries makes him a perfect fit for the True Detective-style crime thriller Gunn has promised.
Joining Mundy in the writers’ room are Damon Lindelof, known for his work on HBO’s Watchmen and Lost, and acclaimed comic book writer Tom King. Lindelof’s expertise in crafting intricate, layered stories combined with King’s deep knowledge of the Green Lantern comics suggests that Lanterns will be both faithful to its source material and narratively ambitious.
James Hawes, who most recently directed the critically acclaimed spy series Slow Horses, has been tapped to direct the first two episodes of Lanterns. With such a strong creative team behind the series, fans can expect a visually stunning, narratively rich show that blends mystery, action, and cosmic adventure.
A Long-Awaited HBO Series
Before Gunn and Safran took over DC Studios, there were plans for a different Green Lantern series helmed by Greg Berlanti, the mastermind behind the Arrowverse. Berlanti’s version of the series was first announced in 2019 and was set to feature Green Lanterns like Guy Gardner and Alan Scott, with Finn Wittrock and Jeremy Irvine cast in those roles. However, Berlanti’s series was ultimately shelved in favour of Gunn’s Lanterns, which focuses on the more iconic duo of Hal Jordan and John Stewart.
Fans of the Green Lantern Corps have long been waiting for a live-action series that does justice to the rich lore and expansive universe of the Green Lantern comics. With Gunn and Safran’s vision, it seems like Lanterns will finally deliver the adaptation fans have been clamouring for, one that not only respects the source material but also offers a fresh, compelling take on these beloved characters.
Release Date
While no official release date has been announced, Lanterns is reportedly set to begin filming in early 2025, with production wrapping up by mid-year. Given the extensive visual effects work required for a Green Lantern series, which will likely feature cosmic battles and intergalactic landscapes, the series is expected to premiere sometime in 2026. Lanterns is likely to join the slate of highly anticipated DCU projects alongside Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and The Batman: Part II.
James Gunn’s Lanterns is shaping up to be a game-changer for the Green Lantern mythos in live-action. With a talented cast, an ambitious creative team, and a fresh, grounded take on the story, Lanterns could be the series that finally brings the Green Lantern Corps to the forefront of the DCU. Fans of Hal Jordan, John Stewart, and the vast Green Lantern lore have plenty to look forward to as DC Studios embarks on this exciting new chapter.
