In a highly anticipated casting announcement, Emmy Award-winning actor Kyle Chandler has been confirmed to play Hal Jordan in the upcoming HBO Max series Lanterns, part of the expanding DC Universe. Chandler, best known for his roles in Friday Night Lights and Bloodline, will step into the shoes of the iconic Green Lantern character, a role previously portrayed by Ryan Reynolds in the 2011 Green Lantern film. This casting marks a significant moment for both Chandler and the future of the DC Universe as it reboots the Green Lantern mythos for a new generation of fans.
Chandler’s casting has generated excitement across the industry, with fans eager to see how the seasoned actor brings depth and intensity to the role of Hal Jordan, one of the most celebrated Green Lanterns in comic book history. Hal Jordan, a fearless test pilot who becomes a member of the Green Lantern Corps, is tasked with protecting Earth and the rest of Sector 2814 from cosmic threats. Chandler’s performance is expected to bring a new gravitas and energy to the character, who has become a symbol of courage and perseverance in the DC Comics universe.
Joining Chandler in the series is Aaron Pierre, who has been cast as co-lead John Stewart, another Green Lantern. Pierre, known for his compelling performances in Rebel Ridge and Old, was chosen after an extensive casting search. His casting has sparked excitement as John Stewart is a fan-favorite character and one of the first Black superheroes to become a major figure in DC Comics. Stewart, a former marine, brings a unique perspective to the Green Lantern Corps, known for his tactical expertise and unwavering sense of justice.
Together, Hal Jordan and John Stewart will headline the Lanterns series, which will explore their partnership as they embark on a mission to investigate a dark, Earth-based mystery. According to reports, the storyline centers around a murder in the American heartland, with intergalactic implications. The show’s blend of cosmic action and grounded, Earth-bound detective work promises to offer a fresh take on the Green Lantern story, delving into both the characters’ heroic duties and their personal struggles.
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, who has been instrumental in shaping the new DC Universe, took to social media to personally welcome Chandler to the franchise. On Instagram, Gunn wrote, “Welcome to the DCU, Kyle Chandler! Now our Hal Jordan in #Lanterns.” Gunn’s involvement in the series has bolstered excitement, given his track record of bringing heart, humor, and action to superhero films, most notably with Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad.
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The Lanterns series, which will consist of eight episodes, is set to be helmed by Ozark showrunner Chris Mundy. Mundy’s experience with character-driven drama and suspenseful storytelling is expected to elevate Lanterns beyond a typical superhero narrative, blending complex emotional arcs with thrilling action sequences. Additionally, Damon Lindelof, known for his work on Watchmen, and acclaimed comic book writer Tom King are attached as co-writers and executive producers. Lindelof’s success with Watchmen—which redefined the superhero genre on television—has many hopeful that Lanterns will bring a similar level of innovation and depth to the DC Universe.
James Hawes, who has directed episodes of Black Mirror and Snowpiercer, will direct the first two episodes and serve as an executive producer on the series. With such a powerhouse team of creators and talent, Lanterns is shaping up to be one of DC’s most ambitious projects to date.
The series has been in development for some time, with initial announcements made back in 2019. Originally described as a sprawling narrative that would “span several decades” and focus on the origin stories of multiple Green Lanterns, Lanterns has since evolved into a more streamlined series centered on Hal Jordan and John Stewart. The project is part of the revamped DC Universe slate, which is being carefully curated by James Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran to bring fresh, compelling content to audiences.
Although no official release date has been announced, Lanterns is expected to play a significant role in the future of the DCU. Fans of both Chandler and the Green Lantern characters are eagerly awaiting more updates, as the show promises to explore a new side of the DC Universe while introducing these beloved characters to a new generation.
