In a true “didn’t we already know?” Good news, HBO has officially greenlit the DCU drama series Lanterns, founded on the Green Lantern comics. This is one of the titles discussed by James Gunn in his now famous DCU video in early 2023. In fact, he made it seem somewhat determined. However, given how fickle Warner Bros. is these days, I guess not. Regardless, HBO gave Lanterns an eight-episode straight-to-series order. Emmy nominee Chris Mundy (True Detective: Night Country; Ozark) will serve as showrunner.
Big news for the series, Kyle Chandler will take on the role of Hal Jordan in Lanterns. Yes, Chandler has officially been cast as Green Lantern. We think it’s a smart choice, no doubt. You can see it well.
Additionally, the series revealed that Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad) will play Green Lantern John Stewart. Boardwalk Empire’s Kelly Macdonald also joins Lanterns as “Sheriff Kerry, a pragmatic woman deeply loyal to her circle of family and her tight-knit town. ” Her resilience, shaped through a complex afterlife that strengthened her resolve, anchors her as the community’s secrets begin to surface. According to Deadline, Kelly Macdonald’s character could also “be a possible love interest for Chandler’s Hal Jordan. ” Very interesting.
Behind the camera, Slow Horses and Doctor Who director James Hawes is about to direct the first block of Lanterns episodes. This is reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
The synopsis of the series says it follows “new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.” Pretty interesting concept for a Green Lantern series. Intergalactic cops solving an mystery on Earth. Definitely has True Detective vibes.
Joining Mundy in writing the series are heavy hitters Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, The Leftovers) and comedian Tom King (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow). James Gunn and Peter Safran said of the announcement: “We are thrilled to bring this iconic DC name to HBO with Chris, Damon and Tom at the helm. John Stewart and Hal Jordan are two of DC’s most desirable characters, and Lanterns brings them to life in an original detective story that is a core component of the unified DCU that we will debut next summer with Superman.
It is still known when the series will debut. Of course, we’ll keep you posted on all casting news as it evolves.
Originally published on June 25, 2024.
Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. He hosts the weekly pop culture deep-dive podcast Laser Focus. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd.
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