James Gunn‘s vision for the Green Lantern ‘Lanterns’ series is set to launch on HBO as part of the new era for DC Studios, aiming to blend the grounded tone of “True Detective” with the cosmic science-fiction roots of its comic book legacy. The show will follow Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they tackle a mysterious case on Earth, raising the question of whether “Lanterns” can finally deliver the adaptation Green Lantern fans have craved and set the stage for expansive stories within the DCU.
DC Studios’ Next Chapter: ‘Lanterns’ Shines Among New Series
Nearly three years after James Gunn and Peter Safran took the reins at DC Studios, their ambitions for a unified DC Universe are beginning to materialize. Gunn outlined his roadmap for the new DCU in 2023 with Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, featuring a slate of six series including “Peacemaker” Season 2, “Creature Commandos,” and a Wonder Woman prequel titled “Paradise Lost.” However, what has sparked particular excitement and scrutiny is “Lanterns,” an upcoming HBO drama consisting of eight episodes centered on Green Lantern Corps members Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). Their task is to unravel a perplexing case in Precinct Earth, promising a fresh live-action take on the Green Lantern mythos.
The anticipation for a well-executed Green Lantern series is heightened by decades of previous missteps, including the notoriously criticized 2011 “Green Lantern” film starring Ryan Reynolds and brief attempts to introduce John Stewart in projects like The CW’s Arrowverse and Zack Snyder’s DCEU films. To date, no adaptation has truly captured the rich comic book essence of these characters. While Gunn is recognized for his creative acumen, some fans express concern that images of the protagonists in civilian attire and the Earthbound setting may limit the scope of the series. Eager followers hope Gunn’s creative team will use “Lanterns” as a gateway into the more cosmic narratives at the heart of Green Lantern lore, especially as the broader DCU looks to extend its horizons into space-driven stories.
Blending Detective Drama With Interstellar Adventure: The Series’ Approach
James Gunn has described the upcoming series as “almost like True Detective,” pairing the veteran Lantern Hal Jordan with newcomer John Stewart as they work to solve an intriguing mystery rooted on Earth. Gunn stressed a grounded, realistic approach, explaining,
“I think grounded, just like, if Green Lanterns were real, what would they be and how would they be? They’re on Earth for the story like most Green Lantern stories.”
– James Gunn, Director and DC Studios CEO
Despite this down-to-earth pitch, Gunn and his team are quick to reassure audiences that “Lanterns” will not abandon the cosmic stakes. The writing team includes such heavyweights as Damon Lindelof, renowned for genre-expanding sci-fi series like “Lost” and the Emmy-winning “Watchmen,” and acclaimed comics author Tom King, promising a combination of complex personal arcs and the grandeur intrinsic to superhero sagas. Chris Mundy, known for his work on Netflix’s “Ozark” and as a producer on the latest “True Detective” season, takes the helm as showrunner. This creative synergy aims to deliver a serious, character-focused journey with an air of enigma, moving away from the irreverent humor of many of Gunn’s other works. The intention is to build a layered narrative that stays true to the intense drama and cosmic scale fans expect from the source material.
The cast brings together respected talent with Kyle Chandler stepping into the role of Hal Jordan, and Aaron Pierre portraying John Stewart, indicating that the character-driven focus will be paramount in shaping the tone and emotional core of the series.
Translating Green Lantern’s Comic Book Roots to Television
James Gunn is often recognized as a lifelong comics enthusiast, and this passion is expected to influence the show‘s direction. Hal Jordan’s transformation into a Green Lantern dates back to 1959, when John Broome and Gil Kane reimagined the hero with interstellar rings, guardians, and an energy battery from beyond the stars, solidifying Green Lantern’s science-fiction cred. The mythos includes the enigmatic Guardians of the Universe, extraterrestrial overseers of the Lantern Corps, offering a narrative wellspring that the new series could tap into to achieve authentic cosmic depth.
John Stewart, meanwhile, first graced comic pages in 1971, crafted by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams, before gaining wider recognition through Phil LaMarr’s portrayal in the early 2000s “Justice League” cartoons. Both Hal and John traditionally split their time between Earth and space, fulfilling their Corps duties as watchful protectors of Earth, while grappling with interplanetary threats. Gunn’s promise of a cosmic threat in “Lanterns” aligns with the logic that two Lanterns would be assigned to investigate, responding to dangers that ripple across the DC universe.
The choice to ground the narrative on Earth has stirred debate among devoted readers, some of whom worry it might limit the scope. However, introducing the Lanterns in this Earthly context may be vital for emotionally grounding the story as the DCU relaunches. Hal and John are not the only Lanterns expected to appear on-screen: Nathan Fillion is set to debut as Guy Gardner in “Superman” and will reprise the role in both “Lanterns” and “Peacemaker” Season 2. This interconnected casting is designed to reinforce continuity and cohesion across the new DC narrative framework, linking multiple series and characters, and laying a foundation for the DCU’s expansion from familiar terrestrial settings into the far reaches of space and the host of cosmic challenges awaiting these heroes.
The Main Cast of ‘Lanterns’
The roles of the central Lantern Corps members are being filled by notable actors. Kyle Chandler, known for his dynamic performances, has been cast as Hal Jordan. Aaron Pierre will bring John Stewart to life. Their pairing as leads in the series is expected to provide a nuanced exploration of two iconic characters, each with distinct backgrounds and perspectives, as they navigate both personal dilemmas and universe-spanning threats.
With these characters at the helm and strong narrative talents guiding the show’s creation, “Lanterns” aims to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued past Green Lantern adaptations and finally deliver the grounded, dramatic, yet cosmic tale beloved by comic and sci-fi fans alike.
What This Means for the DCU and Fans
“Lanterns” stands poised to define the boundaries of James Gunn’s vision for the Green Lantern ‘Lanterns’ series, merging the emotionally weighty storytelling of detective dramas with the expansive world-building of science fiction. By focusing initially on Earth, the series offers audiences an accessible entry into a newly constructed universe, while subtle connections to broader cosmic threats hint at larger arcs to come. Introducing Guy Gardner and connecting storylines with “Superman” and “Peacemaker” are strategic moves designed to knit the DCU into a coherent tapestry, signaling Gunn’s commitment to both devoted fans and newcomers. If successful, “Lanterns” could become the narrative bridge that launches the DCU from grounded drama into intergalactic adventure, charting a bold new course for superhero storytelling on screen.
