‘Lanterns’ may not be leaving Earth anytime soon. Although the first season introduced viewers to a corner of the Green Lantern mythology through a grounded mystery, showrunner Chris Mundy says the series is likely to maintain that approach if it returns for Season 2.
That could mean more Lanterns, bigger mythology, and new locations, but still within a largely Earth-based story. For viewers hoping the show eventually embraces the stranger, more spectacular side of the DC universe, that may be a little disappointing.
Chris Mundy Wants To Keep The ‘Lanterns’ Grounded
Speaking on The Ringer-Verse podcast, Mundy explained that the creative team has considered several possibilities for Season 2, but the basic philosophy isn’t changing. “It’s going to be an Earth-based story that we continue most likely,” Mundy said.
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He also suggested that the series isn’t necessarily going back to Rushville, meaning Season 2 could introduce an entirely different setting while preserving the same grounded approach. “We’ve shown that you can leave the planet, so that’s good, right?” Mundy explained. “But because of that, we want to make whoever’s here as sort of grounded and real as possible.”
That philosophy clearly shaped the first season. ‘Lanterns’ treated Hal Jordan and John Stewart less like cosmic superheroes and more like detectives caught inside a strange mystery. The approach gave the characters room to breathe, but it also meant the show rarely showcased the full potential of the Green Lantern mythology. And that’s where the bigger problem lies.
Green Lanterns Eventually Need to Feel Like Green Lanterns
There is nothing wrong with making ‘Lanterns’ character-driven. In fact, that was one of the show’s strengths. Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre carried much of the series through their performances, and the Earth-based mystery gave their relationship room to develop.
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But there comes a point when restraint starts feeling like limitation. Green Lanterns can travel through space, create virtually anything with their rings, and encounter civilizations, monsters, and cosmic forces that most DC heroes could never experience.
Seeing Guy Gardner use his powers in ‘Superman’ offered a glimpse of how spectacular that world can be. Mundy’s comments suggest Season 2 will continue building toward that mythology gradually rather than jumping into full cosmic spectacle.
Maybe that patience will pay off. But after eight episodes of limited constructs and very little cosmic action, it might get boring. At some point, the Green Lanterns need to leave Earth and actually feel like Green Lanterns.
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