The Green Lantern mythos is finally getting the live-action treatment it deserves with ‘Lanterns’, an upcoming HBO Max series that will bring Hal Jordan and John Stewart to the forefront of the new DCU.
While fans have long been eager to see the warriors return to the screen after the ill-fated 2011 film, the announcement that the show would take a more grounded approach sparked curiosity. Now, the Showrunners have addressed these concerns.
‘Lanterns’: A ‘True Detective’ Style DCU Mystery
Showrunner and executive producer Chris Mundy has now addressed these concerns. He assured fans that ‘Lanterns’ will still embrace the magic of its comic book roots while telling a character-driven story. The first official look at the show was revealed as filming began. It showcased actors Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart in their roles.
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While their Green Lantern suits remain under wraps, Chandler’s character was spotted wearing the signature power ring. This was a subtle but reassuring nod to the mythology fans love. Moreover, despite the cosmic nature of the Green Lantern Corps, ‘Lanterns’ is set to take a different approach.
Instead of a space-faring adventure, the series will follow Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate an Earth-based mystery. The show has been described as a ‘True Detective’-style drama with superhero elements. Mundy promised a balance between realism and the larger-than-life essence of the comics.
“From the start, our driving force has been to deliver a layered drama, rooted in nuanced storytelling and rich world-building, that balances tension and mystery with honest, authentic emotion. The goal is to create something that feels timeless and grounded without sacrificing the magic of the source material,” he explained.
This statement suggests that the show will be a serious, dramatic take on the Green Lantern legacy. It will likely focus on character depth and emotional storytelling rather than pure spectacle. However, that doesn’t mean we won’t see alien threats, space battles, or the Green Lantern Corps in action.
‘Lanterns’ Will Have A Brand New Villain
The talent lineup for ‘Lanterns’ is nothing short of impressive. James Hawes will direct the first two episodes. Emmy-winning creator Damon Lindelof is also attached, alongside acclaimed comic book writer Tom King. The inclusion of King, who has penned some of DC’s most gripping modern stories, suggests the series will have a strong foundation in the comics.
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One of the most intriguing elements of Lanterns is its villain. Garrett Dillahunt has been cast as William Macon, a character described as “a self-righteous, conspiracy-minded man who masks his ruthless ambition behind a charming and calculated facade.”
While Macon is an original character, there’s a lot of speculation about him being revealed as an established DC Comics antagonist. Black Hand, a major Green Lantern villain with deep ties to the Black Lantern Corps, remains at the top of the list. Additionally, according to Deadline Ulrich Thomsen will play Sinestro, one of the Green Lanterns’ most iconic adversaries.
