Lanterns: HBO’s New DC Series Begins Production – First Look at John Stewart and Hal Jordan

The DC Universe is expanding once again, and this time, it’s bringing one of its most iconic superhero teams to the small screen. HBO’s highly anticipated original series Lanterns has officially begun production, promising to deliver an action-packed, character-driven story centered around the legendary Green Lantern Corps. The first-look images have just been released, giving fans a thrilling glimpse of Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan.

A Bold Step for the DC Universe

With James Gunn and Peter Safran spearheading DC Studios’ ambitious rebranding, Lanterns is set to be a cornerstone of the new era for DC content on television. This series is expected to deviate from previous Green Lantern adaptations, leaning into a grounded, detective-style narrative while maintaining the cosmic grandeur that defines the franchise.

Unlike the 2011 Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds, which was met with critical disappointment, Lanterns aims to redefine the mythos by taking inspiration from classic crime thrillers. Described as a “True Detective-style mystery set in space,” the show will follow Stewart and Jordan as they uncover a dark secret that threatens the universe.

Meet Your Lanterns: Aaron Pierre & Kyle Chandler

The casting of Lanterns has been a topic of speculation for months, and now fans can finally put faces to the legendary Green Lanterns.

• Aaron Pierre as John Stewart – Pierre, known for his breakout roles in The Underground Railroad and Krypton, steps into the boots of John Stewart, a fan-favorite Green Lantern with a military background. Stewart’s character is known for his discipline, strong moral compass, and unwavering dedication to justice, making him a perfect fit for the show’s intense narrative.

• Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan – The Friday Night Lights and Argo star takes on the role of Hal Jordan, one of the most recognizable Green Lanterns in DC history. Chandler’s portrayal is expected to bring a mix of charisma and rugged determination to the character, embodying Jordan’s fearless nature and veteran status in the Green Lantern Corps.

What to Expect from Lanterns

DC Studios has hinted that Lanterns will be different from any previous adaptation of the Green Lantern story. Unlike the usual superhero fare, this series will focus on a deep-rooted investigation that leads Stewart and Jordan through various cosmic and terrestrial mysteries. Early reports suggest that the show will introduce a noir-style approach, blending science fiction with detective drama.

Moreover, while Stewart and Jordan will be the focal points of the story, the series is expected to introduce other iconic Lanterns from across the DC Universe, possibly hinting at characters like Guy Gardner, Jessica Cruz, or even Sinestro. This opens the door for a much larger Green Lantern mythos to be explored in future seasons.

Why Lanterns Could Be a Game-Changer for DC

In the wake of The Batman’s success and the upcoming Superman: Legacy, DC is taking a more strategic approach to storytelling. By blending superhero action with grounded, character-driven narratives, Lanterns has the potential to be one of the most compelling DC projects to date.

Furthermore, the series will be a crucial component of the new DCU’s television lineup on Max (formerly HBO Max), playing a significant role in the interconnected universe that James Gunn and Peter Safran are building. If done right, Lanterns could be the show that finally does justice to the Green Lantern legacy while setting up future storylines for the DC Universe.

Final Thoughts

With production now underway and a stellar cast leading the charge, Lanterns is shaping up to be a must-watch series for DC fans. The first-look images of Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan have already generated significant buzz, and anticipation is only expected to grow as more details emerge.

As the DC Universe continues its transformation, Lanterns has the potential to illuminate a new path for superhero storytelling, blending action, mystery, and deep character development. Stay tuned for more updates as we await an official release date for what could be one of the most exciting DC projects in years.