Everything We Know About DC Studios’ LANTERNS Series

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As a long-time comic book enthusiast and avid gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant worlds of DC Universe, I can confidently say that the upcoming series “Lanterns” has piqued my interest like no other. The prospect of seeing two iconic Green Lanterns, John Stewart and Hal Jordan, teaming up to investigate a mystery reminiscent of “True Detective” is nothing short of exhilarating.

Having grown up reading the comics and watching various adaptations, I’ve always been fascinated by the Green Lantern Corps and their unique blend of sci-fi, action, and drama. The fact that this series is being helmed by some of the most talented minds in the industry, such as Chris Mundy, Tom King, and Damon Lindelof, promises a fresh take on these beloved characters that I simply cannot wait to experience.

The casting choices for Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) are spot-on, and the addition of Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry only adds fuel to my anticipation. I’ve been a fan of all three actors since their respective roles in “Bloodline,” “Friday Night Lights,” and “Boardwalk Empire,” so seeing them bring these characters to life is truly exciting.

I must admit, the wait until 2025 for filming and 2026 for the series premiere feels like an eternity, but I’m willing to be patient. After all, good things come to those who wait, right? And if the rumors are true about Kelly Macdonald potentially being a love interest for Hal Jordan, well, that just adds an extra layer of intrigue that I can’t ignore.

In closing, I’d like to share a little joke that comes to mind when thinking about “Lanterns.” Why don’t the Green Lanterns carry umbrellas? Because they have a rainbow in their pocket! (I know, it’s a groaner, but I had to.) Bring on the lanterns, DC – I’m ready for a thrilling ride through the cosmos!

The DC Universe led by James Gunn and Peter Safran has been set in motion! There are films and television shows to anticipate for quite some time, with several already underway. Currently streaming is “Creature Commandos” on Max. July will bring the release of “Superman,” followed by the premiere of “Peacemaker” season two in August. The upcoming series doesn’t have a set release date yet, but it’s the one we’re most eager for – none other than “Lanterns,” an ambitious prestige drama centered around the frequently neglected intergalactic police force.

This is everything we know so far about Lanterns.

Title

The title of the series is simply Lanterns. The green is implied, I guess.

Lanterns Plot

In the first video introducing DC Studios’ lineup, James Gunn referred to John Stewart and Hal Jordan working together on an “overarching mystery” that links deeply with the broader universe. He analogized this “world-rooted” tale to the crime drama series True Detective.

In subsequent scenes, we delve deeper into the storyline with a comprehensive view. The narrative, titled “Lanterns“, centers around newcomer John Stewart and legendary Lantern, Hal Jordan – both interstellar enforcers who find themselves entangled in a sinister mystery on Earth while probing a murder case in the Midwest United States.

Behind the Scenes

Chris Mundy, who is responsible for Ozark and True Detective: Night Country, will take on the role as the showrunner for Lanterns. Mundy, along with comic writer Tom King (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow) and Damon Lindelof (Lost, Watchmen), have penned the script for the series pilot and its underlying concept.

James Gunn and Peter Safran expressed their excitement about announcing: “We‘re ecstatic to introduce this iconic DC comic book series, Green Lantern, on HBO. Chris, Damon, and Tom will lead the project. John Stewart and Hal Jordan are two of DC Comics’ most intriguing characters, and Green Lantern offers a unique detective story that plays a crucial role in the integrated DC Universe we plan to debut next summer alongside Superman.

As a passionate fan, I recall the exhilarating moments when we embarked on the DCU journey. In those initial weeks, gathered with an outstanding team of writers, Tom King was among them. In a shared space, our creative minds sparked, and we conceived the idea for “Lanterns.” This series stands apart as it’s incredibly grounded, profoundly real – a surprising twist given its Green Lantern roots. It promises to be an unparalleled experience, unlike anything seen before.

James Hawes, who has directed shows such as “Doctor Who”, “Penny Dreadful”, and “Black Mirror”, is set to direct the initial two episodes of “Lanterns”. Furthermore, he, alongside the aforementioned writers, will take on the role of executive producers.

Filming is expected to take place from January to June 2025.

Lanterns‘ Cast

The upcoming series will center around the seasoned Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, teaming up with newcomer Green Lantern, John Stewart. To bring these characters to life, some top-tier talent is required, and that’s exactly what DC has secured! Kyle Chandler, renowned from shows like “Bloodline” and “Friday Night Lights”, has been chosen to portray Hal Jordan.

They chose Aaron Pierre to portray John Stewart in DC. Pierre had a notable year in 2025, appearing in both the Netflix thriller “Rebel Ridge” and lending his voice to Disney’s unique live-action production titled “Mufasa”.

James Gunn expressed that he’s long desired to collaborate with Aaron Pierre during an NYCC panel. It’s not widely known, but Pierre nearly played Adam Warlock. Gunn has always found him to be a fantastic actor and admired him since the start of his career. Hearing Pierre read with Kyle was one of those magical moments for him. He doesn’t mind what others say about them; he simply adores their interactions.

As a long-time fan of both Boardwalk Empire and Kelly Macdonald’s acting prowess, I am thrilled to hear about her latest role in Lanterns. Her portrayal as Sheriff Kerry seems like a perfect fit for an actress with such range and depth.

Growing up in Scotland, Macdonwald’s ability to embody complex characters with conviction has always been captivating. From her breakout role in Trainspotting to her recent work on Good Witch, she consistently delivers powerful performances that resonate with audiences.

In Lanterns, it appears that Macdonald will bring her signature nuanced portrayal of Sheriff Kerry, a woman who is deeply devoted to her family and community. Her resilience, shaped by a hardened resolve, will no doubt provide an anchor for the storyline as the town’s secrets begin to unravel.

The possibility of Macdonald’s character becoming a potential love interest for Hal Jordan, played by Chandler, adds another layer of intrigue to the series. I can only imagine the chemistry between these two talented actors and the impact their dynamic will have on Lanterns as a whole.

Overall, I am excited to see Kelly Macdonald in this new role and eagerly anticipate her performance in Lanterns. Her life experiences and acting talent make her an ideal choice for this character, and I have no doubt that she will deliver another memorable performance.

Lanterns‘ Release Date

So far, I haven’t seen an official release date for “Lanterns,” but James Gunn has given us a clue about its potential timing. He plans to launch the series around the same period as “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” which is projected to premiere in June 2026. As a fan, I can hardly wait!

Kyle Anderson, our Senior Editor at TopMob, runs the weekly podcast “Laser Focus” where he delves into pop culture topics. Check out his movie and television critiques here. Don’t forget to follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd for updates.

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2024-12-30 21:33