The world of DC is evolving, and one of the most exciting new chapters is the upcoming Lanterns TV series on HBO. With Kyle Chandler stepping into the role of Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, this live-action take on the legendary Green Lantern characters is already turning heads—even before a single scene has aired.
Produced by DC Studios and directed by James Hawes, the Lanterns TV series promises to bring a fresh, gritty approach to superhero storytelling. With its crime-thriller edge and deep character focus, it could be the next big thing in DC’s new universe.
A Darker, Grounded Green Lantern Story
For fans who remember the 2011 Green Lantern movie, this new series might feel like a full reboot — and that’s exactly the point.
Instead of bright colors and outer-space spectacle, the Lanterns TV series is described as a terrestrial mystery, unfolding on Earth with a tone closer to True Detective than Justice League. It focuses on two of Earth’s greatest Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and John Stewart, as they work together to uncover a terrifying secret hidden beneath the surface of our planet.
The show won’t just be about saving the day with power rings. It will dive into real-world conflicts, emotional complexity, and the burden of being Earth’s chosen guardians.
Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan: A Perfect Fit?
If you’ve seen Kyle Chandler in Friday Night Lights, Bloodline, or The Wolf of Wall Street, you know he brings a certain level of intensity and depth to every role. His version of Hal Jordan, a former Air Force pilot turned intergalactic protector, is expected to be more mature and grounded than previous portrayals.
Jordan has always been a bit of a rebel — confident, brave, and occasionally reckless. Chandler, with his commanding screen presence and emotional nuance, could bring out a version of Hal that feels both heroic and deeply human.
Aaron Pierre Takes on John Stewart
On the other side of the green ring is Aaron Pierre, a rising star who’s made waves in series like The Underground Railroad and movies like Old. In the Lanterns TV series, Pierre plays John Stewart, a former Marine and skilled architect who becomes one of the most respected Green Lanterns in DC history.
Stewart is known for his discipline, strength, and sense of justice. He’s also one of the first major Black superheroes in DC Comics, and his presence in the show adds serious weight to the storytelling. With Pierre in the role, we can expect a layered and powerful performance.
What Sets the Lanterns TV Series Apart?
So why all the hype? After all, there are plenty of superhero shows out there. What makes this one stand out?
- 1. Tone: It’s not another save-the-world, big-CGI event. This show is character-driven, darker, and more thoughtful.
- 2. Format: HBO is known for producing top-tier drama. With DC Studios working closely alongside, Lanterns is being treated like prestige television, not just another comic book adaptation.
- 3. Storytelling: Unlike previous versions of Green Lantern, this story leans into mystery, grounded sci-fi, and human emotion.
- 4. Creative Leadership: Directed by James Hawes, whose past credits include Black Mirror, Slow Horses, and Snowpiercer, this series is in capable hands.
The Bigger Picture: DC’s Rebooted Universe
The Lanterns TV series is part of DC’s larger plan to refresh and reboot its entire film and television universe. Under the new leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, DC Studios has announced a slate called Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
Lanterns isn’t just a side project. It’s a core piece of this new timeline, meant to set up future characters and bigger storylines. In fact, it’s likely that what Hal and John uncover in this series will ripple across future DCU films and series.
This means viewers won’t just be watching a standalone Green Lantern story — they’ll be stepping into the foundation of a new, unified DC Universe.
When Will Lanterns Be Released?
As of now, there’s no official premiere date for the Lanterns TV series. The show is currently in production, with filming expected to continue through 2025. Based on current schedules, it’s likely that the series will debut in late 2025 or early 2026 on HBO and streaming on Max.
While the wait may feel long, fans can rest assured that the creative team is taking their time to do it right. After all, DC has a lot riding on this series — and early reports suggest it will be worth the anticipation.
Final Thoughts: Why Lanterns Could Be a Game-Changer
The Lanterns TV series isn’t just another superhero show. It’s an opportunity to reintroduce two iconic characters in a way that feels fresh, emotional, and relevant to today’s audience.
By focusing on grounded storytelling, complex relationships, and real-world stakes, HBO and DC are giving Hal Jordan and John Stewart the serious, thoughtful screen time they’ve long deserved.
With a powerful cast, an experienced director, and a deeper tone, Lanterns might just become one of the most talked-about shows of the decade.
