HBO’s highly anticipated DC series Lanterns has officially cast Emmy winner Kyle Chandler in the iconic role of Hal Jordan. Renowned for his performances in Friday Night Lights and Bloodline, Chandler’s involvement marks a significant return to television since Showtime’s Super Pumped in 2022.
Lanterns was greenlighted with a straight-to-series order in June 2023 after a lengthy development phase. The show is helmed by an impressive creative team, including Chris Mundy (Ozark), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, Lost), and Eisner Award-winning writer Tom King, who are all serving as co-writers and executive producers. Mundy will also take the reins as showrunner.
Filming is slated to take place in Atlanta from January to June of 2024, and the series is currently in the process of casting and hiring directors. The storyline is rumored to have a gritty, True Detective vibe, showcasing Hal Jordan as he reluctantly mentors John Stewart, another pivotal character in the Green Lantern lore and one of DC’s first Black superheroes. Together, they will delve into an Earth-bound murder investigation that has sweeping implications for the DC universe.
The casting search for Hal Jordan initially sought major movie stars, with discussions reportedly underway with actors like Josh Brolin, who ultimately opted out. Although other names like Chris Pine and Ewan McGregor made the rumor rounds, they were largely speculative. Sources indicate that the production is now leaning toward a younger actor to complement Chandler’s veteran presence, aiming for a dynamic between the seasoned Lantern and his mentee.
Kyle Chandler’s dedication to his roles has earned him acclaim and a devoted fan base. His breakout role as Coach Eric Taylor in Friday Night Lights solidified his status as an Emmy Award winner, while his performance in Netflix’s Bloodline garnered him two additional Emmy nominations. Beyond television, Chandler has taken part in major film projects, including appearances in Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla vs. Kong, as well as Damien Chazelle’s First Man.
Set within the expansive universe of DC, Lanterns is expected to blend thrilling narrative arcs with character-driven storytelling, setting the stage for directly addressing profound themes that resonate with audiences today. HBO has not yet commented on the series, but excitement is building among fans eager for a fresh take on the Green Lantern mythos.
Merging talented writing and acting, Lanterns aims to expand the DC universe on television, tapping into its rich lore while delivering captivating drama. As this ground-breaking series begins to take shape, all eyes will be on Chandler and the creative team to see how they redefine the stories of these legendary characters for a new generation.
