The Green Lantern Corps is already getting a lot of love in the James Gunn's Superman, the DCU will incorporate a few of the most popular Green Lanterns into the mix. With a series for HBO in the works as well, the sky is the limit for the Green Lantern Corps in the new universe, placing them as an important part of the story going forward.
Despite being one of the main heroes for DC, Green Lantern has not appeared in many live-action projects aside from the 2011 film that continues to haunt the character over a decade later. With the new DCU set to introduce a variety of Green Lanterns early on, hopefully that means the character can be redeemed in the audience's eyes. Things have gotten off to a great start so far, with three Green Lanterns already set to the DCU in the next few years.
Kyle Chandler As Hal Jordan
The Screen Veteran Will Play An Older Version Of The Lanterns Icon
- Confirmed Appearance: Lanterns (HBO)
After being rumored for the part, Kyle Chandler was officially announced to be playing Hal Jordan in the Lanterns series. With an experienced Hal Jordan taking on a mentor role with John Stewart in Lanterns, Chandler's work on Friday Night Lights as Coach Eric Taylor is the most indicative of what he can bring to the table for the series. Hal Jordan is a former fighter pilot and is capable of quickly thinking on his feet.
Hal Jordan has arguably been the most popular human member of the Corps, with John Stewart close behind.
Despite being the second Green Lantern, he was technically the first to actually be part of the Green Lantern Corps after being reimagined for the Silver Age. Since then, Hal Jordan has arguably been the most popular human member of the Corps, with John Stewart close behind. Jordan's will makes him one of the best, but his brashness can get him into trouble, and he has to find creative ways to get out of a situation. Hal Jordan is only set to appear in Lanterns, and given the age of Chandler, it's not certain what else he would appear in.
Aaron Pierre As John Stewart
Rebel Ridge Breakout Could Be The DCU's Main Green Lantern
- Confirmed Appearance: Lanterns (HBO)
Aaron Pierre will co-star alongside Kyle Chandler as the highly anticipated John Stewart. This isn't the first time Pierre has been cast in a DC television series, first playing Dev-Em in Krypton. His most recent role in Rebel Ridge is an exciting look at how he could present himself as Stewart. As the third human to the Green Lantern Corps behind Hal Jordan and Guy Gardner, John Stewart is a former Marine turned architect turned Green Lantern, and much more disciplined than Hal Jordan.
Will Kyle Chandler's Hal Jordan die in the DCU's Lanterns series?
There are some rumors about how Kyle Chandler's contract with DC might not include any movies as the Green Lantern Hal Jordan. Based on that and the fact that the actor is 59, Hal could die in HBO's Lanterns series. In the comics, the veteran Green Lantern famously died by sacrificing himself to reignite the sun following a villain arc as Parallax. Since Lanterns is said to play a key role in the DCU, I believe there is a chance that Hal's Parallax arc could be adapted, leaving John Stewart as the Justice League's Green Lantern.
With both Nathan Fillion and Kyle Chandler being older, it seems obvious that Aaron Pierre's John Stewart will be the main Green Lantern that will continue to appear in various DCU projects as the universe unfolds. John Stewart was the main Green Lantern for Justice League: The Animated Series and finally makes his live-action debut after years of anticipation. As of now, John Stewart has only been announced to appear in Lanterns, but as more projects are announced, he should be featured more.
Nathan Fillion As Guy Gardner
The Controversial Lantern Corps Member Was The First Confirmed For The DCU
- Confirmed Appearance: Superman (2025)
Nathan Fillion was actually the first Green Lantern member cast for the DCU as he plays Guy Gardner in the Superman film that will be released in July 2025. Fillion is no stranger to Green Lantern, voicing Hal Jordan in a number of animated projects, including Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and Green Lantern: Emerald Knights. He makes his DCU appearance in James Gunn's Superman (2025), but it is unclear if he will be featured in any capacity in HBO's Lanterns.
Fillion was a popular fancast for live-action Hal Jordan for years.
Guy Gardner was the second human to be recruited into the Green Lantern Corps after Hal Jordan. Gardner is even more of a hothead than Jordan and is often featured in Justice League International, another team of heroes alongside the Justice League. One of the most iconic aspects of Guy Gardner, though, is his infamous bowl-cut hairstyle, which Fillion looks to be rocking for Superman. It's amazing that the DCU is even bringing Gardner in so early, and hopefully he will make an appearance in Lanterns at some point.
The Green Lantern mythology is rich for the DCU to adapt, as it spans an entire universe as well as an entire spectrum of light. With a number of Green Lanterns already cast for the franchise, it bodes well for the future of the Corps on screen. HBO's Lanterns is a huge opportunity to revitalize the characters, and its success could mean great things for the Corps .
Lanterns (DCU)
- Network
- HBO
- Directors
- James Hawes
- Writers
- Tom King, Chris Munday
- Franchise(s)
- DC Universe
Cast
Kyle ChandlerHal Jordan
Aaron PierreJohn Stewart
In this series set within the DC Universe, Lanterns follows intergalactic law enforcement officers as they wield power rings to maintain order across different planets. The show explores their personal and professional challenges while addressing broader themes of justice and responsibility in the cosmos.
