Aaron Pierre and Stephan James are currently under consideration to assume the role of John Stewart in the upcoming DCU series, Lanterns. Kyle Chandler, meanwhile, has already been cast as Green Lantern Hal Jordan. This series intricately weaves together elements of superhero action and mystery as the two characters, Jordan and Stewart, collaborate to unravel a perplexing murder case set in the American heartland.
Key Casting Contenders
Aaron Pierre has demonstrated his versatility through a range of performances. He depicted Mid-Sized Sedan in M. Night Shyamalan’s eerie film Old and portrayed Caesar in Barry Jenkins’ emotionally charged miniseries The Underground Railroad. Currently, Pierre is making waves with his role as Terry Richmond in Jeremy Saulnier’s Netflix thriller Rebel Ridge and is set to voice Mufasa in Jenkins’ upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King. Previous DCU aficionados might also recognize Pierre for his role as Dev-Em in the Syfy series Krypton.
Stephan James, known for his impactful roles, first gained significant attention as Walter Cruz in Amazon Prime Video’s Homecoming. His extensive television credentials include performances in Degrassi: The Next Generation, Shots Fired, #FreeRayshawn, Surface, and Beacon 23. On the big screen, James has brought dynamic characters to life in films such as Selma (2014), Race (2016), If Beale Street Could Talk (2018), and 21 Bridges (2019). He is set to appear in The Piano Lesson, hitting the screens this November.
About the Series
Lanterns, produced by HBO in partnership with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, is shaping up to be an intriguing addition to the DC Universe. The series, penned by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, promises a gripping narrative that fuses the crime and superhero genres. Chris Mundy will helm the show as the showrunner, with Lindelof and King taking on the roles of executive producers.
According to the official synopsis, “The series follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.” This premise combines the elements of a classic buddy cop drama with the interstellar adventures unique to the Green Lantern Corps, setting the stage for a series that is both grounded and otherworldly.
Production and Expectations
Though the series is still in the pre-production phase, the buzz around Lanterns is palpable. No official offers have been made to either Pierre or James as John Stewart, but given their impressive resumes, either would bring depth and charisma to the role. Adding Kyle Chandler to the mix as Hal Jordan only enhances the anticipation, promising dynamic interactions and character development.
Details about the release date remain under wraps, but fans are eagerly awaiting more updates. In a landscape dominated by superhero fatigue, Lanterns seeks to inject fresh intrigue with its murder mystery angle, hinting at layered storytelling that goes beyond typical heroics.
Closing Credits
As the DCU continues to expand its universe, Lanterns is poised to be a show that merges detective noir with superhero spectacle. With an engaging plot and potential powerhouse performances by Pierre or James, the series could define a new era for Green Lantern fans. Stay tuned for more announcements and prepare for a thrilling ride through cosmic justice and terrestrial intrigue.
