DC fans just got their first glimpse of HBO’s upcoming Lanterns series, and it looks like Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler are taking their cosmic duties to the American heartland. The new first-look image, shared by DC Studios co-head James Gunn, reveals the two actors as John Stewart and Hal Jordan, though notably out of their iconic Green Lantern costumes.
HBO’s Lanterns kicks off with an eight-episode first season, drawing inspiration from the legendary Green Lantern mythos in DC Comics. The series follows the intergalactic police force known as the Lantern Corps., whose power rings allow them to create virtually anything they imagine—from shields and weapons to armor and energy constructs.
In Lanterns, Pierre’s John Stewart is introduced as a fresh recruit to the Corps., while Chandler’s Hal Jordan is a seasoned veteran. Together, they investigate a murder in the American heartland—an Earth-based mystery that promises significant repercussions for the larger DC Universe. The show ties into DC’s upcoming projects, including Superman and Peacemaker, as well as the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow film.
The cast also includes Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro, one of the most notorious villains in Green Lantern lore. Kelly Macdonald portrays Sheriff Kerry, Garret Dillahunt takes on the role of William Macon, described as a modern cowboy, and Poorna Jagannathan appears as Zoe, a possible love interest for John Stewart.
James Gunn has described Lanterns as a “terrestrial-based TV show” that takes inspiration from True Detective, positioning Stewart and Jordan as intergalactic law enforcement officers patrolling Earth. Showrunner Chris Mundy (True Detective: Night Country) leads the series alongside executive producers Damon Lindelof (Watchmen) and Tom King, a prolific DC Comics writer.
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With such a stacked creative team and an intriguing noir-style premise, Lanterns is shaping up to be a pivotal entry in the new DCU. Whether it delivers on its True Detective comparisons or goes full cosmic, fans are in for something “really special,” according to Gunn.
