DC Studios’ upcoming HBO series Lanterns — helmed by James Gunn and Peter Safran — is shaping up to be a bold new entry in the DC Universe. Starring Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, the series blends superhero spectacle with grounded, character-driven storytelling.
In a new interview with Men’s Health, showrunner Chris Mundy described Lanterns as “as much of a buddy cop show as a superhero show.” He explained that the story explores themes of legacy and leadership:
Our show is in a lot of ways about replacement — when should someone step aside and when is it time for the next person to take the reins? That push and pull between those two characters is really important. So much of the power that John has is by not taking the bait, understanding that you lose your power if you’re yelling and screaming. That’s what we’re trying to convey: He knows he belongs, so he doesn’t have to overcompensate.
Mundy praised Pierre’s natural balance of strength and sensitivity:
There’s a real balance there that’s just innately inside of Aaron. He’s big. He’s an intimidating presence just physically. But there’s a softness to him, too. There’s a thoughtfulness. You can’t teach that.
Pierre, reflecting on his portrayal of the iconic Green Lantern, said the character “radiates strength and fortitude.” “That hunger to be the best version of yourself, which also holds you accountable when you’re not,” he noted.
Mundy emphasized that Pierre felt a deep duty to portray the role authentically.
He felt a responsibility, especially as a Black man playing this particular role, to make sure he really understood him and brought him to life. I think fans will see the reverence he has for it, and that goes a long way.
Created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, Lanterns follows intergalactic partners John Stewart and Hal Jordan as they uncover a dark mystery rooted in the American heartland. The show combines detective drama with cosmic adventure, positioning the Lantern Corps as both heroes and investigators.
The ensemble cast includes Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Ulrich Thomsen, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Sherman Augustus, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Jason Ritter, Nathan Fillion, Chris Coy, and Paul Ben-Victor.
Source: Deadline
