Kyle Chandler Cast as Hal Jordan in DCU’s Green Lantern TV Series ‘Lanterns’

The highly anticipated television series ‘Lanterns‘ has added a new face to its cast lineup. Actor Kyle Chandler, known for his roles in ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ‘Bloodline,’ has been confirmed to star as Hal Jordan in the upcoming DC Universe (DCU) show. This announcement was made by James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, through a post on social media, where he stated, “You’ve been asking for a while. Well now (and just now) it’s official. Welcome to the DCU, Kyle Chandler, our Hal Jordan.”

‘Lanterns’ is set to feature a unique storyline inspired by the ‘True Detective’ series, focusing on the partnership between legacy character Hal Jordan and new recruit John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre. The two will portray intergalactic law enforcement officers, also known as the Green Lanterns, tasked with solving a complex murder mystery on Earth, situated in America’s heartland.

The casting of Aaron Pierre as John Stewart was the result of an intense selection process, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Pierre, who recently gained international recognition through his role in ‘Rebel Ridge’ on Netflix, was chosen over other notable candidates, including Stephan James. This role holds particular significance, given that John Stewart is one of DC’s pioneering Black superheroes.

The series, which has been given a straight-to-series order by HBO, will be helmed by notable television director James Hawes, known for his work on the series ‘Slow Horses.’ Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and esteemed comic book writer Tom King are among the executive producers and writers spearheading this project, with Mundy serving as the showrunner.

‘Lanterns’ promises to expand the DCU’s offering beyond the traditional cinematic releases. Other projects in the works under the new DC Studios regime include films such as ‘Superman’ and ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ as well as animated projects like ‘Creature Commandos.’ The aim is to create an interconnected universe that spans both television and film, leveraging the rich tapestry of DC Comics characters and narratives.

Hal Jordan’s character, a veteran of the Green Lantern Corps, was first introduced to comic book audiences a decade before John Stewart made his debut in 1971’s ‘Green Lantern’ No. 87, crafted by writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams. As the series progresses, it is expected to explore the dynamics between these iconic characters, slated to captivate both new viewers and long-time fans of the franchise.