HBO’s upcoming DC series, Lanterns, has cast Emmy-winning actor Kyle Chandler to portray the iconic Hal Jordan, as reported by sources. This marks Chandler’s first major series role since his recent appearance in Showtime’s drama, Super Pumped, in 2022.
Lanterns received a straight-to-series order in June following an extensive development period. The show is a collaborative effort from Chris Mundy, known for Ozark, Damon Lindelof, recognized for Watchmen and Lost, and Eisner Award-winning comic writer Tom King, who are all involved in writing and executive producing. Mundy takes on the role of showrunner.
The series, produced under the HBO brand, is currently in the casting phase and is also hiring directors, with plans to begin filming in Atlanta from January to June of next year.
Described as having a gritty, True Detective-like atmosphere, Lanterns centers around Jordan as he mentors a younger Lantern, John Stewart, one of the first Black superheroes in DC’s history. The narrative follows the duo as they investigate a murder on Earth that has significant ramifications. Producers are seeking a more youthful actor to complement Chandler’s character.
Initially, DC sought a major movie star for the role of Jordan and had discussions with Josh Brolin, who ultimately declined. Although names like Chris Pine and Ewan McGregor were rumored to be considered next, those speculations proved to be largely unsubstantiated.
Chandler is best known for his Emmy-winning role as Coach Eric Taylor in the critically acclaimed series Friday Night Lights, which aired on NBC from 2006 to 2011. He later starred in the Netflix thriller Bloodline, earning two additional Emmy nominations. In recent years, he has appeared in several films, including Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla vs. Kong, as well as Damien Chazelle’s biopic First Man about Neil Armstrong.
He is represented by Gersh and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.