HBO’s upcoming DC series Lanterns has officially cast its Hal Jordan. Emmy Award winner Kyle Chandler will portray the iconic Green Lantern Corps member, according to sources. This marks Chandler’s return to a series role since his appearance in Showtime’s Super Pumped in 2022.
Lanterns received a straight-to-series order in June following lengthy development. The show is developed by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Eisner Award-winning comic writer Tom King, with the three collaborating as co-writers and executive producers, while Mundy takes on the role of showrunner.
Currently, the series, under the HBO brand, is in the process of casting and hiring directors, with plans to begin filming in Atlanta from January to June next year.
Described as having a gritty, True Detective-like atmosphere, Lanterns will explore Hal Jordan’s reluctant mentorship of John Stewart, who is notable for being one of DC’s first Black superheroes. The plot will revolve around the investigation of an Earth-based murder that reveals larger consequences. The production is reportedly seeking a younger actor to play opposite Chandler, who has a more established presence.
Initially, DC was pursuing a major film star for the role of Hal Jordan and had discussions with Josh Brolin, who ultimately declined the opportunity. Although there was speculation about other actors like Chris Pine or Ewan McGregor, those rumors were largely unfounded.
Chandler is best known for his role as Coach Eric Taylor in the acclaimed series Friday Night Lights, which aired on NBC from 2006 to 2011, earning him an Emmy win. He returned to television with the Netflix thriller Bloodline, which garnered him two additional Emmy nominations. In recent years, he has appeared in various films, including Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Damien Chazelle’s biopic First Man.
He is represented by Gersh and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.