HBO’s forthcoming DC series “Lanterns” has cast its Hal Jordan. Emmy-winning actor Kyle Chandler will portray the iconic Green Lantern Corps member, according to sources. This marks Chandler’s return to a series role after his involvement in Showtime’s 2022 drama “Super Pumped.”
The series, which received a straight-to-series order in June following years of development, is a collaborative effort by Chris Mundy (known for “Ozark”), Damon Lindelof (“Watchmen,” “Lost”), and Eisner Award-winning comic writer Tom King. The three are co-writers and executive producers, with Mundy taking on the role of showrunner.
Currently in the casting process and hiring directors, “Lanterns” is expected to begin filming in Atlanta from January to June. The series is described as having a gritty, “True Detective”-like aesthetic, centering on Jordan’s reluctant mentorship of a younger Lantern, John Stewart, one of DC’s first Black superheroes. The narrative revolves around the duo investigating a murder on Earth with significant consequences. DC and the producers are searching for a younger actor to complement Chandler’s established presence.
Initially, DC sought a movie star for the role of Jordan, engaging in discussions with Josh Brolin, who ultimately declined. Although there were speculations involving actors like Chris Pine and Ewan McGregor, these proved to be largely unfounded.
HBO has not provided any comment on the casting news.
Kyle Chandler rose to fame with his Emmy-winning portrayal of Coach Eric Taylor in the highly acclaimed series “Friday Night Lights,” which aired from 2006 to 2011 on NBC. He later returned to television with Netflix’s thriller “Bloodline,” which garnered him two additional Emmy nominations. Recently, he has appeared in both major films and independent projects, including “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” and “Godzilla vs. Kong,” along with Damien Chazelle’s biopic “First Man.”
Chandler is represented by Gersh and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.