HBO’s upcoming DC series Lanterns has cast its Hal Jordan. Emmy-winning actor Kyle Chandler will portray the iconic Green Lantern Corps member, as reported. This marks Chandler’s return to series television following his role in Showtime’s 2022 drama Super Pumped.
Lanterns received a straight-to-series order in June after extensive development and is produced by Chris Mundy (Ozark), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, Lost), and Eisner Award-winning comic writer Tom King. The trio is collaborating as co-writers and executive producers, with Mundy as the showrunner.
Currently, the series, part of HBO’s lineup, is in the process of casting and hiring directors, aiming to shoot in Atlanta from January to June next year.
The show will possess a gritty tone reminiscent of True Detective, centering on Jordan as he begrudgingly mentors a younger Lantern, John Stewart, one of the first Black superheroes in DC’s publishing history. The storyline involves the duo investigating a murder on Earth with far-reaching consequences. The production team is reportedly seeking a younger actor to bring a fresh dynamic opposite Chandler.
Originally, DC sought a well-known movie star to portray Hal Jordan and had discussions with Josh Brolin, who eventually declined the role. There were rumors of other actors, including Chris Pine and Ewan McGregor, being in consideration, but these were mostly speculative.
Chandler is best known for his Emmy-winning performance as Coach Eric Taylor on the acclaimed television series Friday Night Lights, which aired on NBC from 2006 to 2011. He returned to television with the Netflix thriller Bloodline, earning two Emmy nominations. Recently, he has appeared in various films, including Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Damien Chazelle’s First Man.
Chandler is represented by Gersh and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.