New ‘Lanterns’ Plot Details Potentially Reveal Troubling News for Fan-Favorite DC Hero

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Details about the upcoming DCU series Lanterns hint that a popular hero may not be around for long. Lanterns is the next project from DC Studios, and it’s unique because James Gunn didn’t write it. The show, scheduled to debut in early 2026 before Supergirl, will be a mystery similar to True Detective, following new Green Lantern John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and experienced Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler).

A recent Men’s Health article featuring Aaron Pierre included details from Lanterns co-creator Chris Mundy about the show’s direction. Mundy explained that the series will balance superhero action with a classic buddy cop dynamic, focusing on the relationship between John Stewart and Hal Jordan. A central theme will be the passing of the torch – when experienced heroes should retire and allow the next generation to lead. Mundy praised Pierre’s casting as John Stewart, highlighting the expected contrast between his character and Jordan’s Hal, played by Chandler.

What I really love about those two characters is how they constantly challenge each other. It’s amazing how much strength John gets from not reacting, from realizing that losing your cool actually makes you weaker. That’s what we’re aiming for with his portrayal – he’s secure in who he is, so he doesn’t feel the need to prove anything. Aaron Paul just naturally embodies that balance. He’s physically imposing, definitely, and can be intimidating, but there’s also a real gentleness and thoughtfulness to him. You can’t fake that kind of depth, it just comes across on screen.

Will Hal Jordan Retire (or Die) in ‘Lanterns’?


Universal Pictures

Hal Jordan is considered by many to be the most iconic Green Lantern, even though he wasn’t the first. He first appeared in DC Comics in 1959 and quickly became a key character in the DC Universe, even helping to form the Justice League. While Ryan Reynolds played him in the 2011 Green Lantern movie, the film wasn’t successful and led to a long pause in Green Lantern projects.

After a divisive story arc called Emerald Twilight transformed Hal Jordan into a villain and led to the destruction of the Green Lantern Corps, many fans found themselves drawn to other characters. Kyle Rayner, who starred as Green Lantern throughout the 1990s, and John Stewart, who gained popularity in the Justice League and Justice League Unlimited animated series, are often the first Green Lanterns that newer fans discover. Even though Hal Jordan was later brought back as a hero, John Stewart has remained a favorite, particularly since the 2011 movie.

According to Chris Mundy, the HBO series Lanterns could conclude with Hal Jordan leaving the Green Lantern Corps – perhaps through retirement, or even death. However, because the DC Universe has a rich history, Hal could still appear in flashbacks or stories set in the past. Meanwhile, John Stewart seems poised to become the main Green Lantern moving forward, and there’s talk he’ll be featured in a project called Man of Tomorrow.

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2025-10-28 22:17