Anticipation is rising for HBO's new Lanterns series, as top-tier directors and actors line up for the groundbreaking sci-fi adventure while the production date is coming closer.
- Sep 14, 2024
AceShowbiz - As HBO's upcoming Lanterns series continues to build momentum, the buzz around potential directors and actors is keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The show will follow the adventures of Green Lanterns John Stewart and Hal Jordan, who will be depicted as "space cops watching over Precinct Earth."
Originally described by James Gunn as "almost like True Detective" but within a cosmic setting, the series promises to blend mystery and superhero drama.
While the casting for the lead roles of John Stewart and Hal Jordan has yet to be finalized, several notable actors have been rumored. Josh Brolin was reportedly offered the role of Hal Jordan but passed on the opportunity.
After Brolin's departure, Ewan McGregor, Matthew McConaughey, and Chris Pine emerged as potential candidates. Though McConaughey is out of the race, industry insiders speculate that Chris Pine might be next in line for the role.
On the directing front, Stephen Williams, known for his work on "Lost", "Watchmen", and "Westworld", is believed to be in talks to direct the pilot episode. Additionally, Lucy Tcherniak, whose previous credits include "Sunny" (2024), "Station Eleven" (2021), and "The End of the F***ing World" (2017), is in negotiations to helm an undisclosed number of episodes, marking a significant step in securing top-tier directorial talent for the series.
The script for the pilot episode is being penned by Emmy Award-winning creator Damon Lindelof ("Lost", "Watchmen"), alongside "Ozark" showrunner Chris Mundy and acclaimed comic book writer Tom King. The writing team is further bolstered by the talents of Justin Britt-Gibson, Breannah Gibson, and Vanessa Baden Kelly, although their involvement has yet to be confirmed officially.
The production of "Lanterns" is set to commence in the first quarter of 2025 in the United Kingdom, with a projected release in 2026. Nathan Fillion, who will debut as Guy Gardner in James Gunn's "Superman" reboot, is expected to reprise his role in a supporting capacity for the series.
Previously, a Green Lantern TV series was in development under Greg Berlanti, which would have starred Finn Wittrock as Guy Gardner. However, the project was shelved when Gunn and Peter Safran took over as co-heads of DC Studios. This new iteration of the Lanterns series looks set to deliver a more terrestrial-based story with the potential for rich, character-driven narratives intertwined with the larger DC Universe.
