AceShowbiz - The DC Universe has officially tapped two celebrated actors for its latest HBO series "Lanterns". Talented actor Kyle Chandler, known from "Friday Night Lights" and "Early Edition", has been confirmed as Hal Jordan, a grizzled and seasoned Green Lantern.

This announcement was made by DC Studios' co-CEO James Gunn himself, who warmly welcomed Chandler into the DC Universe with a social media post, stating, "Welcome to the DCU, Kyle Chandler! Now our Hal Jordan in #Lanterns."

Chandler's casting brings a new depth to the character of Hal Jordan, the test pilot turned cosmic police officer recruited into the Green Lantern Corps. Hal Jordan, created by John Broome and Gil Kane in 1959, has had a complex history in DC Comics, ranging from a hero to the villain Parallax, and even The Spectre. This new series will likely see him as a mentor figure, reflecting on his storied past.

Joining Chandler, Aaron Pierre has been cast as John Stewart, another Green Lantern. Pierre, recognized for his work in "Rebel Ridge" and the TV series "Krypton", snagged this role after rigorous auditions, as confirmed by James Gunn. Gunn's social media post read, "Welcome to DC, Aaron Pierre. After a long and grueling series of auditions I am absolutely sure we've found an incredible John Stewart. #Lanterns."

The eight-episode series, "Lanterns", will follow the dynamic duo of Hal Jordan and John Stewart, portrayed as two intergalactic cops. These characters find themselves entangled in a dark, earthbound mystery revolving around a murder in the American heartland. The creative minds behind the series include Chris Mundy from "Ozark", Damon Lindelof from "Watchmen" and "Lost", as well as award-winning comic creator Tom King.

DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran have high hopes for the series, which aims to be a foundational element of the newly unified DC Universe. Gunn and Safran previously stated, "John Stewart and Hal Jordan are two of DC's most compelling characters, and Lanterns brings them to life in an original detective story that is a foundational part of the unified DCU."

"Lanterns" is expected to set the stage for future DCU projects, which include new seasons of "Peacemaker" and debut series like "Booster Gold", "Waller", and the "Wonder Woman" prequel, "Paradise Lost". Although the release date for "Lanterns" has yet to be confirmed, excitement for this new era of DC storytelling is already palpable.