DCU’s ‘Lanterns’ Reportedly Has Two Top Contenders for the Role of John Stewart

The DCU has numerous projects underway, all under the careful guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran. The most immediate releases include the animated series Creature Commandos and a new Superman film set for a 2025 release, along with several live-action shows centered on prominent DC characters.

Recently, there have been multiple updates regarding the Lanterns series, which will be a cosmic detective story featuring three notable Green Lanterns. It has been confirmed that Nathan Fillion will portray Guy Gardner.

Hal Jordan will be portrayed by Kyle Chandler, despite fan concerns regarding the actor’s age. The only remaining uncertainty is the casting of John Stewart, which is crucial since the show will reportedly focus on Stewart, with Jordan taking on a mentor role. Given that the studio has cast an older Hal Jordan (Josh Brolin was also considered), it’s likely that Jordan may either retire or meet his end by the series’ conclusion.

Numerous names have been speculated for the role of John Stewart, but The Hollywood Reporter has provided some solid information. Aaron Pierre and Stephan James are said to be the frontrunners, while Damson Idris has dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.

Lanterns has received a straight-to-series order at HBO, backed by a talented team of creators. Chris Mundy (Ozark), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, Lost), and Eisner Award-winning comic book writer Tom King are on board as executive producers and writers, with Mundy serving as the showrunner.

Aaron Pierre is a skilled British actor known for his roles in The Underground Railroad as Caesar and M. Night Shyamalan’s Old as Brandon. He has also appeared in The Last Tree, Britannia, and The King’s Man, and was initially set to feature in the MCU’s Blade reboot before ultimately opting out of the project.

Stephan James is similarly renowned for his leading role as John Lewis in the acclaimed film Selma and for his performance in the Amazon series Homecoming, where he stars alongside Julia Roberts. He has also received praise for his roles in If Beale Street Could Talk as Fonny and in the Netflix film Race, where he portrayed the legendary athlete Jesse Owens.

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