Everything We Know So Far About DCU’s ‘Lanterns’: Plot, Cast, and Release Date
DCU has numerous projects in development under the keen supervision of James Gunn and Peter Safran. Among the imminent releases are the ‘Creature Commandos’ animated series and ‘Superman,’ slated for 2025. However, there’s a plethora of live-action shows centered around iconic DC characters in the pipeline.
Recent updates have shed light on significant developments regarding the Green Lanterns show. Hence, we’ve compiled a concise guide summarizing everything we know about it. Let’s dive in.
The show will be like a space detective story
Geoff Johns originally had a script for a Green Lantern Corps film set in the DCEU, planned to be out by the end of 2019. However, plans changed when it was revealed in April 2020 that Johns would produce a Green Lantern Corps series for HBO Max, suggesting a shift in direction. Efforts have been made to distinguish the series from the CW’s Arrowverse, possibly to attract those uninterested in its lower-budget productions.
There was no news about the show until James Gunn took over the DCEU and revamped it with Peter Safran. During their initial presentation, ‘Lanterns’ was one of the first shows they announced. Little is known about the show, except that it will be a space detective story.
Recently, James Gunn confirmed several rumors in an Instagram post, revealing who will be leading the series.
Yes, it’s true. The Lanterns DCU series is putting together a crack team of writers, based on a wonderful pilot script and bible by Chris Mundy, Tom King, and Damon Lindelof. A hearty welcome to Chris and @damonlindelof as they join the DC Studios family (no welcome necessary for old @tomking_tk, who has been here nearly since inception).
On June 25th, ‘Lanterns’ was officially greenlit. HBO, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, has ordered an eight-episode drama series based on the iconic DC title. Chris Mundy will be the showrunner and executive producer, while Damon Lindelof and Tom King will co-write the series and also serve as executive producers.
The series follows new recruit John Stewart and veteran Lantern Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops investigating a murder in the American heartland, uncovering a dark, earth-based mystery.
“We are elated to be reuniting with both Chris Mundy and Damon Lindelof as they partner with Tom for this fresh take on DC’s ‘Green Lantern.’ As part of James and Peter’s vision for the DC Universe, this first new live action series will mark an exciting new era.”
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We only know one member of the cast
In the show, we’ll see three well-known Green Lanterns: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, and Guy Gardner. So far, only Nathan Fillion has been confirmed to play Guy Gardner. Who will portray John Stewart is still unknown. There are rumors suggesting the studio is aiming for a prominent actor to play John Stewart, and recent reports hint at a younger actor, possibly in his twenties, aligning with James Gunn’s preference for a younger cast in his DCU projects. This preference may have been a factor in Henry Cavill’s departure from the Superman role in the DCU.
Fresh casting information indicates that the upcoming series will spotlight an experienced Hal Jordan and a youthful John Stewart, aligning with earlier reports. DC Studios is currently on the lookout for white actors aged 43-49 to portray Hal Jordan and black actors aged 27-35 for John Stewart. Additionally, Nathan Fillion is set to bring his obnoxious portrayal of Guy Gardner to the series in a supporting capacity.
The show doesn’t have a release date yet
No release date has been set for the show, and it’s likely a long way from entering production. This delay is due to Gunn’s reluctance to begin shooting without a finished script.
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