HBO’s upcoming Green Lantern series, Lanterns, is set to redefine how fans see the Green Lantern Corps in live action. Instead of focusing solely on Hal Jordan, the show centres on John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre, with Kyle Chandler stepping into the role of Hal Jordan.
The series is described as much a buddy cop show as it is a superhero adventure, following Stewart and Jordan as they investigate a mysterious murder in Nebraska. This approach introduces crime and mystery elements into the DC Universe, giving the series a unique flavour compared to previous superhero projects.
The choice to spotlight John Stewart is significant. Historically, Hal Jordan has been the face of the Green Lantern Corps in film and TV, but the new DCU under James Gunn is deliberately shifting focus to legacy characters who haven’t dominated the spotlight before.
Stewart’s background as a Marine and his grounded, pragmatic approach to heroism set him apart from Jordan’s more impulsive style. This dynamic not only brings depth to the show’s central relationship but also positions Stewart as a foundational Justice League member for the DCU.
Lanterns also features Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern, played by Jeremy Irvine, though his exact role remains a mystery. Early reports suggest that the show will explore the mentor-mentee dynamic between Hal and John, echoing classic comic runs where Hal’s experience contrasts with John’s fresh perspective.
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By making Stewart the emotional and thematic anchor of the series, Lanterns signals that the DCU is ready to embrace new heroes while honouring the franchise’s long history.
The Flash Tease: Why Wally West Makes Sense
The spotlight on John Stewart is more than just a shift for Green Lantern; it’s a strong indicator of who will take on the mantle of The Flash in the DCU.
For years, Barry Allen has been the go-to Flash in both the DCEU and the Arrowverse, but with James Gunn’s DCU already breaking tradition by focusing on John Stewart, the logical next step is to introduce Wally West as the main Flash.
This pairing would not only bring a fresh tone to the franchise but also honour the legacy-driven approach Gunn is building.
John Stewart and Wally West share a storied friendship in DC Comics, one that blends humour, heart, and chemistry. Their dynamic is a fan favourite, and bringing it to the DCU would instantly set the universe apart from previous adaptations.
Wally’s legacy as the second Flash, stepping into the mantle after Barry, allows the DCU to explore themes of responsibility, succession, and identity from the start.
This setup also frees up future Flash stories to focus on mentorship and the challenges of living up to a legendary role, themes that resonate deeply with Wally’s character.
The DCU’s approach to legacy characters means Barry Allen’s era is likely to be referenced but not repeated. By the time the DCU launches, metahumans will already exist, making it easy to explain that Barry has passed the mantle to Wally off-screen.
This allows the franchise to embrace its legacy-hero framework from the outset, giving fans both a sense of continuity and a bold new direction.
Genre Expansion and the Future of DCU
Lanterns is just one part of James Gunn’s ambitious plan to expand the DCU into new genres and storytelling formats. In 2026, the DCU will release projects in three new genres: buddy cop (Lanterns), space adventure (Supergirl), and body horror (Clayface).
This genre experimentation is a major departure from the traditional superhero formula, offering audiences fresh perspectives and new kinds of stories within the DC Universe.
The buddy cop format of Lanterns is particularly exciting, as it brings crime and mystery elements to the Green Lantern mythos. This approach allows the show to explore the human side of its heroes, focusing on their relationships and personal struggles as much as their superpowers.
The space adventure of Supergirl, meanwhile, will take the DCU off Earth for the first time, opening the door for new characters and settings. And Clayface’s body horror genre promises a darker, more mature take on the superhero film, appealing to a wider range of audiences.
By embracing these new genres, the DCU is positioning itself as a versatile and innovative franchise. Lanterns, with its focus on John Stewart and its buddy cop format, is at the forefront of this shift. The show’s success could pave the way for more genre experimentation in the future, ensuring that the DCU remains fresh and exciting for years to come.
HBO’s Green Lantern series is not just a new take on a classic superhero; it’s a signal of major changes to come in the DCU. The spotlight on John Stewart points to Wally West as the DCU’s Flash, and the show’s genre experimentation sets the stage for a bold new era in superhero storytelling.
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