See the “Lanterns” Cast Side-by-Side with the Characters They Play

**Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre Shine in New DC Universe Series ‘Lanterns’**

The much-anticipated show ‘Lanterns’ has debuted on HBO, captivating audiences since its premiere on 16 August. The series, rooted in the expansive DC Universe, showcases beloved characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart, portrayed by acclaimed actors Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, respectively. Set against the backdrop of a small town in Nebraska, the plot revolves around the duo’s investigation into a string of mysterious crimes.

‘Lanterns’ distinguishes itself within the superhero genre by infusing a buddy-cop dynamic reminiscent of classic thrillers while also drawing inspiration from Westerns. The narrative unfolds over a sweeping timeline that jumps between the years 2016 and 2026, adding depth and intrigue to the characters and their journeys. As fans of the DC Universe will appreciate, ‘Lanterns’ interconnects with other DC storylines, including those of Superman and Peacemaker, particularly through the return of character Guy Gardner, portrayed by Nathan Fillion.

Kyle Chandler takes on the role of Hal Jordan, depicting a seasoned Green Lantern who returns to mentor a new recruit, John Stewart. Chandler describes his character’s relationship with John as “intimate and intense,” emphasising the personal history that informs their bond. Fans will recall Chandler’s previous work as Coach Eric Taylor in the critically-acclaimed series ‘Friday Night Lights’, a role that garnered him an Emmy Award in 2011. His impressive filmography also includes notable performances in Oscar-nominated features such as ‘Argo,’ ‘Zero Dark Thirty,’ and ‘Manchester By the Sea.’

Opposite Chandler, Aaron Pierre portrays John Stewart, a younger, eager mentee drawn to Hal’s formidable legacy. Pierre has previously made a mark in the DC Universe as Dev-Em in ‘Krypton’ and has earned acclaim for his role in Barry Jenkins’ ‘The Underground Railroad’. In ‘Lanterns’, Pierre’s exploration of John’s character promises to delve deeply into his transformation from boyhood to adulthood, challenging the conventional perceptions of heroism along the way.

The cast of ‘Lanterns’ also includes the talented Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry, a dedicated law enforcement officer facing her own set of challenges. Macdonald’s character exhibits a complicated history but remains committed to her town, often leading to conflict with Hal and John as they collaborate in crime-fighting efforts. Macdonald, known for her roles in ‘No Country for Old Men’ and ‘Brave’, elaborated on her character, noting that the tension between her and the Lanterns serves as a pivotal part of the narrative.

Further enriching the ensemble is Nathan Fillion, reprising his role as the brash Guy Gardner. Fillion’s portrayal promises to reveal a shift in Gardner’s character from cockiness to vulnerability as the series progresses. Fillion, widely recognised from the cult classic ‘Firefly’ and the popular procedural ‘The Rookie’, shared with Entertainment Weekly that this iteration of Guy Gardner sees him grappling with self-doubt, adding a compelling layer to an otherwise confident persona.

Garret Dillahunt brings charisma and complexity to the role of William Macon, a cowboy with unconventional ideas of law enforcement that contrast sharply with those of Hal and John. Dillahunt, who has garnered acclaim for his performances in ‘Raising Hope’ and ‘Hand of God’, noted that his character firmly believes in his own righteousness, leading to fundamental disagreements on justice with the Lanterns.

Poorna Jagannathan portrays Zoe, a character described as composed, strategic, and influential. Although she initially hesitated to accept the role, citing a lack of familiarity with comic books, the script’s allure proved irresistible. Jagannathan is well-known for her work in the series ‘Never Have I Ever’ and gained recognition for co-creating the award-winning play ‘Nirbhaya.’

Ulrich Thomsen takes on the role of Thaal Sinestro, a former Green Lantern and mentor to Hal Jordan. Sinestro’s backstory, including his ousting from the Green Lantern Corps after an attempted coup, adds layers of complexity to the series. Showrunner Chris Mundy has shared that the series will explore the idea of mentorship and legacy, questioning what is inherited from one generation to the next.

As ‘Lanterns’ further unravels its narrative layers, the show promises to engage audiences not only through its thrilling plot but also through the rich character development and multifaceted performances of its cast. With the potential for deeper connections to the broader DC Universe, ‘Lanterns’ is poised to become a standout addition to the superhero television landscape.