Ryan Reynolds Says He’d ‘Totally Do a Cameo’ in HBO’s “Lanterns” 15 Years After His “Green Lantern”

Ryan Reynolds has expressed his willingness to make a cameo appearance in the upcoming HBO series “Lanterns,” which continues the world of the iconic Green Lantern character. The actor, who portrayed Hal Jordan in the 2011 film “Green Lantern,” recently discussed his thoughts on the franchise during an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the New York City premiere of his latest film, “Mayday,” on 1 September.

The 49-year-old star conveyed a mixture of nostalgia and openness towards revisiting his character, stating, “I would totally do a cameo in that.” He reflected on his experiences while filming the original movie, admitting that the process was filled with both challenges and valuable lessons. “I learned so much making that movie,” Reynolds noted, adding a hint of humour by suggesting that part of what he learned was “what not to do.” Despite its poor reception from critics and disappointing box office results, Reynolds considers the experience to have positively influenced his career trajectory.

Reynolds’ recollections from the original movie go beyond mere professional growth; he also reminisced about his personal life, notably meeting his wife, Blake Lively, on the set of “Green Lantern” where she played the role of Carol Ferris. He described this experience as “incredible,” remarking that it was a “gift that keeps on giving.” The memories associated with the film clearly hold a sentimental value for him, despite its shortcomings in the eyes of audiences and critics alike.

Interestingly, Reynolds has previously mentioned that his son, Olin, has developed a fondness for “Green Lantern,” referring to it as his “favourite movie.” This has led the actor to reflect on the positive aspects of his experience making the film. During the TIME 100 Summit in 2025, he stated, “I learned all the most amazing lessons I could ever have” while filming. One such lesson that he highlighted was the importance of character over spectacle, a principle he considers to be foundational in shaping his perspective as a storyteller.

In terms of the new series, “Lanterns” features Kyle Chandler taking on the role of Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre assuming the mantle of John Stewart, both of whom are notable iterations of the Green Lantern. The show’s narrative unfolds as the two characters embark on an investigative journey in Rushville, Nebraska, with an intriguing intergalactic element that challenges their dynamic as hero and mentee.

Ahead of the show’s premiere, Chandler spoke about the positive impact his co-star Pierre has had on him, particularly in terms of discipline. Chandler noted that the word “discipline” often appears in his journals and credited Pierre for inspiring him. “This guy, he’s got really good discipline,” Chandler commented, acknowledging how witnessing Pierre’s dedication has encouraged him in both his career and personal life. Such teamwork dynamics off-screen are expected to influence their performances in the series.

“Lanterns” boasts a diverse cast, including Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Laura Linney, Jason Ritter, Ulrich Thomsen, Nathan Fillion, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Jasmine Cephas Jones. The ensemble aims to captivate audiences with a fresh take on beloved characters, integrating both action and character development.

Fans of the DC universe can catch “Lanterns,” which airs every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and is available for streaming on HBO Max. With Reynolds’ potential cameo, the link between past and present installments of the Green Lantern narrative holds promise for both nostalgia and excitement. Whether he ultimately graces the screen again or not, Reynolds’ reflections on his past work highlight the lasting impact a single film can have on an actor’s career and personal life.