HBO and DC Studios Cast Hal Jordan for the New Green Lantern Series

After an extensive search, HBO and DC Studios have reportedly cast the actor to portray Green Lantern Hal Jordan in the upcoming Lanterns series. Actor Kyle Chandler will don the ring as the iconic DC superhero, with the show centering on a more mature Hal Jordan who mentors a younger and less experienced Green Lantern, John Stewart, as they delve into a mystery on Earth.

The Hollywood Reporter was the first to announce Kyle Chandler’s casting in the anticipated Green Lantern series. Prior to this, DC Studios had been seeking a Hollywood star for the role, with Josh Brolin initially offered the part, according to Nexus News. However, Brolin declined, and other actors like Matthew McConaughey and Ewan McGregor were also considered.

While it’s still uncertain when Lanterns will premiere on HBO Max, the series is being crafted by renowned writers Damon Lindelof (known for Lost, The Leftovers, and Watchmen), Chris Mundy (Ozark), and Tom King (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow).

Who is Green Lantern Hal Jordan in the comic books?

In the comic book universe, Hal Jordan made his debut in Showcase #22 in October 1959, created by John Broome and Gil Kane. He is the most famous Green Lantern in DC Comics history and the first human to join the Lantern Corps. Additionally, Hal was a founding member of the Justice League of America in the comics.

As a child, Hal looked up to his father, Martin Jordan, who was a test pilot for Ferris Aircraft but tragically died in a plane crash. This loss did not deter Hal from pursuing his dream; he joined the United States Air Force to become a pilot. Although he quickly established himself as the best pilot at his base, he faced criticism for his reckless behavior, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the Air Force.

Years later, Hal encountered a dying alien named Abin Sur, who had crash-landed on Earth. After attempting to help him, Hal discovered that Sur was a member of the Green Lantern Corps. Upon realizing he was near death, Sur chose Hal as his successor, granting him a power ring and marking the beginning of Hal Jordan’s journey as a DC superhero.

What is Lanterns about?

Lanterns was first announced by James Gunn when he shared his vision for DC on YouTube on January 31, 2023. He indicated that the show would draw inspiration from True Detective, focusing on an older Hal Jordan as he mentors the younger John Stewart while they investigate a significant mystery on Earth.

“This is a story of a couple of Green Lanterns, John Stewart and Hal Jordan. We have a few other Lanterns peppered in there but this is really a terrestrial-based TV show, almost like True Detective with a couple of Green Lanterns who are space cops watching over Precinct Earth. They discover a terrifying mystery that ties into our largest story of the DCU,”said Gunn during the project’s announcement.

DC Studios is also actively seeking to cast a younger actor for the role of John Stewart.

For further updates on the Lanterns series, stay tuned with us.

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