HBO Max’s “Lanterns” is set to introduce some key characters to the burgeoning DCU, pulling in several major players from the Green Lantern mythos. The show, created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and Tom King, follows John Stewart and Hal Jordan as they explore a potentially alien mystery in rural Nebraska.
But what characters are set to appear in “Lanterns,” and who’s playing who? Read on to find out.
Aaron Pierre as John Stewart
Aaron Pierre takes the spotlight in “Lanterns” as John Stewart, an architect/marine who is training to become the second Earth-based Green Lantern in Sector 2814. Pierre will reprise his role on the big screen in “Man of Tomorrow.”
Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan
Joining Pierre is Kyle Chandler, who stars as established Green Lantern Hal Jordan. The first-ever Lantern from Earth, Hal trains John to one day take over his position, wielding a ring powered by willpower that can project whatever the wearer imagines.
Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry
Portrayed by Kelly Macdonald, Kerry is the sheriff of Rushville, Neb., the small town where much of “Lanterns” takes place. Kerry serves as a sometimes ally, sometimes obstacle for Hal and John as she attempts to keep her town safe from their extraterrestrial trouble.
Garret Dillahunt as William Macon
William Macon (Garrett Dillahunt) is a powerful man in Rushfield who’s deeply suspicious of outsiders. He is also Kerry’s father-in-law.
Poorna Jagannathan as Zoe
Poorna Jagannathan’s Zoe is both a potential love interest for John and William Macon’s partner. Like William, Zoe has her own influence over Rushfield and its people.
Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
So far, Nathan Fillion is the only cast member confirmed for “Lanterns” who has already appeared in the broader DCU. Fillion reprises his role as Guy Gardner, another Earth-based Green Lantern who also serves as a member of Max Lord’s Justice Gang (as seen in “Superman”).
Laura Linney as a Guardian of the Universe
At San Diego Comic-Con, it was announced that Laura Linney, whose part was previously unknown, would be appearing in “Lanterns” as a Guardian of the Universe. The Guardians are a race of immortal, blue-skinned beings who created the Green Lantern Corps to protect the universe as an intergalactic police force.
Paul Ben-Victor as Antaan
Paul Ben-Victor stars in “Lanterns” as Antaan, another alien drawn into the show’s Nebraska-set mystery. In the latest trailer, Antaan warns that “Manhunters are the most dangerous beings in the galaxy,” seemingly putting him at odds with the Guardians (who created the Manhunters in DC Comics as a proto-Green Lantern Corps).
Jason Ritter as Billy Macon
Jason Ritter appears in “Lanterns” as Billy Macon, William’s son and Kerry’s husband. Billy and Kerry also have a child, Noah, played by Cary Christopher (who starred in “Weapons” as Alex).
Jasmine Cephas Jones as Bernadette Stewart
Jasmine Cephas Jones appears in “Lanterns” as a young version of Bernadette Stewart, John Stewart’s mother. Nicole Ari Parker will portray Bernadette in the present.
J. Alphonse Nicholson as John Stewart Sr.
Likewise, J. Alphonse Nicholson plays John Stewart’s father (also named John Stewart) in “Lanterns” flashbacks. Sherman Augustus is set to play John Sr. in the present.
Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro
Ulrich Thomsen is set to appear as one of the biggest characters in the Green Lantern mythos: Sinestro. Sinestro was once Hal Jordan’s mentor, a member of the Green Lantern Corps himself, before he turned against the Guardians and landed himself in prison. Hal is seen visiting an imprisoned Sinestro in promos for “Lanterns.”
