Lanterns Stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre Discuss Episode 3 Reveals and Timelines

The upcoming DC live-action series “Lanterns” breaks down across two distinct timelines, according to reporting by The Independent.

HBO Max’s “Lanterns” adapts the DC comic book superhero by casting Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. The narrative centers on Hal and John investigating an alien presence in a small Nebraska town, trading the traditional heavy sci-fi backdrop for a grounded, low-fi approach.

Episode 3 Reveals How John Stewart Joined the Corps

In episode three, the series explores the selection process behind John Stewart entering the Green Lantern Corps, according to The Independent. The outlet reports that John’s father was originally targeted by the Corps when John was a baby, but he failed a test of bravery. Years later, the Corps returned to test an adult John Stewart.

At the conclusion of that episode, after facing questions from an extra-terrestrial Guardian of the Universe played by Laura Linney, John receives official approval to become the next Green Lantern, as reported by The Independent. However, Chandler’s character Hal Jordan resists stepping aside.

Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre Discuss Character Dynamics

Chandler described his character’s resistance to sharing power as an “AI-style threat” to his ego, drawing parallels to his own experiences as an actor approaching his sixties. According to his interview with The Independent, Chandler noted that giving up the role feels akin to leaving behind an identity shaped over 36 years of working.

In the television series, Hal has been told John is merely his backup, while John has been told he will replace Hal entirely.

The opportunity to, in essence, try to kill him, it would seem – that was fun! The first episode when that car goes where it goes, I laughed so much when I saw that cut. And that’s what got me wanting to do the show to begin with.

Kyle Chandler

“Lanterns” also features cast members Kelly Macdonald and Garrett Dillahunt, airing on HBO Max in both the US and the UK, according to reporting from The Independent.