Lanterns, the latest series from the DC Universe, defies easy description, encompassing genres ranging from superhero drama and sci-fi to neo-western. It is also a whodunit, with a murder that has far-reaching repercussions for Hal Jordan and John Stewart. While shows such as True Detective and Slow Horseshave been mentioned as inspirations for Lanterns, Kyle Chandler who plays Hal and Aaron Pierre who plays John said they did not watch either show.
“We are aware of these successful and wonderful projects, but we made the decision that we wanted to curate and discover a unique dynamic,” Aaron says over a video call from Los Angeles. “It was daunting, but we wanted to create our own version. So we actually limited what we consumed visually during filming. I read and listened to music.”
“Also, there was the fact that we were working so much that we didn’t have time to watch anything else,” Kyle chips in with a laugh. “I didn’t think about other people. The main goal after the first reading was to get to know this guy and to see if we were even going to be able to work together (laughs). Luckily, both of us turned out to be halfway decent people, and we get along.”
Frenemies forever
A lot of the show’s dynamic comes from Hal and John’s interactions. “John trusts Hal’s experience and his capacity to do his job efficiently,” Aaron says. “John knows there is a level of understanding about this trajectory that only time can teach. At the same time, John hates how the lesson is being delivered. He feels it is didactic, patronising or belittling. With John it’s never what’s being said, so much as how it’s being said. Ultimately, as much as they sometimes want to tear each other apart, there is an undeniable respect and mutual admiration there.”
Kyle Chandler in ‘Lanterns’
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Speaking about the similarities that their military backgrounds bring to Hal and John, Aaron says, “They went to the same school of tactical thinking. So, that’s also a built-in respect.”
Teacher and the taught
Hal, Kyle says, trusts his heart. “In the beginning, he thinks he is the only one who could possibly teach John how to do this job, and that John would never do it as well as Hal. However, as that process goes on, the young kid teaches the wise guy. And Hal learns truths about himself through John. This respect and love forms a cool relationship. However, Hal would never admit any of that.”
Far from perfect
The imperfect world of Lanterns with far-from-flawless superheroes putting their best foot forward, adds to the show’s appeal, Aaron says. “These superheroes get it wrong more than they get it right, and that is what makes these characters relatable.”
Lanterns is set in Nebraska, as the creators, Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, wanted the show to have a feel of David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, says Kyle. “They wanted to have the world out in the desert, where there is a vast landscape of nothing, to make them show up closer to your face. They wanted to isolate our world.”
Being fearless, Aaron says, makes a person worthy of the ring. “That is all you need. That is what makes the Green Lantern Corps so relatable. You have the courage to pursue the journey of being a lantern which means a journey into the unknown. “
Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler in a still from ‘Lanterns’
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
John, Aaron says, is a former marine and an architect. “Hal is a former fighter pilot. They’re fearless, and rock stars. I’m just so glad that the Green Lantern Corps is having its moment.” Kyle concurs with, “To be able to overcome fear, the obstacle and find your way around it.”
Reel and real
John’s complexity, Aaron says, is one of the things he loves about the character. “Outwardly, John can appear clean, concise, professional and gentlemanly. He can be direct, intentional and sharp as the sharpest knife. Internally, however, there is this volcano that is about to erupt. Not to make this a therapy session, because it is not, but I have experienced that in my life. I’ve had to learn to master what it is to be the man that I am.”
Admitting to resonate with John, Aaron says, “I feel immensely honored to be portraying him. I’m ready to do this for as long as they’ll let me.”
“I like the fact that I got to bring my handsomeness, my cleverness and my unfiltered mouth to a character who did the same,” Kyle says with a laugh. “I also got to be something I’m not, and that is to be unafraid and I’ve got this ring that backs it up. Hal is always right. He is so outrageous and has got a lot of things I wish I had more of.”
Lanterns is currently streaming on JioHotstar
Published – September 12, 2026 05:50 pm IST
