Can HBO’s Lanterns Succeed in Finally Breaking Out Green Lantern?

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Comic Book illustration of Hal Jordan, a Green Lantern.

Credit: DC Comics

Ah, the Green Lantern! The character who can summon any object he can imagine, yet somehow has yet to summon a good movie. Enter HBO’s upcoming series Lanterns, which hopes to shine a light on this oft-maligned DC Comics hero.

With cast announcements making the rounds, fans are buzzing about the show’s direction, especially since it aims to capture the gritty essence of True Detective, the network’s formerly critically acclaimed breakout series.

HBO logo in white with a green Green Lantern Corps symbol integrated into the letter "O", set against a purple to blue gradient background.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Grab your power rings, and let’s explore the colorful (and often cringe-worthy) history of Green Lantern in film and TV and why Lanterns just might be the flickering flame this franchise needs.

The Green Lantern Corps: Cosmic Cops of the Universe

At the heart of the mythology lies the Green Lantern Corps, an intergalactic police force that operates under the watchful eye of the Guardians of the Universe. Picture a cosmic version of a neighborhood watch, but instead of just keeping an eye on your lawn, they’re patrolling entire galaxies, fighting space villains, and making sure the universe doesn’t descend into chaos.

Each Green Lantern is equipped with a power ring, which is fueled by their willpower and imagination.

This nifty gadget allows them to create anything they can think of—be it a giant green hamster ball or a laser bazooka. The catch? If a Lantern’s willpower falters or their imagination takes a holiday, the ring becomes as useful as a paperweight. It’s a high-stakes job that demands not just courage but also a healthy dose of mental fortitude.

An illustration of multiple Green Lantern Corps members flying in space. The central figure is a muscular character in a green and black suit with a glowing green ring. Various alien members with diverse appearances surround him.
Credit: DC Comics

One of the more unusual features of the Green Lantern Corp among superhero groups is its diversity. Lanterns hail from various planets, species, and backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table.

From the human Hal Jordan to the alien Kilowog (who’s basically a space bulldog drill sergeant) to an entire sentient planet, the Corps embodies a wide array of cultures and ideologies.

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The most famous human Lanterns include:

  • Hal Jordan is the quintessential hero—think hotshot test pilot with a flair for drama and a knack for getting into cosmic danger. He’s the face of the Corps, even though he’s known as something of an arrogant know-it-all.
  • John Stewart, on the other hand, is the level-headed former U.S. Marine who brings some serious gravitas to the table. With a strong moral compass and strategic mind, he’s the guy you want by your side when the universe is on the line.
  • Guy Gardner is the feisty rebel of the group—loud, brash, and always ready to throw down (partly due to some undiagnosed brain damage). He’s got a stubborn streak that could rival a bull, but deep down, he’s got a heart of gold.
  • Kyle Rayner is the artist of the bunch, who channels his creativity into some seriously imaginative constructs. His fresh outlook often injects new energy into the Corps, proving that being a Green Lantern isn’t just about power—it’s about perspective.

The Guardians of the Universe

The Guardians, small blue beings with big ideas, oversee the Corps. They act as both mentors and overseers, often doling out orders with a side of cryptic wisdom. Think of them as the ancient sages in a superhero saga—wise, but sometimes a little out of touch with the realities of the universe.

Their decisions can often spark conflict, leading to dramatic storylines where Lanterns question their leadership and the morality of their missions.

Five blue-skinned, humanoid figures with white hair and green outfits stand together. One is speaking a caption that reads, "As always, we will be those shepherds." The background is a glowing, green aura.
Credit: DC Comics

Facing the Dark Side

Of course, being a Green Lantern isn’t all about crafting fancy constructs and saving the day. The Corps often finds itself in cosmic skirmishes against powerful adversaries, like the Sinestro Corps, who wield fear instead of will.

This duality of light and dark adds layers to the narrative, presenting not just external conflicts but also internal struggles as the Lanterns grapple with the nature of power and responsibility. Most likely, that’s what DC Studios will be trying to harness with this new project.

The ‘Green Lantern’ Story: Where Did It All Go Wrong?

Let’s roll back the cinematic clock to 2011 when Ryan Reynolds donned the green suit in the much-maligned Green Lantern film. The film was supposed to be a vibrant introduction to the Green Lantern Corps but instead served as a cautionary tale. It had the special effects budget of a small nation but a plot that felt like it had been scribbled on a napkin during lunch.

Since its release, it has become something of a punching bag for Reynolds, who rarely passes up an opportunity to sweatily remind people that he also thinks it’s bad, and that somehow makes him better. The movie was a commercial and critical flop and failed to launch a new superhero franchise so hard that it has reportedly made A-list actors wary of the entire IP.

Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern
Credit: DC / Warner Bros.

Television’s Turn: The Animated Series and Beyond

Before we condemn the character to the depths of superhero purgatory, let’s not forget the animated successes. The critically acclaimed Green Lantern: The Animated Series showcased a deeper narrative with CGI animation and compelling character arcs.

Fans loved it, and it proved that Green Lantern could shine, provided he was not burdened by a live-action script that felt like it was written by someone who had only ever seen a superhero movie through a kaleidoscope.

An animated superhero wearing a green and black costume with a mask is flying through space, illuminated by a glowing green ring on his fist. Stars are visible in the background.
Credit: DC Entertainment

And let’s talk about the Justice League and Justice League Unlimited series. There, Green Lantern (voiced by the talented Phil LaMarr) played a crucial role, showcasing both bravery and a fair bit of sass. In those shows, he was not just a dude with a glowing ring; he was a complex character who interacted dynamically with heroes like Batman and Wonder Woman.

The HBO Touch: Can They Recapture the Magic?

Now, onto Lanterns. HBO is hoping to sprinkle some of that True Detective magic over the Green Lantern mythos. For those who haven’t seen True Detective, it’s a gritty, atmospheric series that digs deep into the human psyche while unraveling disturbing mysteries, often pairing up diametrically opposed protagonists as partners. So, how does this translate to a show about a guy with a magic space ring?

Well, the premise seems to be a buddy cop show where the buddies are cosmic space cops. This could finally show us that being a Green Lantern isn’t just about fighting villains; it’s about the toll of wielding that kind of power and the moral quandaries it presents.

The Leads: Casting Choices That Shine Bright

With the casting news dropping, excitement is palpable. Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre have been announced as Hal Jordan and John Stewart, respectively. Both actors bring a wealth of talent and charisma that could breathe new life into these iconic characters.

Kyle Chandler as Coach Eric Taylor in 'Friday Night Lights'
Credit: NBC

Chandler, known for his gripping performance as Coach Taylor in the iconic Friday Night Lights TV series, has the gravitas to portray Hal Jordan as a seasoned veteran grappling with the weight of his responsibilities. Imagine him balancing the burden of being a Green Lantern while also delivering those classic, self-deprecating quips.

A person sits on the ground next to a brown car, with a bicycle lying beside them. They appear thoughtful, with tattoos visible on their arms. The background shows a street with buildings.
Credit: Netflix

Aaron Pierre, on the other hand, has proven his range in projects like The Underground Railroad and a recent breakout lead role in Rebel Ridge. His portrayal of John Stewart could provide a fresh perspective on the character, emphasizing his character’s innate sense of right and wrong and lack of tolerance for nuance.

The dynamic between Chandler and Pierre has the potential to mirror the deep, often fraught partnerships seen in True Detective, where characters confront both existential cosmic threats and their own inner demons.

If the writing is sharp and the chemistry between them is on point, we might just see a Green Lantern duo that feels fully realized and relatable, moving beyond the realm of just guys in green suits spouting catchphrases.

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A Cosmic Grittiness

One of the standout elements of True Detective is its exploration of morality and human nature, particularly in the Season 1 relationship between Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. If Lanterns can capture even a fraction of that essence, we’re in for something special.

The narrative could explore the implications of wielding such power—like, what happens when your power is only as good as your willpower?

A still from the first season of True Detective
Credit: HBO

Additionally, exploring the intergalactic society of the Green Lantern Corps can lend itself to deeper themes about justice, accountability, and even the challenges of teamwork—especially when your coworkers are a bunch of alien species. One can only imagine the interoffice politics.

Two members of the Green Lantern Corps
Credit: DC Entertainment

Is This the Dawn of a New Era for ‘Green Lantern’?

The stakes are high for Lanterns, and with HBO’s track record, there’s potential for greatness. It’s a fresh start that can take everything we love about Green Lantern and combine it with the compelling storytelling seen in True Detective.

While we all have our cringe-worthy memories of past adaptations, let’s remain hopeful that this series will light the way for a new era of superhero storytelling.

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