Lanterns showrunner Chris Mundy suggests the new DC series could mark a passing of the torch, possibly signaling the end of Hal Jordan’s run as Earth’s Green Lantern.
A Buddy Cop Story with a Deeper Meaning
In an interview with Men’s Health, Mundy, known for Ozark, True Detective, and Bloodline, said Lanterns will be “as much of a buddy cop show as a superhero show.” But beneath that setup lies a deeper theme about legacy and change.
“Our show is in a lot of ways about replacement—when should someone step aside and when is it time for the next person to take the reins?” Mundy said. “That push and pull between those two characters is really important.”
That comment has fans speculating whether Lanterns will see Hal Jordan step aside for John Stewart, positioning the latter as the Green Lantern of the new DC Universe under James Gunn.
John Stewart’s Strength and Presence
Mundy described how John Stewart’s strength comes from composure rather than aggression.
“So much of the power that John has is by not taking the bait, understanding that you lose your power if you’re yelling and screaming… He knows he belongs, so he doesn’t have to overcompensate,” said Mundy.
He praised Aaron Pierre’s performance as embodying both power and empathy.
“He’s big. He’s an intimidating presence just physically. But there’s a softness to him too. There’s a thoughtfulness. You can’t teach that,” he said.
Aaron Pierre on Playing John Stewart
Pierre spoke about the responsibility of portraying a character who means so much to fans, especially Black audiences.
“For me, the character just radiates strength and fortitude,” he said. “That hunger to be the best version of yourself, which also holds you accountable when you’re not.”
Mundy added that Pierre took the role seriously, understanding its cultural importance.
“Aaron felt a responsibility, especially as a Black man playing this particular role, to make sure he really understood him and brought him to life… I think fans will see the reverence he has for it,” said Mundy.
A New Era for the Green Lantern Corps
With Lanterns framed around legacy and replacement, and with Pierre’s John Stewart positioned as the emotional center, the series may represent a major DCU shift, one where Hal Jordan’s story ends and a new generation takes over.
The series is expected to premiere early 2026 on HBO Max.
