Lanterns - Out with the Old, In with the New: Chris Mundy Speaks

HBO is preparing to bring the Green Lanterns back to the small screen with Lanterns, the new series set in the DC universe that will feature Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan. The two will investigate a mysterious murder in an American town, but at the heart of the story will be the relationship between the two heroes and the theme of "passing the torch."

Chris Mundy, the series' showrunner and former writer for Ozark, explained in an interview with Men's Health that Lanterns will explore the concept of "replacement," or the moment when a hero must cede the way to those who come after. Described as an experienced and time-worn veteran, Hal Jordan may not die but choose to retire, making way for the young Stewart as the new face of the Green Lantern Corps.

Important Passing of the Torch

Mundy praised John's calm and balance, traits that Pierre embodies perfectly and that will be fundamental to the character: "His power comes from not losing control; he knows he belongs to the Corps, so he doesn't need to prove anything."

Lanterns will thus represent not only the return of Hal Jordan in live action after fifteen years, but also a reflection on the generational change of heroes. If it truly is Jordan's farewell, it would be a passing of the torch as symbolic as it is emotional in the new DC Universe.