(L to R): Adam Baldwin, Summer Glau, Sean Maher, Nathan Fillion, Morena Baccarin, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Jewel State and Ron Glass in ‘Firefly’. Photo: 20th Century Television.
Preview:
An animated revival of cult series ‘Firefly’ is in the works.
Nathan Fillion revealed the news.
The original show, created by Joss Whedon, ran for one season.
The original series, as created by Whedon in 2002, ran for all of one season before being unceremoniously cancelled by the Fox TV network. It returned in movie form with ‘Serenity’ in 2005, but the film didn’t do well enough at the box office spawn sequels.
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Now, Fillion –– who has been teasing fans via social media videos featuring his former castmates –– has revealed that a revival of the show is in development in animated form.
(L to R): Nathan Fillion and Gina Torres in ‘Firefly’. Photo: 20th Century Television.
All we really know at this point that the narrative would pick up between the end of the show and the movie. Set 500 years into the future during a global civil war, ‘Firefly’ charted the whereabouts of spaceship Serenity and its nine crew members in the year 2517.
When will the ‘Firefly’ animated series be on screens?
With this new show still in early development, and no official studio/streamer home announced (though surely Hulu is the natural place for it), there’s no word on when or even if it’ll land. You can’t stop the signal!
The spaceship Serenity in ‘Firefly’. Photo: 20th Century Television.
Selected Movies and TV Shows Featuring Nathan Fillion:
‘Superman’ had its home release only one month after its theatrical release, which seems very early for a big comic book movie.
After the events of ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, this makes sense.
Fans who missed ‘Superman’ in theaters will want to watch it since it has ties to the second season of ‘Peacemaker’.
When the home release date of ‘Superman‘ was first released, many people felt it was way too soon. Not only is the movie still playing in theaters, it is still bringing in money. A home release date of August 15th is just 35 days after its theatrical release. This is quick for any movie, but for a comic book movie? It is almost unheard of.
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Then, after watching the first episode of ‘Peacemaker‘, it became instantly clear why DC Studios did this. The events of ‘Superman’ tie into key plot points of this season and while it is not required viewing, it certainly helps with the storytelling.
At the end of ‘Peacemaker’ Season 1, fans lost their minds when the Justice League showed up. Now that the DCEU has gone the way of the buffalo, and the DCU is the new canon, James Gunn needed to correct a few things. To no one’s surprise, he did so brilliantly, proving what a mastermind he is.
‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 starts off with a “Previously On” however, it highlights that it is the DCU, not the DCEU. Because of this some events are slightly altered, with the major one being that instead of the Justice League showing up, it is the Justice Gang, who are prominently featured in ‘Superman’. This includes Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardener), Isabela Mercad (Hawkgirl), and Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific).
‘Superman’ Events Are Referenced Multiple Times In ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2
(L to R) John Cena and Danielle Brooks in ‘Peacemaker’ season 2. Photo: Curtis Bonds Baker/Max.
Also in the premiere episode of ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 is an interview between Christopher Smith (John Cena), also known as Peacemaker, and the Justice Gang, which he hopes to join. While Mr. Terrific is absent, Hawk Girl, Guy Gardener, and Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn) are present. They mostly poke fun at Peacemaker, delivering a hilarious scene.
There are also several times in this episode (and later in the season) that the “Luther event” is mentioned. This is, of course, in reference to the pocket universe that Lex Luther (Nicholas Hoult) opened up, nearly destroying Metropolis in the process. Frank Grillo also reprises his role as Rick Flag Sr., who is acting director or A.R.G.U.S. while Amanda Waller is being investigated.
Early Home Release For ‘Superman’ Just Makes Sense Now
Frank Grillo in ‘Peacemaker’ season 2. Photo: Jessica Miglio/Max.
With all of these ties to James Gunn’s ‘Superman’, it makes sense why DC Studios opted to give it a home release. As mentioned, it is not necessary to watch it in order to understand what it happening in ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, but it will give you more insight into why A.R.G.U.S. is so afraid of dimensional rifts.
Also, because the Justice Gang is in the series, although not often, seeing ‘Superman’ allows viewers to get to know them and their dynamic a little bit more, rather than being thrust into the chaotic conversation that is going on during Peacemaker’s interview without any backstory.
The best part? If you so wish, you can still see ‘Superman’ in theaters, as it is still playing.
Fans are worried that James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ has too many characters in it.
James Gunn is known for large ensemble casts and knows how to write for them.
No one has ever complained about the numerous characters in ‘The Godfather’.
Every time a new trailer or TV spot for ‘Superman‘ is released, the internet is abuzz with people saying that there are too many characters. The concerns are that if there are too many characters, the story would be difficult to follow, there would be too many side plots to give the core story the time it needs, and the film would end up too oversaturated.
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The thing is, James Gunn is well known for his large ensemble casts. This is his wheelhouse, so there is no reason to be worried. He thrilled Marvel fans with the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy‘ trilogy, and his ‘The Suicide Squad‘ success surely had something to do with DC Studios handing him the reins as co-CEO.
On top of that, this feels like just another reason for people to complain about something they aren’t even that passionate about, as no one has ever said the same about ‘The Godfather‘, which has just as many characters.
The Prominent Characters In ‘Superman’ All Make Sense For The Story We Assume Is Being Told
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
One of the biggest thing that fans need to remember about ‘Superman’ is that this is technically the introduction into James Gunn’s DCU, as it is the first feature film. Yes, ‘Peacemaker‘ is (mostly) cannon and ‘Creature Commandos‘ is included yet animated, but this is the real start of Gunn’s plans. Because of this, it is necessary to establish the world that these heroes live in. Superman is not the only hero, and opting not to include any others would only hurt the believability of the story.
How many times have people asked where the Eternals or Namor were during the events of ‘Avengers: Infinity War‘ and ‘Avengers: Endgame‘ and why they never came to help? Even if Marvel tries to offer a reason, most viewers do not accept it. James Gunn is avoiding this response to ‘Superman’ by showing where the main characters of the DCU are during these events and establishing that they do exist in this world.
David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent / Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luther, can you imagine a story that only involves the three of them? Not only would it likely get very boring, very quickly, it risks being repetative and too closed off.
Adding in nurmerous characters (that are likely to not be a major part of the plot, mind you) such as Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr will bring in subplots and round out the universe, making it more realistic while simultaneously setting up for what is to come in future films and television projects.
If Anyone Can Handle An Ensemble Cast, It Is James Gunn
It is hard not to laugh at the idea that ‘Superman’ has too many characters when you look at who is behind it all. James Gunn is writing and directing, and if anyone knows his way around an ensemble cast, it is that man. He is a genuis when it comes to plucking characters out of obscurity and telling an emotional, exciting, and action-packed story around them.
While Superman, Lois Lane, and Lex Luther are undoubtedly household names, several other characters in ‘Superman’ are not. Those who do not read DC Comics and don’t immerse themselves in these worlds, probably have never heard of Mister Terrific or Steve Lombard. James Gunn excels at bringing these types of characters to life.
If you look at character list for ‘The Suicide Squad’, it has just as many, if not more, than ‘Superman’ does. There were two complete rosters in that movie and fans still soaked it all in and loved nearly every moment of it. James Gunn is brilliant when it comes to giving every character, big or small, their time to shine and justifying their reason to exist in that universe. There is no reason to believe he will not do the same with ‘Superman’.
No One Has Ever Said ‘The Godfather’ Has Too Many Characters
(L to R) James Caan, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and John Cazale in ‘The Godfather’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
The final point to make in this arguement is that no one has ever said ‘The Godfather’ had too many characters – and there are at least fifteen prominent characters in that movie. They do not all need a backstory for it to make sense that they exist in the world. Viewers don’t complain that the plot gets lost because there are so many of them, and ‘The Godfather’ certainly is not considered a bad movie (not even remotely).
This is just one example of a beloved film having multiple characters, each with a job to do to drive the plot forward even if you don’t know about their upbringing or their deep dark secrets. A movie can have one hundred main characters and still be good if the writing and the story being told is good.
James Gunn himself pointed out that ‘Oppenheimer‘ has three times as many speaking roles as ‘Superman’ does and promises that the film will not confuse anyone in an interview with IGN. Plus, ‘Superman’ isn’t even out yet, so can we please normalize saving the criticism of a movie until after you watch it?
(L to R) David Corenswet and Krypto in ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram account.
Laura Linney is being linked to a role in DC/HBO series ‘Lanterns.’
There is speculation that she’s playing Carol Ferris.
Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre star in the new show.
Though it already has an impressive cast, new DC Studios/HBO comic book-based series ‘Lanterns’ appears to have gotten an extra shot of dramatic power.
No official confirmation has emerged yet, but Sneider is already speculating that she could be playing Carol Ferris, the love of Lantern Hal Jordan’s life (that role is being brought to screens by Kyle Chandler) and someone who ultimately –– in the comics, at least –– becomes the villain known as Star Sapphire.
That’s all still rumor and conjecture at this point, but we do know that Aaron Pierre is co-starring alongside Chandler as fellow Lantern John Stewart.
What’s the story of ‘Green Lantern’ in comics form?
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
Created in its first incarnation (a Lantern named Alan Scott) in 1940 by Martin Nodell and Bill Finger, the concept of the ‘Green Lantern’ comics is that of a super-powered, police force, battling evil doers with rings that allow them to channel energy into different forms. There are many Lanterns, who patrol the known and unknown universe.
‘Green Lantern’s history on screen has been seriously mixed. Though different takes on the character have flourished in animated movies and series, their live-action counterparts have had less luck. Ryan Reynolds played the Hal Jordan version in a 2011 movie that didn’t triumph at the box office, and there have been fleeting glimpses on the small screen.
Even Zack Snyder didn’t manage to realize his chosen Lantern –– John Stewart –– in his mammoth Snyder Cut of ‘Justice League’. Despite shooting a cameo with Wayne T. Carr as Stewart, Warners asked him to remove the character because of the studio’s own plans. In the end, Snyder swapped in Martian Manhunter.
And the show had been in development before Gunn and Safran made their big DC Studios announcement. Back in 2020, ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ Seth Grahame-Smith hopped aboard to write and run what HBO Max (as the streaming service was then called) was picturing its most expensive series to date, a space-set ‘Green Lantern’ drama whose focus would be the Alan Scott and Guy Gardner iterations of the character among the first and most popular versions.
‘Lanterns’ will follow the Chandler and Pierre characters, as new recruit Stewart and Lantern legend Jordan are described in the latest official synopsis as “two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
“From the start, our driving force has been to deliver a layered drama –– rooted in nuanced storytelling and rich world building –– that balances tension and mystery with honest, authentic emotion. The goal is to create something that feels timeless and grounded without sacrificing the magic of the source material.”
But there will be some powerful antagonism involved, as Ulrich Thomsen is playing Sinestro a former Green Lantern who turned rogue and is described as ruthless yet charming.
His manipulative nature drives his enduring obsession with his former mentee, Hal Jordan. The character was created by John Broome and Gil Kane and first appeared in the comic book “Green Lantern, Volume 2, #56” released in 1961.
In breaking news, Deadline brings word that Chris Coy is also part of the ensemble.
In a guest starring role, Coy will be the new character of ‘Waylon Sanders,’ an intelligent survivor… or a nervous truck driver. Age and real name unknown, he’s unbound by the laws of nature.
More recently, we learned that Nathan Fillion would be bringing his Guy Gardner character –– another Lantern –– to the show, following his debut in James Gunn‘s ‘Superman’ this summer.
Who is working on ‘Lanterns’?
James Gunn at CinemaCon 2025. Photo: Warner Bros.
Mundy, whose resume includes stints on Netflix’s ‘Ozark’ and HBO’s ‘True Detective: Night Country’, is running the new series, working alongside ‘Watchmen’s Damon Lindelof and DC comics writer Tom King (whose ‘Supergirl’ comic is the basis for the new movie featuring the character).
Here’s what Hawes has had to say to Collider about his approach to the show:
“There is a very particular humor that they brought to this. It’s very rooted in a way that I like to think we achieve with ‘Slow Horses,’ that I achieve with things like my ‘Black Mirror’ [episodes], and yet there is a rich vein of humor running through it. I’m such a huge fan of Damon [Lindelof] and Chris [Mundy] and the writing that they’ve done in the past… You always find a scene or two that you think, ‘I cant wait to be stood beside the camera and the cast, directing this scene on the day.’ “
Nathan Fillion will appear in HBO/DC series ‘Lanterns.’
This new series adapts the ‘Green Lantern’ DC Comics in grounded fashion.
The show stars Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler.
While the mantra all through the development phase for the new HBO/DC Studios series ‘Lanterns’ –– which adapts the Green Lantern comic books –– has been a grounded take on the powerful superheroes, it would seem it’s not above a slightly more colorful character (pun intended).
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And it’s also crossing over with another project in James Gunn’s ever-expanding superhero universe, the one that Warner Bros. is hoping will make its comic book-birthed movie slate work –– ‘Superman.’
No, we’re not likely to see David Corenswet’s Man of Steel touch down during the show, but Nathan Fillion will show up.
Fillion, in case you hadn’t heard, will be playing Guy Gardner, a fellow Lantern to Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart, in ‘Superman,’ which flies into theaters on July 11th.
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
Our eyebrows, we must admit, are raised, because the look of Fillion’s character in the movie doesn’t necessarily line up with the more down-to-Earth look of the show so far (we got our first glimpse of that recently). His is a more comical appearance, with a savage bowl cut and an arrogant attitude.
Yet we haven’t seen him in action yet, so who knows exactly how he’ll work on the small screen. And if we’re honest, it’s always entertaining to see Fillion show up.
What’s the story of ‘Green Lantern’ in comics form?
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
Created in its first incarnation (a Lantern named Alan Scott) in 1940 by Martin Nodell and Bill Finger, the concept of the ‘Green Lantern’ comics is that of a super-powered, police force, battling evil doers with rings that allow them to channel energy into different forms. There are many Lanterns, who patrol the known and unknown universe.
‘Green Lantern’s history on screen has been seriously mixed. Though different takes on the character have flourished in animated movies and series, their live-action counterparts have had less luck. Ryan Reynolds played the Hal Jordan version in a 2011 movie that didn’t triumph at the box office, and there have been fleeting glimpses on the small screen.
Even Zack Snyder didn’t manage to realize his chosen Lantern –– John Stewart –– in his mammoth Snyder Cut of ‘Justice League’. Despite shooting a cameo with Wayne T. Carr as Stewart, Warners asked him to remove the character because of the studio’s own plans. In the end, Snyder swapped in Martian Manhunter.
And the show had been in development before Gunn and Safran made their big DC Studios announcement. Back in 2020, ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ Seth Grahame-Smith hopped aboard to write and run what HBO Max (as the streaming service was then called) was picturing its most expensive series to date, a space-set ‘Green Lantern’ drama whose focus would be the Alan Scott and Guy Gardner iterations of the character among the first and most popular versions.
(L to R) Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in ‘Lanterns’. Photo: John P. Johnson/HBO.
‘Lanterns’ will follow the Hal Jordan (Chandler) and John Stewart (Pierre) characters, as new recruit Stewart and Lantern legend Jordan are described in the latest official synopsis as “two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
Here’s Chris Mundy, executive producer and showrunner on the tone for the show:
“From the start, our driving force has been to deliver a layered drama –– rooted in nuanced storytelling and rich world building –– that balances tension and mystery with honest, authentic emotion. The goal is to create something that feels timeless and grounded without sacrificing the magic of the source material.”
But there will be some powerful antagonism involved, as Ulrich Thomsen is playing Sinestro a former Green Lantern who turned rogue and is described as ruthless yet charming.
His manipulative nature drives his enduring obsession with his former mentee, Hal Jordan. The character was created by John Broome and Gil Kane and first appeared in the comic book “Green Lantern, Volume 2, #56” released in 1961.
In breaking news, Deadline brings word that Chris Coy is also part of the ensemble.
In a guest starring role, Coy will be the new character of ‘Waylon Sanders,’ an intelligent survivor… or a nervous truck driver. Age and real name unknown, he’s unbound by the laws of nature.
Who is working on ‘Lanterns’?
James Gunn at CinemaCon 2025. Photo: Warner Bros.
Mundy, whose resume includes stints on Netflix’s ‘Ozark’ and HBO’s ‘True Detective: Night Country’, is running the new series, working alongside ‘Watchmen’s Damon Lindelof and DC comics writer Tom King (whose ‘Supergirl’ comic is the basis for the new movie featuring the character).
Since they oversee the whole DC Studios arm, filmmaker Gunn and producer Peter Safran are executive producers alongside Ron Schmidt.
Where else have we seen Nathan Fillion?
Nathan Fillion in ‘Castle’. Photo: ABC.
Where haven’t we! Aside from his regular gig on ABC series ‘The Rookie’ and his previous long-running show ‘Castle,’ he’s a genre favourite who has cropped up in a variety of shows and movies.
(L to R) Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in ‘Lanterns’. Photo: John P. Johnson/HBO.
Preview:
The first image of HBO series ‘Lanterns’ is online.
This new series adapts the ‘Green Lantern’ DC Comics, but in grounded fashion.
Leads Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler feature in this initial look.
The ‘Green Lantern’ comics are famously the story of a human drawn into a mighty, galaxy-spanning force who use rings with the power to conjure up all manner of creations in their fight for justice.
You might be surprised then, to learn that the latest small screen incarnation of the story has an initial promotional image featuring two men walking down a dusty road somewhere in America.
Yet if you’ve been following the production history of new HBO/DC Studios series ‘Lanterns,’ you probably won’t be shocked, since the show is designed to be a more grounded take on the story.
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Here’s Chris Mundy, executive producer and showrunner on the tone for the show:
“From the start, our driving force has been to deliver a layered drama –– rooted in nuanced storytelling and rich world building –– that balances tension and mystery with honest, authentic emotion. The goal is to create something that feels timeless and grounded without sacrificing the magic of the source material.”
Let’s not also forget that the cameras have only just started rolling on the show, and even if (more likely when) the characters get to use their powers in service of the mystery, those visual effects take time to bring to screen, even for a still image.
What’s the story of ‘Green Lantern’ in comics form?
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
Created in its first incarnation (a Lantern named Alan Scott) in 1940 by Martin Nodell and Bill Finger, the concept of the ‘Green Lantern’ comics is that of a super-powered, police force, battling evil doers with rings that allow them to channel energy into different forms. There are many Lanterns, who patrol the known and unknown universe.
‘Green Lantern’s history on screen has been seriously mixed. Though different takes on the character have flourished in animated movies and series, their live-action counterparts have had less luck. Ryan Reynolds played the Hal Jordan version in a 2011 movie that didn’t triumph at the box office, and there have been fleeting glimpses on the small screen.
Even Zack Snyder didn’t manage to realize his chosen Lantern –– John Stewart –– in his mammoth Snyder Cut of ‘Justice League’. Despite shooting a cameo with Wayne T. Carr as Stewart, Warners asked him to remove the character because of the studio’s own plans. In the end, Snyder swapped in Martian Manhunter.
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
And the show had been in development before Gunn and Safran made their big DC Studios announcement. Back in 2020, ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ Seth Grahame-Smith hopped aboard to write and run what HBO Max (as the streaming service was then called) was picturing its most expensive series to date, a space-set ‘Green Lantern’ drama whose focus would be the Alan Scott and Guy Gardner iterations of the character among the first and most popular versions.
‘Lanterns’ will follow the Hal Jordan (Chandler) and John Stewart (Pierre) characters, as new recruit Stewart and Lantern legend Jordan are described in the latest official synopsis as “two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
So, think ‘True Detective’ meets ‘Green Lantern’. But comic book fans may recognize the basic story from the popular 1970’s arc ‘Hard Traveling Heroes’, which focused on Hal Jordan and his friend Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) traveling across America . Stewart was also featured in that story, and the producers are likely swapping out Queen for Pierre’s character.
But there will be some powerful antagonism involved, as Ulrich Thomsen is playing Sinestro a former Green Lantern who turned rogue and is described as ruthless yet charming.
His manipulative nature drives his enduring obsession with his former mentee, Hal Jordan. The character was created by John Broome and Gil Kane and first appeared in the comic book “Green Lantern, Volume 2, #56” released in 1961.
DC Comics’ Green Lantern John Stewart. Photo: DC Comics.
Mundy, whose resume includes stints on Netflix’s ‘Ozark’ and HBO’s ‘True Detective: Night Country’, is running the new series, working alongside ‘Watchmen’s Damon Lindelof and DC comics writer Tom King (whose ‘Supergirl’ comic is the basis for the new movie featuring the character).
He’s not alone –– ‘Watchmen’ veteran Stephen Williams, ‘Under the Bridge’s Geeta Vasant Patel, and former ‘Ozark’ director Alik Sakharov are also handling episodes.
Since they oversee the whole DC Studios arm, filmmaker Gunn and producer Peter Safran are executive producers alongside Ron Schmidt.
When will ‘Lanterns’ be on screens?
We’re still waiting to learn when HBO will premiere the show, though it is reportedly targeting an early 2026 launch.
All together now, let us recite the freshly amended Lantern Corps oath… “In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil’s might beware my power…Green Lantern’s light! On Earth. Probably in a diner.”
DC Comics’ Hal Jordan/Green Lantern. Photo courtesy of DC.com.
Josh Brolin may play Hal Jordan in DC’s ‘Lanterns’ series.
He’s not officially attached yet.
Damon Lindelof and Chris Mundy are among the producers of the new show.
July brought word that the long-gestating DC Studios TV series for HBO based on comic book property ‘The Green Lantern’ entitled ‘Lanterns‘ is officially greenlit and putting the pieces together.
With DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran as executive producers (though not showrunners –– see who is below), the show received the go-ahead for eight initial episodes in a straight-to-series order.
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And if current reports pan out, we may know one person who would be starring in the series, as a site called Nexus Point News has heard that Josh Brolin has been offered the role of Hal Jordan.
While reporter Jeff Sneider has also heard those rumblings, here’s where we point out that none of this is official yet and is currently still more rumor than fact.
Brolin, of course has had both good and bad experiences in the comic book genre –– ‘Jonah Hex’ didn’t turn out so well, but he saw big success playing Thanos for Marvel. But this could be an exciting new role for him.
What’s the story of ‘Green Lantern’ in comics form?
DC Comics’ Green Lantern. Photo: DC Comics.
Created in its first incarnation (a Lantern named Alan Scott) in 1940 by Martin Nodell and Bill Finger, the concept of the ‘Green Lantern’ comics is that of a super-powered, police force, battling evil doers with rings that allow them to channel energy into different forms. There are many Lanterns, who patrol the known and unknown universe.
‘Green Lantern’s history on screen has been seriously mixed. Though different takes on the character have flourished in animated movies and series, their live-action counterparts have had less luck. Ryan Reynolds played the Hal Jordan version in a 2011 movie that didn’t triumph at the box office, and there have been fleeting glimpses on the small screen.
Even Zack Snyder didn’t manage to realize his chosen Lantern –– John Stewart –– in his mammoth Snyder Cut of ‘Justice League’. Despite shooting a cameo with Wayne T. Carr as Stewart, Warners asked him to remove the character because of the studio’s own plans. In the end, Snyder swapped in Martian Manhunter.
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
Gunn has Nathan Fillion playing the Guy Gardner incarnation in his ‘Superman’ movie, which lands on July 11th next year.
And the show had been in development before Gunn and Safran made their big announcement. Back in 2020, ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ Seth Grahame-Smith hopped aboard to write and run what HBO Max (as the streaming service was then called) was picturing its most expensive series to date, a space-set ‘Green Lantern’ drama whose focus would be the Alan Scott and Guy Gardner iterations of the character among the first and most popular versions.
‘Lanterns’ will follow the Hal Jordan and John Stewart characters, as new recruit Stewart and Lantern legend Jordan are described in the latest official synopsis as “two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
Who is working on ‘Lanterns’?
(L to R) Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
And, according to Jeff Sneider, there have been talks for Lindelof’s ‘Watchmen’ collaborator, director Stephen Williams, to handle the first episode of the new series.
With David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Gunn has been busy making the movie under great scrutiny, his concept for Superman seen as partly defining the way ahead for DC on screens big and small.
Now, though, barring any planned additional footage shoots, Gunn is headed into the post-production stage ahead of the movie’s release next year. We can likely expect at least the first teaser before the year is out.
“And that’s a wrap,” Gunn posted on Instagram about wrapping. “God bless our cast and crew whose commitment, creativity, and hard work have brought this project to life.”
David Corenswet as Superman in James Gunn’s ‘Superman’. Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram.
Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) will already be an established reporting star.
Peter Safran, Gunn’s co-chief of DC Studios (and a producer on the movie) said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”
Who is appearing in ‘Superman’?
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
Alongside Corenswet and Brosnahan, there’s an eclectic, sprawling cast.
That’s the main ensemble; we can expect an appearance from Gunn’s brother Sean (a regular in his movies, who has played the likes of Kraglin and provided the on-set reference performance and voice for Rocket Raccoon in the ‘Guardians’ franchise) as the villainous Maxwell Lord.
‘Green Lantern: First Flight’. Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
Preview:
DC Studios’ ‘Lanterns’ has won a series order at HBO.
The series will follow Lantern characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart.
Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and Tom King are the showrunners.
Green Lantern, meet greenlight.
After several years of development, and one big change in creative direction, ‘Lanterns’, adapting the ‘Green Lantern’ DC comics character, has scored a series order from HBO.
What’s the story of ‘Green Lantern’ in comics form?
(L to R) Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
Created in its first incarnation (a Lantern named Alan Scott) in 1940 by Martin Nodell and Bill Finger, the concept of the ‘Green Lantern’ comics is that of a super-powered, police force, battling evil doers with rings that allow them to channel energy into different forms. There are many Lanterns, who patrol the known and unknown universe.
‘Green Lantern’s history on screen has been seriously mixed. Though different takes on the character have flourished in animated movies and series, their live-action counterparts have had less luck. Ryan Reynolds played the Hal Jordan version in a 2011 movie that didn’t triumph at the box office, and there have been fleeting glimpses on the small screen.
Even Zack Snyder didn’t manage to realize his chosen Lantern –– John Stewart –– in his mammoth Snyder Cut of ‘Justice League’. Despite shooting a cameo with Wayne T. Carr as Stewart, Warners asked him to remove the character because of the studio’s own plans. In the end, Snyder swapped in Martian Manhunter.
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
Gunn has Nathan Fillion playing the Guy Gardner incarnation in his ‘Superman’ movie, which lands on July 11th next year.
And the show had been in development before Gunn and Safran made their big announcement. Back in 2020, ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ Seth Grahame-Smith hopped aboard to write and run what HBO Max (as the streaming service was then called) was picturing its most expensive series to date, a space-set ‘Green Lantern’ drama whose focus would be the Alan Scott and Guy Gardner iterations of the character among the first and most popular versions.
‘Lanterns’ will follow the Hal Jordan and John Stewart characters, as new recruit Stewart and Lantern legend Jordan are described in the latest official synopsis as “two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
They’ve received the go-ahead for eight initial episodes in a straight-to-series order.
Here’s what DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran said about the news:
“We’re thrilled to bring this seminal DC title to HBO with Chris, Damon and Tom at the helm. John Stewart and Hal Jordan are two of DC’s most compelling characters, and ‘Lanterns’ brings them to life in an original detective story that is a foundational part of the unified DCU we’re launching next summer with ‘Superman.’ ”
When will ‘Lantern’ be on screens?
HBO has yet to confirm a release date for the series. Since it has yet to be shot (or even cast), we wouldn’t expect it much before late 2025 or at some point in 2026.
‘Green Lantern: Beware My Power’. Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell are playing the Kents in ‘Superman’.
James Gunn is directing the new movie.
‘Superman’ will be out on July 11th, 2025.
The cameras have been cranking for a while on James Gunn’s new ‘Superman’ movie, the reboot he’s looking to have kick off –– on the big screen, at least –– his and DC Studios’ co-CEO Peter Safran’s vision for the DC universe going forward.
And though Gunn has previously said that he won’t necessarily be diving back into all the iconic origin narrative points of Clark Kent/Superman’s story, it does appear there is room for both of his parents to appear.
The Wrap reports that Pruitt Taylor Vince has been cast as Jonathan Kent, the farmer who, with wife Martha, discovers an infant Kal El in a crashed spaceship and adopts him as their own, raising Clark to be a good man who channels his parents’ morals when he discovers his powers.
In a separate story, the outlet has revealed that Neva Howell will play Martha. Jonathan in particular tends to be a tragic figure, the character dying when Clark is a young man. Whether that holds true here (or if he’s only seen in flashback) remains to be seen.
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What’s the story of ‘Superman’?
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton story (though that and now clearly his time in Smallville will factor in) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois Lane will already be an established reporting star.
Safran said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”
That’s the main ensemble; we can expect an appearance from Gunn’s brother Sean (a regular in his movies, who has played the likes of Kraglin and provided the on-set reference performance and voice for Rocket Raccoon in the ‘Guardians’ franchise) as the villainous Maxwell Lord.
