Moviefone Editorial

Tag: poorna-jagannathan

  • Laura Linney Reportedly Joins DC’s ‘Lanterns’

    (Left) Actress Laura Linney attends the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Credit/Provider: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S. (Right) Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in 'Lanterns'. Photo: John P. Johnson/HBO.
    (Left) Actress Laura Linney attends the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Credit/Provider: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S. (Right) Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in ‘Lanterns’. Photo: John P. Johnson/HBO.

    Preview:

    • 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.

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    According to reporter Jeff Sneider, Laura Linney –– who worked with the new show’s co-creator Chris Mundy on ‘Ozark’ is aboard the show.

    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.

    Related Article: Nathan Fillion to Reprise ‘Superman’ Guy Gardner Role in HBO’s ‘Lanterns’

    What’s the story of ‘Green Lantern’ in comics form?

    Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
    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.

    (Left) Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024. (Right) DC Comics' Green Lantern John Stewart. Photo: DC Comics.
    (Left) Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024. (Right) DC Comics’ Green Lantern John Stewart. Photo: DC Comics.

    ‘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.”

    So, think ‘True Detective’ meets ‘Green Lantern’…

    Here’s Chris Mundy 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.

    Who else is in ‘Lanterns’?

    Nathan Fillion in 'Superman', a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.
    Nathan Fillion in ‘Superman’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    The cast also includes ‘No Country for Old Man’s Kelly Macdonald, ’12 Years a Slave’ actor Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan (who appeared in (‘The Night Of’), Jason Ritter and the aforementioned Thomsen.

    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.
    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).

    And James Hawes, who has worked on series including ‘Black Mirror’ ‘Snowpiercer’ and Season 1 of ‘Slow Horses,’ will direct the first two episodes.

    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.’ “

    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.

    Where else have we seen Laura Linney?

    (L to R) Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo in 'You Can Count on Me.' Photo: Paramount Classics.
    (L to R) Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo in ‘You Can Count on Me.’ Photo: Paramount Classics.

    ‘Ozark’ is just one of this talented actor’s many credits.

    She’s enjoyed a healthy career on screens big and small, appearing in movies such as ‘Nocturnal Animals,’ ‘Sully,’ ‘Mr. Holmes,’ ‘The Fifth Estate,’ ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose,’ ‘Mystic River,’ ‘The Savages,’ (for which she was Oscar nominated) ‘Love Actually,’ ‘You Can Count on Me,’ ‘The Truman Show’ and ‘Congo.’

    On TV, her roles include ‘Tales of the City,’ ‘The Big C,’ ‘John Adams’ and ‘Frasier.’

    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.

    Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart from DC Comics.
    (L to R) Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.

    List of Green Lantern Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy ‘Green Lantern’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Nathan Fillion Playing Guy Gardner in ‘Lanterns’

    Nathan Fillion in 'Superman', a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.
    Nathan Fillion in ‘Superman’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    Preview:

    • 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.

    James Gunn and the cast of 'Superman.'
    (Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.

    According to Deadline, the idea of Fillion has been under consider

    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.

    Related Article: Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler Hit the Road in First Look at HBO/DC Series ‘Lanterns’

    What’s the story of ‘Green Lantern’ in comics form?

    Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
    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.
    (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.”

    So, think ‘True Detective’ meets ‘Green Lantern’…

    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.

    Who else is in ‘Lanterns’?

    Garret Dillahunt in 'Red Right Hand,' a Magnolia Pictures release. © Red Right Hand Productions LLC, Steve Squall. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
    Garret Dillahunt in ‘Red Right Hand,’ a Magnolia Pictures release. © Red Right Hand Productions LLC, Steve Squall. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

    The cast also includes ‘No Country for Old Man’s Kelly Macdonald, ’12 Years a Slave’ actor Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan (who appeared in (‘The Night Of’), Jason Ritter and the aforementioned Thomsen.

    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.
    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).

    And James Hawes, who has worked on series including ‘Black Mirror’ ‘Snowpiercer’ and Season 1 of ‘Slow Horses,’ will direct the first two episodes.

    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.

    Where else have we seen Nathan Fillion?

    Nathan Fillion in 'Castle'. Photo: ABC.
    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.

    Notable titles include ‘Firefly’ and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’ He’s also a longtime collaborator of Gunn, and appeared in the likes of his ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movies (especially the third) and ‘The Suicide Squad,’ and before that ‘Slither’ and ‘Super.’

    He also has Lantern form: he first voiced Hal Jordan in ‘Green Lantern: Emerald Knights’ (2011) and again a year later in ‘Justice League: Doom,’ followed by ‘Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox’ in 2013, ‘Justice League: Throne of Atlantis’ (2015) ‘The Death of Superman’ in 2018 and ‘Reign of the Supermen‘ in 2019.

    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.

    Green Lantern Guy Gardner.
    Green Lantern Guy Gardner. Courtesy of DC Comics.

    List of Green Lantern Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy ‘Green Lantern’ Movies On Amazon

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  • First Look at HBO DC Series ‘Lanterns’

    (L to R) Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in 'Lanterns'. Photo: John P. Johnson/HBO.
    (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.

    And now we know what stars Aaron Pierre (who recently led ‘Rebel Ridge’) and ‘Friday Night Lights’ actor Kyle Chandler look like when they’re not clad in green or dishing out jewelry-based justice.

    Related Article: Ulrich Thomsen to Play Supervillain Sinestro in the DC and HBO series ‘Lanterns’

    What’s the story of ‘Green Lantern’ in comics form?

    Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
    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.

    James Gunn and the cast of 'Superman.'
    (Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.

    James Gunn has Nathan Fillion playing the Guy Gardner incarnation in his ‘Superman’ movie, which lands on July 11th.

    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.

    Who else is in ‘Lanterns’?

    Garret Dillahunt in 'Red Right Hand,' a Magnolia Pictures release. © Red Right Hand Productions LLC, Steve Squall. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
    Garret Dillahunt in ‘Red Right Hand,’ a Magnolia Pictures release. © Red Right Hand Productions LLC, Steve Squall. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

    The cast also includes ‘No Country for Old Men’s Kelly Macdonald, ’12 Years a Slave’ actor Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan (who appeared in (‘The Night Of’), and the aforementioned Thomsen.

    Who is working on ‘Lanterns’?

    DC Comics' Green Lantern John Stewart. Photo: DC Comics.
    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).

    And James Hawes, who has worked on series including ‘Black Mirror’ ‘Snowpiercer’ and Season 1 of ‘Slow Horses,’ will direct the first two episodes.

    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.
    DC Comics’ Hal Jordan/Green Lantern. Photo courtesy of DC.com.

    List of Green Lantern Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy ‘Green Lantern’ Movies On Amazon

    qGOG9FZ6

  • Ulrich Thomsen to Play Sinestro on DC’s ‘Lanterns’

    (Left) Ulrich Thomsen in 'The Good Traitor'. Photo: Denmark. (RIght) Sinestro from DC Comics. Photo: Dc Comics.
    (Left) Ulrich Thomsen in ‘The Good Traitor’. Photo: Denmark. (RIght) Sinestro from DC Comics. Photo: Dc Comics.

    Preview:

    • Ulrich Thomsen is the latest recruit for the DC ‘Lanterns’ series.
    • He’s aboard to be the villainous character Sinestro.
    • Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre are playing the lead roles.

    After years spent in frustrating development (you can read its somewhat tortured history below), the DC-spawned, HBO-based series ‘Lanterns, ’ based on the Green Lantern character is finally, actually seeing some forward movement.

    TTnEJuPqjhfJlD4RHwA8l2

    We already have ‘Friday Night Lights’ veteran Kyle Chandler and ‘Rebel Ridge’s Aaron Pierre playing main characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart and now we know who will be their main antagonist: Danish actor Ulrich Thomsen has, according to Deadline, signed on to play the villainous Sinestro in a recurring role.

    Thomsen joins a cast that also includes Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry, Garret Dillahunt as modern cowboy William Macon, and Poorna Jagannathan as Zoe, a potential love interest for John.

    The casting of Sinestro is an interesting one, since the logline for the show (again, more on that below) has been at pains to portray it as a gritty, grounded take on the ‘Green Lantern’ concept, but the presence of the powerful character suggests there will still be some be some energy abilities on display.

    With the series still in pre-production (it should kick off shooting next month), perhaps ‘Green Lantern’ fans will finally get to see the series –– the casting is certainly intriguing and the HBO budget means when effects are needed they’ll hopefully be impressive.

    Related Article: ‘Rebel Ridge’s Aaron Pierre Scores the John Stewart Role in DC Series ‘Lanterns’

    What’s the story of ‘Green Lantern’ in comics form?

    Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
    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.

    Gunn has Nathan Fillion playing the Guy Gardner incarnation in his ‘Superman’ movie, which lands on July 11th.

    And the show had been in development before James Gunn and Peter 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.” So, think ‘True Detective’ meets ‘Green Lantern’…

    Sinestro, meanwhile, is 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.

    Who is working on the current incarnation of ‘Lanterns’?

    DC Comics' Green Lantern John Stewart. Photo: DC Comics.
    DC Comics’ Green Lantern John Stewart. Photo: DC Comics.

    Chris Mundy, whose resume includes stints on Netflix’s ‘Ozark’ and HBO’s ‘True Detective: Night Country’, is showrunner on 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).

    And James Hawes, who has worked on series including ‘Black Mirror’ ‘Snowpiercer’ and Season 1 of ‘Slow Horses,’ will direct the first two episodes.

    Where else have I seen Ulrich Thomsen?

    Ulrich Thomsen in 'Trom'. Photo: Denmark.
    Ulrich Thomsen in ‘Trom’. Photo: Denmark.

    Thomsen is known for playing Kai Proctor in Cinemax’s series ‘Banshee’

    The Danish actor recently starred in the critically acclaimed Scandinavian series ‘Trom.’ He recurred in NBC’s ‘The Blacklist,’ Starz drama ‘Counterpart’ and HBO’s ‘The Young Pope.’

    He will next be seen in Uwe Boll’s thriller ‘Run’ opposite Amanda Plummer.

    When will ‘Lanterns’ be on screens?

    We’re still waiting to learn when HBO will premiere the show, though it could now be early next year.

    DC Comics' Hal Jordan/Green Lantern. Photo courtesy of DC.com.
    DC Comics’ Hal Jordan/Green Lantern. Photo: DC Comics..

    Other Green Lantern Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy ‘Green Lantern’ Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘Wolfs’ Sequel in the Works Starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt

    Brad Pitt and George Clooney in 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Brad Pitt and George Clooney in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Preview:

    • George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s ‘Wolfs’ is getting a sequel.
    • It’s the new film from ‘Spider-Man’ recent trilogy director Jon Watts.
    • Yet the movie will also now not be in wide release.

    There is some good news and bad news for the Apple-backed crime caper ‘Wolfs’ that stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

    Apple has, via Deadline, decided to start developing a sequel to the Jon Watts movie that will be with us next month. That’s the good news.

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    Here comes the gut punch: instead of a wide release for the original movie, it will now land in theaters just one week before it arrives globally on Apple TV+. Seemingly gone (at least for now) are the days when any movie featuring big stars launches in cinemas and enjoys a healthy run at the box office.

    Still, it’s perhaps not surprising for Apple –– while its big-name releases (such as ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and ‘Emancipation’ haven’t been box office behemoths, they’ve enjoyed plenty of buzz and some awards recognition.

    Related Article: Director George Clooney and Joel Edgerton Talk ‘The Boys in the Boat’

    What’s the story of ‘Wolfs’?

    Brad Pitt and George Clooney in 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Brad Pitt and George Clooney in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    ‘Wolfs’, which Watts (currently best known for the three most recent ‘Spider-Man’ movies starring Tom Holland) wrote, directed and produced, Clooney plays a professional fixer hired to cover up a high-profile crime.

    But when a second fixer (Pitt) shows up and the two lone wolves are forced to work together, they find their night spiraling out of control in ways neither expected.

    The cast also includes Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, Poorna Jagannathan, Richard Kind and Zlatko Burić.

    Here’s what Apple Original Films head of features Matt Dentler said to Deadline about the news:

    “‘Wolfs’ is the kind of big event movie that makes Apple TV+ such an exceptional home for the best in entertainment. With George and Brad’s remarkable and engaging chemistry under Jon Watts’ extraordinary direction, ‘Wolfs’ blends all the great elements of comedy, action, and drama into a hugely entertaining movie that will leave audiences ready for what’s next. Releasing the movie to theaters before making it widely available to Apple TV+ customers brings the best of both worlds to audiences, and we’re excited to see fans embrace the movie as we start working with Jon on the sequel.”

    What about other movies from Apple?

    Matt Damon and Casey Affleck in 'The Instigators'.
    (L to R) Matt Damon and Casey Affleck in ‘The Instigators’. Photo: Apple TV+.

    It’s a case of the company judging based on the market. The likes of new crime pic ‘The Instigators’ (which boasts Matt Damon and Casey Affleck as its leads) will be on limited release ahead of its Apple TV+ debut, while the mammoth-budget ‘F1’ that Pitt has been shooting for a while now with Joseph Kosinski directing from a script by Ehren Kruger, is still targeting a wide launch in cinemas next year.

    So, when will ‘Wolfs’ be on screen?

    Brad Pitt and George Clooney in 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Brad Pitt and George Clooney in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    The movie will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival before a limited run in cinemas on September 20th and then lands on Apple TV+ on September 27th.

    Director Jon Watts, Brad Pitt and George Clooney on the set of 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Director Jon Watts, Brad Pitt and George Clooney on the set of ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Other George Clooney and Brad Pitt Movies:

    Buy George Clooney Movies on Amazon

    Buy Brad Pitt Movies on Amazon

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  • ‘Never Have I Ever’ Season 4 Cast Interviews

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    Premiering on Netflix beginning June 8th is the fourth and final season of the popular series ‘Never Have I Ever,’ which was created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher.

    What is the plot of ‘Never Have I Ever’?

    ‘Never Have I Ever’ is a coming-of-age comedy about the complicated life of a modern-day first-generation Indian American teenage girl. The series stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi, an overachieving high school student who has a short fuse that gets her into difficult situations.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Never Have I Ever?’

    ‘Never Have I Ever’ stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi, Jaren Lewison as Ben, Darren Barnet as Paxton, Poorna Jagannathan as Nalini, Richa Moorjani as Kamala, and Lee Rodriguez as Fabiola, and Ramona Young as Eleanor.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Darren Barnet and Jaren Lewison about their work on season 4 of ‘Never Have I Ever,’ shooting the final season, their characters, and what they’ll miss most about the show.

    Darren Barnet, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Jaren Lewison star in Netflix's 'Never Have I Ever' Season 4.
    (L to R) Darren Barnet, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Jaren Lewison star in Netflix’s ‘Never Have I Ever’ Season 4.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Ramakrishnan, Barnet, Lewison, Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, Lee Rodriguez, and Ramona Young.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Maitreyi, what was going through your mind when you filmed your final scene for this series?

    Maitreyi Ramakrishnan: I think for me, it was like being at your last day of high school or even kindergarten. It was just last day of school vibes. All my life, it has always felt like a very fast day, like the hours were going by so quick and all of that. For some reason, on the last day of filming, time felt slow. It didn’t even feel normal, it just felt slow. I think it’s because unlike the previous times when it was last day of school or whatever, last day of camp, I wasn’t as mature enough to be able to really understand gratitude on such a deep, profound level. Now, on our last day of filming, I felt such overwhelming gratitude that I knew how to also slow myself down, not stress about the clock and see, “Oh my God, we only have two hours left,” and keep ticking down. It was just letting myself be in that moment, listen to all the stories, hear people, and just take in the environment for one last time. Then I bawled my eyes out after they called a series wrap on me.

    MF: Darren, how did you feel shooting your final scene for the series?

    Darren Barnet: How fast time passes. Especially when you’re in the middle of a season, when you’re in a position like Maitreyi that you’re there every single day for hours and hours and hours. Sometimes, Jaren and I had weeks like that as well. It’s not easy balancing life, it used to get like you’re kind of aching for, “Let’s get through this,” sometimes. But then at the end, I wanted to slow it down as much as I could. It was just a testimony in life. You never know what you have until it’s about to go or going. I think in that moment it all just hit me. This has been a dream.

    Jaren Lewison as Ben Gross, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi in 'Never Have I Ever.'
    (L to R) Jaren Lewison as Ben Gross, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi in ‘Never Have I Ever.’ Photo: Lara Solanki/Netflix © 2023.

    MF: Jaren, what was hooting the final scene like for you?

    Jaren Lewison: My life motto is “remember the feeling,” and that was for me the whole day. I was trying to just remember the feeling of the entire day, of that gratitude, of that profound sense of joy. There was a lot of emotions that day. But we also got to have a little party, we had a long lunch. That was really cool because we got to celebrate with people that weren’t even working that day. There was a DJ, and we were in a dance circle, and there was different food, and it felt like a party. It felt like we were all saying goodbye together. I guess maybe I was ready. I think I had emotionally processed that that was the last day and I just wanted to remember the feeling of every part of it. Then, it hit me later.

    MF: Maitreyi, what has it meant to you personally to be a part of this show?

    MR: I personally take away, of course, the impact that Devi, as a main lead, brown woman. I take that with such heaviness because it’s such a big impact. I could never even understand fully it’s impact, but I do know that it is big. What excites me is that the impact that ‘Never Have I Ever’ has as a whole in the industry is only pushing for future shows that are just as amazing, if not truly, and more realistically, better. Because we’re only going to get better with our content if we continue to strive in that way for representation that’s authentic and doesn’t shy away from specificity. Because there’s nothing wrong with specificity. That excites me. As a brown woman that really excites me for myself and other underrepresented groups of all different backgrounds and identities.

    MF: Jaren, what do you see your character doing in 10 years?

    JL: I think Ben is a high-powered attorney. He’s like a trial lawyer or a corporate lawyer or something. He’s trying to work really hard to be a partner at a law firm, probably in New York or something.

    Darren Barnet as Paxton Hall-Yoshida in 'Never Have I Ever.'
    Darren Barnet as Paxton Hall-Yoshida in ‘Never Have I Ever.’ Photo: Lara Solanki/Netflix © 2022.

    MF: Darren, what do you think Paxton will be doing in 10 years?

    DB: I can see, Paxton moved to some island and he’s teaching people to surf and skate. Hawaiian shirts all day, but I think that makes sense.

    MF: Finally, Maitreyi, where do you see your character in 10 years?

    MR: I feel like for Devi, whether it’s a lawyer or some kind of government job, it would definitely be something that helps fight for underdogs and fight for people who need someone to fight for them. I could totally see Devi doing that. Like a public defense lawyer, I could see her doing that. That would be a legitimate path for her. But I also definitely see it being a rocky way to get there. She’s definitely not getting the job straight out of college. That’s not her. She’s going to be unemployed I think for a little bit. Because life’s never easy for her. Life is just never easy for her, and that’s okay, that’s fine. I’m okay with that. She’s so getting fired from so many jobs.

    Jaren Lewison, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Darren Barnet attend Netflix's 'Never Have I Ever' season 4 premiere at Westwood Village on June 01, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
    (L to R) Jaren Lewison, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Darren Barnet attend Netflix’s ‘Never Have I Ever’ season 4 premiere at Westwood Village on June 01, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Movies Similar to ‘Never Have I Ever’:

    Buy Maitreyi Ramakrishnan Movies on Amazon

  • ‘Never Have I Ever’ Season 3 Cast Interviews

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    Premiering on Netflix on August 12th is the third season of the popular series, ‘Never Have I Ever,’ which was created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher.

    The series follows the complicated life of Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), a modern-day first generation Indian American teenage girl.

    In addition to Ramakrishnan, the series also features Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, Darren Barnet, Jaren Lewison, Ramona Young, Lee Rodriguez, and Megan Suri.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Darren Barnet, and Jaren Lewison about Never Have I Ever’ Season 3.

    Darren Barnet, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and Jaren Lewison star in Netflix's 'Never Have I Ever,' season 3.
    (L to R) Darren Barnet, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and Jaren Lewison star in Netflix’s ‘Never Have I Ever,’ season 3.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Ramakrishnan, Barnet, Lewison, Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, Ramona Young, Lee Rodriguez, and Megan Suri.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Maitreyi, how is Devi handling her new relationship when this season begins?

    Maitreyi Ramakrishnan: I mean, pretty much what you think Devi would be like if she was handling a relationship. It’s messy, as she does. But it’s exciting for her because it’s her first real relationship, where she’s actually committing to one guy.

    So, good job, Devi. Making real strides. She’s pined over him for years and it’s happening. It’s very exciting for her, but of course it doesn’t come without its challenges.

    MF: Darren, Paxton seems to be taking this relationship more seriously than Devi, is that fair to say?

    Darren Barnet: I think you’ve seen Paxton kind of get in his head about not wanting to be seen with the girl that got me hit by a car. There was a lot of ego involved there. I think a lot of that is dropped as they enter this relationship. A lot of those cares go away, and he realizes how much he actually likes her, and how much she challenges him.

    It’s been a wild ride, and like Maitreyi said, you will see how Devi handles this, and it’s exactly the way you would think. Once you get what you’ve wanted for so long, you start to realize, “I’ve done so much work, trying to attain this, I haven’t done any work on myself for preparing for it.” I think that shows a lot.

    Darren Barnet as Paxton Hall-Yoshida, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi in 'Never Have I Ever.'
    (L to R) Darren Barnet as Paxton Hall-Yoshida, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi in ‘Never Have I Ever.’ Cr. Lara Solanki/Netflix © 2022.

    MF: Jaren, how is Ben handling seeing the new couple?

    Jaren Lewison: I think that it’s hard for him. I think at the end of season two, we saw that longing look that he gave watching Devi and Paxton dance. I think that it’s difficult for him to navigate how to have a friendship with Devi, while also being in a relationship with Aneesa, and how much he can give to that friendship with Devi.

    He’s challenging her and she’s challenging him, trying to keep those feelings at bay and trying to be a good boyfriend for Aneesa. As we can see, it’s a little more difficult for him than maybe I would’ve liked, if I was rooting for him. But, you know, what are you going to do?

    MF: Maitreyi, when a new season begins do you get all the scripts at once or episode by episode?

    MR: Most certainly we do not. Pretty much like a week before we start filming, we get the first episode’s script, and then we keep going. So, as we film, we find out what happens, which honestly, I like. I enjoy that. It keeps us on our toes and it doesn’t give us too much information right away.

    So, we don’t know how it’s going to end while we’re starting. So, we get to really go with the flow with the characters, experience those stakes and we get excited. We get to be fans for a little bit and we do anticipate, “Wait, what do you think is going to happen?” That’s how it really goes every season.

    MF: Finally, Darren, when you get a new script, are you surprised by the different directions the writers take your character?

    DB: I think the writers make it very easy because they a hundred percent know who Paxton is. It’s pretty automatic for me to switch into it. But I do enjoy that I think he’s become a more multidimensional character as we’ve developed throughout the show.

    I don’t know if that was intended upon starting season one, but they’ve allowed that to happen. So, it’s given me a lot of room to play, and I have wonderful co-stars to work off of who help me grow into that and make it an easy and very fun job. So, no, I’ve never shocked. I’m always very pleasantly surprised.

    Jaren Lewison as Ben Gross, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi in 'Never Have I Ever.'
    (L to R) Jaren Lewison as Ben Gross, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi in ‘Never Have I Ever.’ Cr. Lara Solanki/Netflix © 2022.