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| John P. Johnston/HBO |
The upcoming HBO series Lanterns, a bold new chapter in James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe (DCU), is already generating serious buzz, and director James Hawes is fueling the excitement. In a recent interview with Brandon Davis, Hawes, who helms the first two episodes, compared the show’s tone to heavy-hitters like True Detective, Fargo, and No Country for Old Men. With stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Lanterns promises a gritty, grounded take on the Green Lantern mythos—oh, and as Hawes cheekily added, “then somebody flies!” Here’s why this comparison has fans hyped and what it means for the series, set to light up screens in 2026.
A Grounded Yet Cosmic Buddy-Cop Tale
Lanterns follows veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Chandler) and rookie John Stewart (Pierre), two intergalactic cops tackling a dark, Earth-based murder mystery in the American heartland. The official synopsis hints at a larger conspiracy, with the duo policing “Precinct Earth” in a story that weaves into the broader DCU. Hawes describes it as a “buddy cop movie” with a “sophisticated” structure, blending travel, wit, and a distinctly American vibe. “It looks and feels rooted,” he said. “You meet two guys, but there’s wit and comedy to it that you wouldn’t expect in True Detective.”
The True Detective comparison, first pitched by DC Studios co-head James Gunn, comes from the show’s focus on a moody, character-driven mystery. But Hawes clarifies it’s not all brooding intensity. Unlike True Detective’s heavy gloom, Lanterns injects “wry humor” and a Coen Brothers-esque charm, drawing parallels to Fargo’s quirky character dynamics and No Country for Old Men’s stark, Americana-drenched tension. “It’s got that Americana heart,” Hawes noted, promising a mix of grounded drama and Green Lantern’s cosmic flair.
Why the Comparisons Click
These tonal references aren’t just hype—they set Lanterns apart from the 2011 Green Lantern film’s flashy misfire. True Detective’s introspective cop duos, Fargo’s blend of crime and quirky humor, and No Country for Old Men’s relentless suspense offer a blueprint for a fresh take on the Green Lantern Corps as “space cops.” Hawes emphasized the writing team—led by showrunner Chris Mundy (Ozark, True Detective: Night Country), with Damon Lindelof (Watchmen) and Tom King (Supergirl)—delivers scripts packed with “wit and character.”
The buddy-cop dynamic between Hal, a grizzled flyboy, and John, a principled newcomer, echoes the mismatched partnerships of these inspirations. Add Nathan Fillion’s smug Guy Gardner (debuting in Gunn’s Superman) and Ulrich Thomsen as the alien Sinestro, and you’ve got a cast ready to balance humor, heart, and high stakes. Hawes also teased intergalactic elements, assuring fans that while Season 1 starts Earth-bound, it won’t skimp on the “fantastical comic book shit” they love—like flying Lanterns and alien intrigue.
Fan Buzz and Expectations
The comparisons have sparked lively chatter among fans. Some are thrilled, calling Lanterns a “game-changer” for blending gritty drama with Green Lantern’s cosmic roots. Others, wary of the “grounded” label, fear it might downplay the space opera they crave. Hawes and Gunn have pushed back, with Hawes noting, “It won’t disappoint classic fans” and promising a balance that invites new viewers while staying true to the comics. The casting of Pierre, praised for his “magnificent presence” post-Rebel Ridge, and Chandler’s everyman gravitas has only amped up the excitement.
With a stacked ensemble—including Garret Dillahunt, Kelly Macdonald, Poorna Jagannathan, and Jason Ritter—Lanterns is filming in Los Angeles, eyeing a 2026 debut. Posts found on social media platforms show fans hyping Hawes’ vision, with one calling it “True Detective with superpowers” and another stoked for the “Fargo-style humor.” The show’s Americana vibe, paired with its cosmic kicks, could make it a standout in the DCU’s diverse slate, alongside Superman and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
What’s at Stake
Lanterns carries big expectations as the DCU’s first live-action series, tasked with redeeming Green Lantern after the 2011 flop. Hawes’ comparisons signal a bold pivot, aiming for prestige TV vibes over generic superhero fare. If Mundy’s team nails the balance of True Detective’s depth, Fargo’s charm, and No Country for Old Men’s tension, Lanterns could redefine how we see the Green Lantern Corps. But it’ll need to deliver on both the grounded mystery and the cosmic spectacle to win over skeptical fans.
Final Thoughts
James Hawes’ True Detective, Fargo, and No Country for Old Men comparisons paint Lanterns as a thrilling mix of grit, humor, and heart, with a cosmic twist. With a killer cast, top-tier writers, and a buddy-cop vibe that’s “rooted” yet ready to soar, the series is poised to be a DCU highlight. Whether it’s Hal and John cracking cases or Guy Gardner stealing scenes, Lanterns sounds like a show that’ll light up HBO in 2026. Keep your ring charged—this one’s gonna shine bright.
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