In an exciting development for DC Universe fans, “Lanterns” is set to showcase John Stewart (played by Aaron Pierre) as the newest live-action Green Lantern. However, this isn’t the John Stewart that’s known for being at the zenith of his powers. Teasers, like the trailer shown at Comic-Con, have revealed Stewart as an apprentice under the tutelage of Hal Jordan (portrayed by Kyle Chandler). Jordan, known for his own Green Lantern prestige, seems less than thrilled with mentoring the up-and-coming Stewart. For those unfamiliar with Stewart’s comic book origins and his potential growth throughout “Lanterns” and future DCU endeavors, checkout Looper’s video above for a comprehensive overview.
Partnering John Stewart with Hal Jordan is a noteworthy decision, given Jordan’s iconic status within the DC Comics realm. Stewart wasn’t the first Green Lantern to light up the page, but his debut was groundbreaking, primarily due to his role as a prominent Black superhero. His narrative depth and intensity set him apart, offering a stark contrast to the Lanterns who came before him.
John Stewart will usher in a more serious era for Green Lanterns
John Johnson/HBO Max
Portrayals of Green Lanterns in film and television have had a tumultuous journey. The 2011 film, led by Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, is notorious for its shortcomings. Contrastingly, Nathan Fillion found better success with his comedic take on Guy Gardner, introduced in “Superman.” While Gardner’s portrayal showcased the formidable capabilities of a Green Lantern’s power ring, it leaned heavily into humor, missing the mark for showcasing the Lanterns’ gravitas.
The DCU’s choice to spotlight a more earnest facet of the Green Lantern Corps is timely and necessary. Their legends are steeped in conflict, formidable challenges, and dramatic lore that often gets overshadowed by vibrant alien aesthetics and the grandiose space opera vibe typical of their tales. It’s about time the franchise dives into the serious and weighty narrative that the Green Lanterns truly embody.
Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King set out to present them in a far more serious light with HBO’s “Lanterns,” and honestly? John Stewart, who you can learn more about in Looper’s video above, is the perfect Lantern for that.