Showrunner Chris Mundy revealed that John Stewart’s (played by Aaron Pierre) approach to wielding his Lantern powers is deeply introspective and artistic. Unlike typical displays of energy and brute strength, Stewart’s use of the Green Lantern ring reflects imagination, precision, and emotion.
Mundy explained that the Green Lantern powers are rooted in creativity and self-expression. He shared:
“To manifest things from the Lantern rings, you’ve got to manifest something from your brain—but also kind of from your soul. What does that look like? What does it feel like?”
Moreover, Mundy compared this creative process to that of an artist, emphasizing how Aaron Pierre’s performance captures the beauty of constructing energy-based creations from emotion rather than instinct. Therefore, John Stewart’s method feels more spiritual and expressive—an embodiment of thought meeting art.
Hal Jordan’s Lantern Powers: Direct and Forceful
In contrast, Hal Jordan (portrayed by Kyle Chandler) represents a more traditional and straightforward hero. While Stewart uses his imagination, Jordan’s strength lies in his directness and raw willpower.
Mundy humorously noted:
“We always joked that Hal just wants to hit everything with a big, green fist.”
This simple yet powerful statement highlights how Jordan’s combat style mirrors his personality—confident, impulsive, and grounded in action. Consequently, the difference between the two Lanterns underscores the series’ core theme: how personality shapes power.
Furthermore, Jordan’s approach symbolizes the older generation of heroes—bold, instinctive, and action-driven. On the other hand, Stewart represents the new era of Lanterns who balance strength with empathy. This contrast not only builds compelling character tension but also reflects the evolution of heroism in the DC Universe.
A Multi-Timeline Narrative Adds Depth
Beyond power dynamics, Lanterns explores multiple timelines to deepen its story. According to Mundy, the challenge was to ensure each character remains “consistent at their core” even as events unfold across different eras.
Additionally, this multi-timeline structure allows the show to contrast both heroes’ experiences and philosophies over time, offering fans a layered understanding of how their distinct traits influence their heroic journeys.
By intertwining timelines, the narrative creates opportunities to explore how legacy, mentorship, and identity intersect. Viewers will likely see how both Hal and John’s paths influence the future of the Green Lantern Corps—and perhaps even the larger DCU cosmic storyline.
Developed by Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, Lanterns is set to premiere on HBO Max in 2026. The series promises to deliver a visually rich and emotionally grounded exploration of the Green Lantern Corps, balancing action, introspection, and intergalactic mystery. As anticipation grows, it’s clear that John Stewart will bring a fresh and soulful energy to the DC Universe, standing apart from Hal Jordan’s iconic forceful style.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on DCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to DC Updates’ YouTube channel.