The first look at the Lanterns series has set up an intriguing mystery, one with some exciting implications. Starring Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Lanterns will see the two Green Lanterns investigating a murder in the American heartland. However, I think I know why the series is going to be more grounded and down to Earth (at least at the onset).
When it was first announced by DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran, it was said that Lanterns would echo classic shows like True Detective. Likewise, it's been confirmed that Hal Jordan will already be a veteran Lantern while Stewart will be the rookie at the very beginning of his career. Keeping that in mind, the new first-look image for Lanterns (and what's missing) has led me to an exciting theory, explaining why the new Green Lantern show will be less cosmic than one would expect.
The First Look At The DCU's Lanterns Show Is Here
Hal Jordan and John Stewart in Nebraska
The first-look image of Lanterns was revealed via a social media post by Max, confirming the show is now officially in production. The image itself sees Chandler's Hal Jordan and Pierre's John Stewart walking down a road, side by side. However, neither of the Green Lanterns is in uniform. Instead, they're simply in civilian clothes.
That being said, what is notable is that Hal is wielding his power ring. The ring also looks to be unique to him, as it's different from the power ring worn by Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner in the Superman trailers and promos. However, it appears as though John Stewart does not have a ring of his own (which is surprising).
The Reason Why Hal Jordan Has A Ring, But John Doesn't, Could Be A Big Deal
It's Surprising Considering What's Known About Lantern Lore
Despite being a rookie, John Stewart should already have a power ring on his finger. This is because new recruits to the Green Lantern Corps in the comics typically receive their power rings right away, before they're then summoned to Oa to be trained, learning how to wield the rings to harness the green light of willpower. Keeping that in mind, it's odd that the DCU's new live-action John Stewart doesn't appear to have his ring yet.
Lanterns: Cast, Story, & Everything We Know About The New Green Lanterns TV Series
With James Gunn announcing that he is working on a TV series following Hal Jordan and John Stewart, here's everything you need to know about Lanterns.
Hopefully, there's a story reason behind John Stewart's lack of a ring in this first-look image. For example, perhaps he's still reluctant about becoming a Green Lantern to begin with. However, I have a feeling I know what the reasoning is, and it might even connect to the overarching reason why the show will be more grounded than one would expect for a show about space cops who protect the galaxy at the behest of a council of blue aliens (The Guardians of Oa).
I Think I Know Why Lanterns Will Be More Grounded Than We Realize
The Veteran Testing The Rookie...
In the comics, Hal Jordan is one of the greatest and most fearless Green Lanterns of all time. He's also a maverick who thrives on bending the rules and tackling problems his own way. With that in mind, I could easily see him training John Stewart using unconventional methods, which could perhaps for the veteran taking a rookie to Earth to investigate a murder in Nebraska.
Likewise, I wouldn't be surprised if Hal wanted to see what John Stewart made of without his ring, explaining why he isn't wearing his ring in the new image. After all, Hal Jordan is a guy who believes real flying happens in the cockpit of a fighter jet. It's logical and would be very on-brand if Jordan was interested in knowing what kind of man and hero John is capable of being without the ability to create any construct his mind can think of on a whim.
As such, this idea would explain the show's more grounded tone overall, at least at the beginning. The show could certainly expand and get bigger the closer it gets to the ending. Then again, when and if Jordan believes Stewart has what it takes to be a Green Lantern, it's possible he could just end up giving Stewart his own ring. After all, Jordan will be a veteran, and there are good odds he could end up seeking retirement and/or falling in the line of duty by the show's end.
Lanterns is currently in production from DC Studios.
