‘Lanterns’ Theory: Why Hal Doesn’t Think Any Other Human Lanterns Exist

The Lanterns trailer ignited much controversy for DC fans around the globe. From arguments about the suit, to the lack of green in the trailer, to even complaints regarding the absence of source material in the trailer, the show is clearly going to be very relevant for the coming months ahead of its August release.

The series was first announced in January of 2023 where audiences were treated to the first ever live-action Green Lantern series announcement, and the second Lantern oriented series, following Green Lantern: The Animated Series. The series is showrun by Chris Mundy, and co-created by Mundy, Tom King, and Damon Lindelof. The series began production in 2025 and has since become the focus of audiences as it is the only DCU series of 2026, leading to a lot of pressure on the trailer where it received the aforementioned controversy.

One aspect of the trailer, a final stinger where Hal (Kyle Chandler) answers a question John (Aaron Pierre) has will be the focus of this article as it proposed the question: Why doesn’t Hal Jordan know any other human Green Lanterns? He, of course, should be aware of Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), the foul mouthed member of the Justice Gang who debuted in James Gunn’s Superman and is slated to appear in Lanterns. Guy’s profile in universe is high, given his televised nature saving people, as well as being an operative for Lord Tech, itself a billion dollar firm.

Nathan Fillion has revealed in interviews that he did not really share scenes with Kyle Chandler but only with Aaron Pierre. Due to this, I theorize that Hal Jordan dies early on in the series, leading to Guy taking Hal’s ring (or being chosen and given a separate ring by the Guardians) and picking up the mantle of Green Lantern. A time jump would occur and Guy and John’s scenes would take place after this, in the present.

I think a time jump is likely due to how both True Detective Season 1 (the clear main inspiration for the series) and True Detective Season 3 have time jumps, telling the overarching story in two separate timelines, although I don’t think there would be much cross cutting and jumping between time periods in this series.

On top of Hal not being aware of Guy, I think a big reason why Hal dies here is the casting, with Kyle Chandler pushing 60, and all other castings for the series being around the same age range. If the DCU was aiming for longevity with Hal’s story, they would have cast younger and not made him a Green Lantern veteran.

Lanterns stars Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Nathan Fillion, Kelly Macdonald, and Garrett Dillahunt. The series is set to be released this August on HBO and HBO Max.

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