EXCLUSIVE: Casting Details Reveal DC’s ‘Lanterns’ Will Explore Hal Jordan’s Childhood

As DC Studios’ Lanterns enters its final weeks of shooting, sources tell Nexus Point News that the series is set to feature flashbacks to Green Lantern Hal Jordan’s childhood.

As announced, Lanterns has cast older and younger versions of John Stewart’s parents. In addition, casting was underway for John’s brothers and a child version of John which all point to flashbacks depicting John’s upbringing and family life. Missing from these announcements was news of Hal’s family. Casting details reveal that Hal’s parents, Martin and Jessica Jordan, are being cast for the series as well.

Spoilers ahead...

Martin is described as handsome, confident, charming, but hides a deep sadness. Similar to the comics, he’s a pilot and hero to young Hal, who he has a very close relationship to. The series is also confirmed to depict the death of Martin Jordan and the influence it has on Hal as a child. Jessica is described as being emotionless after the death of her husband and she is being cast for a funeral scene. In addition, a child version of Hal is being cast for multiple scenes. He’s described as defiant, spirited, brave, and a rule breaker who follows in his father’s footsteps.

Lanterns is slated to be the fourth project in the DC Universe and the third series. Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre lead the series as Hal Jordan and John Stewart, respectively. They are joined by Kelly Macdonald and Nathan Fillion as Kerry and Guy Gardner, respectively. Other members of the cast include, Garret Dillahunt, William Macon, the series' antagonist, Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro, Poorna Jagannathan, Jason Ritter, and Paul Ben-Victor. Nicole Ari Parker portrays Bernadette Stewart, John’s mother, and Sherman Augustus portrays John Stewart Sr, John’s father. Jasmine Cephas Jones and J. Alphonse Nicholson portray John’s parents in flashbacks. The series was developed and produced by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King. Mundy serves as the series’ showrunner.

Lanterns will premiere in early 2026 on HBO as part of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.