HBO‘s “Lanterns” already found its Hal Jordan in Kyle Chandler, but what about its John Stewart? Deadline reports that the network has its top choices for the role, and they’re two actors poised for breakouts: Aaron Pierre and Stephan James. Damson Idris, star of FX‘s “Snowfall,” is another name in the running for the role, but HBO declined any comment on the story.
READ MORE: ‘Lanterns’: Kyle Chandler To Play Hal Jordan In James Gunn’s Upcoming Green Lantern Series
John Stewart would be a huge role for any of the three actors. Based on the “Green Lantern” DC comics, “Lanterns” is the brainchild of “Watchmen” creator Damon Lindelof, “Ozark” creator Chris Mundy, and comic book writer Tom King as part of the kickoff the new DC Studios. The eight-episode series follows legendary Lantern Hal Jordan and his new recruit John Stewart as two intergalactic cops sent to Earth to investigate a murder in the American heartland. HBO made a straight-to-series order of the show in June, which they’ll produce in association with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios. Mundy will serve as showrunner on the series, with Lindelof and King on board as co-writers and executive producers.
“John Stewart and Hal Jordan are two of DC’s most compelling characters, and “Lanterns” brings them to life in an original detective story that is a foundational part of the unified DCU we’re launching next summer with “Superman,”” DC Studios co-chairmen and co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran said in a press statement when “Lanterns” was first announced. As for who’s the favorite of Pierre, James, and Idris to land the Stewart role, it may come down to superhero experience. And Pierre has that, as he starred as Dev-Em in Syfy‘s “Krypton” series. But Pierre also may be the frontrunner due to his recent powerhouse performance in Jeremy Saulnier‘s “Rebel Ridge.” He’s poised for a breakout after that role, and “Lanterns” may very well be it. Other recent roles for Pierre include “Genius: MLK/X” and “The Underground Railroad.”
But don’t count out James or Idris. James is a Golden Globe nominee for his work on “Homecoming,” and also nabbed an Emmy nod for “#FreeRayshawn.” Upcoming roles for the actor include Alex Garland‘s “War Machine,” which is shooting now. As for Idris, he has his biggest role to date in next year’s “F1” opposite Brad Pitt. And beyond “Snowfall,” the British actor also had a role in “Swarm” last year.
So which of the three actors above will land “Lanterns”? The smart money is on Pierre, but Jams and Idris are great choices, too. Let’s see what comes of this story over the weekend.