Superhero stories have dominated screens for decades, but the genre has long struggled with a glaring issue: women are too often sidelined in male-led narratives. While there are exceptions, the pattern is hard to ignore. Now, HBO's Lanterns is taking a bold step to change that, and star Poorna Jagannathan is speaking out about why this matters.
In an exclusive interview for Collider Ladies Night, Jagannathan—who plays Zoe Macon in the series—highlighted how Lanterns breaks the mold. The show primarily follows Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they investigate strange occurrences in Rushville, Nebraska. But even with two male leads, the series refuses to fall into the genre's most common trap. Instead, it features a roster of complex, vital female characters who drive the story forward.
The Superhero Genre's Persistent Problem
The lack of meaningful roles for women in superhero media has been a topic of discussion for years. Jagannathan describes the issue as "binary," explaining that "women's stories are told in the women's superhero [stories], and the men's don't." This divide has been evident across both DC and Marvel's onscreen universes. In male-led projects, women are often relegated to romantic interests or supporting roles, rarely getting the narrative spotlight they deserve.
Take the former DCEU, for example. Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) was a compelling lead in her own film, but her subsequent appearance in Justice League was far less memorable, despite her iconic status. Apart from Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), other female characters in the franchise had limited impact on the stories they inhabited. By reserving women's stories for female-led projects, the genre has significantly reduced the number of interesting characters and created a stark divide between male- and female-led content.
Lanterns Takes a Different Approach
Lanterns flips the script. While Hal and John are the central figures, the series gives substantial weight to women like Bernadette Stewart (Jasmine Cephas Jones), Sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald), and Zoe Macon. Jagannathan notes, "I feel the female characters are given such weight and importance, and they are allowed to shine, which is very, very different from what I've seen in the past." Even though the show hasn't introduced a female superhero, these characters wield significant influence—especially with Episode 4 all but confirming that Zoe is the Manhunter.
What sets Lanterns apart is that these women actively shape the narrative through their own choices, rather than simply being connected to the male leads. Bernadette is focused on securing John's future, Kerry is determined to protect her town, and Zoe clings to her power by any means necessary. While Bernadette's role is tied to being John's mother, her decisions directly influence his path. The series doesn't shy away from moral ambiguity, allowing these women to be truly complex. This depth only enhances their importance, reflecting the show's exploration of gray areas.
The result is a superhero series that proves gender doesn't have to dictate storytelling. By giving women real agency and complexity, Lanterns is not just better for it—it's setting a new standard for the genre. As Jagannathan puts it, the show demonstrates that the old division between men's and women's stories is pointless.
For fans of the genre, this is a refreshing change. Lanterns is streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes airing Sundays. If you're looking for more superhero content that breaks the mold, check out our list of superhero TV flops that haven't aged well or explore why Zack Snyder's Watchmen finally finds its audience. And if you're curious about the show's record-breaking debut, read about Lanterns' impressive viewership numbers.
