As HBO's Lanterns barrels toward its season finale, the series is deepening its ties to James Gunn's DCU. The show, which kicked off with Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) as Earth's Green Lantern, took a dramatic turn after the 2016 Rushville investigation, culminating in a tense standoff between Hal, John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), and the Manhunter (Poorna Jagannathan). When John declines the ring, it clears the way for Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) to step in—and the latest episode makes it clear there's no love lost between the man originally slated to replace Hal and the gym teacher who ultimately took the job.
In a recent interview with Collider, co-creator Chris Mundy shared insights into the show's creative process, revealing how he balanced the gritty realism of True Detective with the more fantastical elements of the Green Lantern mythos. "It's a tricky balance," Mundy admitted. "We're trying to hopefully do a good enough job that people accept the mash-up of them." He explained that the opening sequence—featuring a 60 Minutes interview, a bizarre scene of borderline child abuse, and a car flying off—was a deliberate way to give audiences a taste of everything, before slowing down to ground the story in the dusty, small-town atmosphere of Western Nebraska.
Mundy also revealed the origin of the show's memorable jukebox scene, where Hal deliberately selects "Brand New Key" to start a bar fight. "We knew we wanted to play the gag of the song," he said. "I texted the three of us—Damon [Lindelof], Tom [King], and myself—and two seconds later, Damon texted back, 'Brand New Key.'" The choice was instant and perfect, adding a touch of dark humor to the series.
When it comes to Guy Gardner, Mundy explained that the character was always part of the plan, even in the early stages. "We knew pretty much right away when we were doing the two time periods we wanted to have him in the show at least a little bit," he said. The character, known for his brash personality, offered a chance to push the comedy further than James Gunn's version in Superman. "That character, you can play him for as much comedy or as little as you want," Mundy noted. "James had obviously played him for comedy in Superman, and we just felt like it was license to take it one step further." Nathan Fillion's performance, he added, made it easy to trust the material.
The premiere's shocking ending—which left many viewers reeling—was a deliberate choice, Mundy said. "It's something we didn't take lightly," he explained. "We did it to deepen our understanding both of John but also of the world." The ripple effects of that decision will continue to shape the series, and Mundy is committed to earning the emotional weight of the story.
Looking ahead, Mundy has a clear vision for the show's future. While he didn't reveal specifics, he hinted at a long-term plan that could see Lanterns evolve beyond its first season. The series, which has drawn comparisons to gritty detective dramas, is carving out its own niche in the DCU, blending grounded storytelling with cosmic spectacle. For fans of the comics, the show offers a fresh take on beloved characters, while newcomers can appreciate the human drama at its core.
As Lanterns continues to unfold, viewers can expect more twists, deeper character development, and a slow-burn mystery that pays off in unexpected ways. With Mundy at the helm, the series is poised to become a standout in the ever-expanding DCU lineup. For more on the show's creative direction, check out our review of another sci-fi ride that's making waves.
Stay tuned for the season finale, and keep an eye on Lanterns as it continues to light up the small screen.
