James Gunn’s DCU is starting to pick up pace, and as part of Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, Lanterns is getting a TV show adaptation at HBO. Described as a “True Detective-style” mystery show focused on Hal Jordan and Jon Stewart on Earth, it will offer a different spin on the otherwise cosmic-focused source material.
Expectations for Lanterns are also through the roof, especially coming back from the disastrous 2011 Green Lantern film starring Ryan Reynolds. There are endless stories surrounding Lanterns, as they span the DC universe with different corps and whatnot. Still, we have an idea of what to expect, given that HBO’s Lanterns will primarily be set on Earth. Nevertheless, we’ve still picked 5 characters that we want to see in the upcoming TV Show.
Sinestro
Once regarded as the greatest Green Lantern of all time in his prime, Sinestro’s fate twisted when his home planet was invaded, resulting in the death of his family. Consumed by revenge and an urge to control, Sinestro became a tyrant, with his methods turning evil, something the Green Lantern Corps didn’t approve of. As such, Sinestro was brought down by his once protégé, Hal Jordan.
He later formed the Sinestro Corps, also known as the Yellow Lanterns, primarily created to mirror the ways of the Green Lanterns. Sinestro is a complex character and Hal Jordan’s arch-nemesis, probably the only Green Lantern villain the mainstream audience is familiar with, too. Despite his evil ways, Sinestro’s ulterior motives are still for the better, making his spot more of an anti-hero, depending upon the storyline.
HBO’s Lanterns will see Hal Jordan as a veteran Green Lantern, and as such, expect Sinestro to be an enemy in this storyline. Even though the show will be focused on a murder-mystery on Earth, Sinestro can be mentioned or set up as a villain for future stories in the DCU at the bare minimum.
Razer
Originating as an original character in Green Lantern: The Animated Series, Razer has become a fan-favorite character due to his complex nature and redemption story. Completely the opposite of Sinestro’s story, Razer started out as a member of the Red Lantern Corps after being consumed by rage over the death of his wife and the loss of the battle in his homeland.
Eventually, Razer was able to find solace in Aya, a Green Lantern member. His story was left unfinished after Green Lantern: The Animated Series was canceled, but fortunately, Razer’s story concluded in Young Justice with a one-off episode. The Blue Lantern ring found him, and as a result, Razer mastered both hope and rage, becoming a powerful individual.
Much like Harley Quinn, Razer’s story could become huge if it’s adapted. It’s unlikely that he’ll appear, let alone be mentioned in HBO’s Lanterns, but we can at least hope that he does. Or better yet, be a part of the Young Justice League or Teen Titans if the DCU has plans for that.
Kilowog
Supporting characters are often overlooked, but they are what make protagonists special, being the unsung heroes of most stories. Kilowog is a strong example of such a scenario and one of the most memorable Green Lantern members, alongside Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jessica Cruz.
Initially, a geneticist from the planet Bolovax Vik, Kilowog, was recruited by the Green Lanterns due to his capabilities, succeeding Branwilla as the previous Green Lantern. Now in the corps, he is mostly known for training new recruits.
Among all the members, Hal Jordan and Kilowog seem to share the closest bond. Combined with the fact that Kilowog is one of the most well-regarded Green Lantern members, his appearance is a must in the upcoming TV show.
The Centre
The Centre, aka Dinosaur Island, is a major antagonist in DC Comics and also appears as the villain in Justice League: The New Frontier. Rather than being a single entity, The Centre is an entire island millions of years old that can spawn Dinosaurs or Reptiles.
Now, the connection it might have with HBO’s Lanterns is that the show could technically set up this as the first villain for the DCU’s chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, a name that fits well for this antagonist.
Currently, there’s a theory circulating that the murder mystery in the show will be revealed to involve the worshippers of The Centre. Vandal Savage is also part of this entire setup, per the theory, which, once again, fits considering his prehistoric status as a villain.
Jessica Cruz
Jessica Cruz was a normal teenager in the DC world until she witnessed the murder of her friends in front of her, while she managed to escape. Traumatized and in fear after the event, Jessica became the host of Hal Jordan’s ring after he was killed by Sinestro.
A relatively newer member of DC Comics, Jessica Cruz, also has a lot of potential to become a prominent part of the DCU. With Hal Jordan shown as an aged Green Lantern member in the upcoming show, Jessica Cruz could, in a way, succeed the veteran hero.
Her future could be bright, as DCU has plans for a live-action Teen Titans film, where she could be part of the superhero team. HBO’s Lanterns could set her story up with a minor appearance.