Lanterns received a straight-to-series order in June after years of development. The project is co-written and executive produced by Ozark’s Chris Mundy, Watchmen creator Damon Lindelof, and Eisner Award-winning comics writer Tom King. Mundy will serve as the showrunner.
The series will focus on Hal Jordan reluctantly mentoring John Stewart, one of DC’s first Black superheroes, as they investigate a murder with far-reaching consequences. Production is set to begin in Atlanta from January to June next year, with casting still underway for the role of John Stewart. The producers are reportedly searching for a young actor to play opposite Chandler.
Chandler's casting comes after earlier talks with actors like Josh Brolin fell through. Rumors about Chris Pine and Ewan McGregor joining the series also turned out to be speculation. HBO has not commented on the casting decisions.
In recent years, Chandler has appeared in films like Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong, and First Man. He also earned Emmy nominations for his work on Netflix’s Bloodline.