Imagining the New Green Lantern: A Look into the Rebooted DC Universe

The Rebirth of the Green Lantern

Set to star in the Lanterns series in the new DC Universe, Hal Jordan, a.k.a. Green Lantern, has now been imagined in new fan art, depicting a Gen V star as the titular hero. In January 2023, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn announced ten new projects for the rebooted DC Universe, including five feature films and five TV shows. Although not much has yet been confirmed, Lanterns will feature DC Comics characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart in a True Detective-style series set on Earth, and will mark the return of Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner from 2025's Superman: Legacy, as well as featuring new actors as the other Green Lanterns.

Hal Jordan's Green Lantern in DC Comics art

Following James Gunn's confirmation of Lanterns' development, there has been speculation about who will take on the role of the central Hal Jordan in the DCU. One popular fan-cast has placed Stowaway and Gen V star Patrick Schwarzenegger as Hal Jordan, and this has now been imagined in brilliant new DC Universe fan art, shared by 21XFOUR.

Hal Jordan's Green Lantern has got this in DC Comics

Schwarzenegger portrayed Luke Riordan, a.k.a. Golden Boy, in Gen V, a spinoff of popular series The Boys, giving him his first taste of superhero stardom. When questioned about his rumored casting in Lanterns by CBR, Schwarzenegger noted, 'I'm available,' suggesting he wouldn't turn down an offer of starring in the new DC Universe.

Hal Jordan's Green Lantern using his power ring in DC Comics

Patrick Schwarzenegger: I am not on those things, the theories and stuff. I am not caught up. How would he even come into this show? Asa Germann: Are you Green Lantern? It would be for the Green Lantern TV series. Patrick Schwarzenegger: I'm available.

Hal Jordan's Green Lantern with Bruce Wayne's Batman in DC Comics

Twitter article posted by 21XFOUR

A Glimpse into the New DC Universe

When Will Hal Jordan Appear In The DCU? Following his and producer Peter Safran's hiring as co-CEOs of the newly-established DC Studios, James Gunn announced plans to reboot the now-concluded DC Extended Universe into the new DC Universe. This would reinvent well-known characters, introduce a huge number of new heroes and villains from DC Comics, and create a stronger continuity between projects across film, TV and animation. Lanterns was announced as one of five new TV shows set to debut in the DCU, alongside Creature Commandos, Waller, Paradise Lost and Booster Gold, while Peacemaker season 2 and Matt Reeves' Arkham Asylum series will also be part of the new franchise.

Green Lanterns in DC Comics and DC Universe promo

Nathan Fillion was confirmed as the DCU's first Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, in July 2023, set to debut in 2025's highly-anticipated Superman: Legacy. Fillion will also be returning in Lanterns, though the series will focus on the partnership between human Green Lantern members Hal Jordan and John Stewart. The series' storyline is expected to lead into the overarching narrative of the entire franchise, though it's currently unclear what Earth-based mystery the Green Lanterns will be investigating. Lanterns currently doesn't have a scheduled release date, but it will be premiering sometime after Superman: Legacy hits theaters in July 2025.

The Future of the Green Lanterns

The future of the Green Lanterns in the DC Universe is brighter than ever, with the rebooted DC Universe set to introduce a new generation of heroes and villains. The Lanterns series, featuring Hal Jordan and John Stewart, promises to bring a True Detective-style narrative to the small screen, marking the return of familiar faces and the introduction of new actors as the Green Lantern Corps.

As the DC Universe continues to expand, the Green Lanterns will play a pivotal role in the interconnected narrative of the entire franchise. With the debut of Lanterns set to follow the highly-anticipated Superman: Legacy, fans can expect a new era of storytelling and character exploration in the DCU.