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DC's Lanterns Kills Off Hal Jordan in Pilot Twist
17 Aug
Summary
- Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, is killed off in the premiere.
- The series explores a 2016 alien-related investigation in Rushville.
- John Stewart takes center stage as the focus shifts to his character.
HBO's Lanterns has stunned audiences with a major plot twist in its premiere episode, revealing the unexpected death of its central character, Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler.
The series begins with a two-part mystery, starting in 2016 with Hal and his trainee John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) investigating an alien-related mass shooting in rural Rushville, Nebraska. The story then jumps forward ten years to 2026, where Sheriff Kerry (Kelly Macdonald) leads John back to Rushville to reveal Hal's lifeless body, frozen and shot, with his power ring missing.
Showrunner Chris Mundy explained that killing off Sheriff Kerry was considered but rejected as a "fridging" trope. The creative team ultimately decided Hal's death would create the most significant emotional stakes, particularly with his relationship with John unresolved. This decision aligns with DC Studios' broader slate, acknowledging Guy Gardner's established role as Green Lantern in other projects.
The unexpected demise of Hal Jordan in the pilot aims to immediately signal the show's willingness to take bold narrative risks and establishes profound emotional stakes. This move ensures that even with Hal's passing, his presence and the unresolved questions surrounding his death will drive the series forward, impacting the larger DC universe.
