Poorna Jagannathan declares that the teleplay for the upcoming DCU series Lanterns is “the best sci-fi script” she’s ever read. Jagannathan was cast to join the eight-episode Green Lantern show back in November 2024, which has been favorably touted to be in the same vein as True Detective. Jagannathan will portray the recurring character, Zoe, and the actress has now teased that production is set to start before the end of January. Jagannathan said in an interview while appearing at the Sundance Film Festival (per Collider):

“This is the first script that I’ve read that I understand why there’s an NDA [non-disclosure agreement]. Everything is so insane. It is the best writing that I have ever read. I don’t know anything about sci-fi, and I don’t care actually. But this script makes sci-fi seem like my world. It makes it so accessible to me. I understand everything about this world even though I don’t understand this world. So, it’s the best sci-fi script I’ve ever read. We start Tuesday [Jan. 28]. We start camera testing Tuesday.”

Lanterns was originally announced by DC Studios co-chair and co-CEO James Gunn as one of the titles among the DC Universe’s upcoming Chapter 1 – Gods and Monsters. While promoting that opening slate of DCU films and series, Gunn said, “This is a story about a couple of Green Lanterns, John Stewart and Hal Jordan, and we have a few other Lanterns peppered in there.” Could Jagannathan be portraying the fan-favorite GL Jessica Cruz from the comic books? How about Jo Mullein?
Sector 2814 Will Need Every Available Green Lantern to Combat Sinestro

Lanterns is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing projects due to drop in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU. If the comic books are any indication, Sector 2814 (Earth) will need every available member of the Green Lantern Corps in order to protect it, since the yellow power ring-wielding Sinestro has been confirmed as a villain appearing on the series. Back on January 24, the news broke that Ulrich Thomsen was cast to portray Sinestro, who is described “as ruthless yet undeniably charming” (per Deadline).
In the source material, Sinestro first appeared in Green Lantern No. 7 (1961). The Korugarian is by far and away the most intriguing GL villain because of his history with Earth’s most well-known Green Lantern, Hal Jordan. Sinestro was Jordan’s mentor after the Earthling was given the dying GL Abin Sur’s power ring to take his place in the Corps. Sinestro’s rebellious nature, ambitions, and lust for power ultimately lead to him giving up his green power ring for a yellow one, courtesy of the Weaponers of Qward.

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For those not familiar with power rings, the color yellow is the primary weakness of the Emerald Knights’ energy source. That makes the already dangerous Sinestro even more menacing. So, casting Poorna Jagannathan as Jessica Cruz would greatly benefit the series. Plus, Cruz also sported a yellow power ring during a time when she teamed up with the Sinestro Corps.
HBO’s Lanterns hasn’t received an official release date yet, but it is expected to drop sometime in 2026, which coincides with Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’s theatrical release. Kyle Chandler is portraying Hal Jordan, while Aaron Pierre will play the Green Lantern Corps’ latest recruit, John Stewart. Garret Dillahunt and Kelly Macdonald also star.

Lanterns (DCU)

Network

HBO

Directors

James Hawes

Writers

Tom King, Chris Munday

Franchise(s)

DC Universe