Few DCU moments hit harder than losing Hal Jordan so early. Now that the dust has settled, fans are asking a fair question: who stands beside John Stewart next? A new interview with the showrunner offers a fun, if slightly complicated, answer.
Where Lanterns Left Things?
Lanterns is a DC Studios and HBO series, and its eight-episode first season ended on a shock. Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan was killed by his then-girlfriend Kerry Kane, who was protecting her dark family secrets. That left Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart stepping up as a Green Lantern with a unique Dark Lantern, and without a partner heading into any Season 2.
Lanterns Season 2: Overview
| Detail | What We Know |
|---|---|
| Series | Lanterns (HBO / DC Studios) |
| Season 1 | Eight episodes, streaming on HBO Max |
| Showrunner | Chris Mundy |
| Season 2 status | Not yet renewed |
| Development | Writers’ room open, early work underway |
| Rumored partner | Kilowog |
The Kilowog Push
Speaking to The Ringer-Verse after the finale, Mundy was asked who might fill Hal’s boots. His answer pointed to a writer on the show, Vanessa Baden Kelly, who has apparently been championing Kilowog for a long time. Mundy added that the team has tossed around plenty of ideas, so nothing is locked in.
The Earth-Based Catch
Here’s the hurdle. Mundy said Season 2 will most likely be another Earth-based story, though not necessarily in Rushville. He noted the show has proven it can leave the planet, but staying grounded means keeping whoever appears as real as possible. That’s a tough fit for an eight-foot-tall alien.
Who Is Kilowog?
For newcomers, Kilowog is a Bolovaxian and the last survivor of his destroyed home world. He serves as Green Lantern of Sector 674 and is also a genius-level geneticist. On Oa, he’s the Corps’ famous drill instructor, and he once trained Hal Jordan before Sinestro took over. In the 2011 Green Lantern film, he was a fully CGI character voiced by Michael Clarke Duncan.
That CGI cost is another reason he may not play a big role. Then again, The People v Gorilla Grodd is bringing a talking, super-intelligent ape to HBO Max, so the door may not be fully closed.
Other Candidates and Story Ideas
If Kilowog stays in space, human Lanterns could fill the gap instead. Fans have often mentioned Kyle Rayner, Jessica Cruz and Guy Gardner. There’s also a clever storyline hook. In the finale, Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner warned John that the Guardians would send an army after him for going rogue. That could bring alien Lanterns to Earth without leaving the grounded setting, with Stewart fighting them off while facing a bigger threat.
Also worth watching is the idea that Sinestro could be involved in bringing Hal back, which would add another twist to the partner question.
Should Fans Be Excited?
Cautiously, yes. Nothing is confirmed, and the series still needs an official renewal. But an open writers’ room and a playful hint like this suggest the team is already thinking big. Whether Season 2 goes cosmic or stays down to earth, John Stewart’s story is clearly just beginning.
For background on the character, see the Kilowog Wikipedia page. And if you like superhero news and TV updates, explore more entertainment coverage on Technosports, where we also follow DC and Marvel news, trailers and streaming releases.
FAQs
Q1. Has Lanterns been renewed for Season 2?
Not officially, but a writers’ room is open and early development has begun.
Q2. Who might replace Hal Jordan in Season 2?
Kilowog is being pushed by one writer, though an Earth-based story makes it uncertain.
