HBO's 'Lanterns' premiere kills off Hal Jordan, sparking fan backlash

HBO's new series "Lanterns" concluded its debut episode with the unexpected death of veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan, a move that has provoked a wave of criticism from followers of DC Comics. The show, which follows the uneasy partnership between Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and rookie John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a mass shooting in Nebraska, jumps ten years forward in its final scene, revealing Stewart returning to find his mentor dead and his power ring missing.

Fans took to social media to express their displeasure, with one user writing, "If it turns out to be permanent, it's just another fumble by Gunn's DCU and a great disservice and waste of Hal Jordan." Another commented that the new universe feels like an insult to DC fans.

Co-creator and writer Tom King told GQ that the decision was intended to raise the series' stakes. > "The central thing we were solving was the mystery of the 'Superman' movie. The 'Superman' movie takes place today, contemporary to us, and Guy Gardner is the Green Lantern," King said, adding that the storyline is meant to explore questions about the characters' whereabouts and the future of the Green Lantern mantle.

While King suggested that Jordan's death may be temporary—potentially involving a resurrection or a holographic presence—current indications point to Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) assuming the role of Earth's primary Green Lantern. Actor Aaron Pierre, who plays John Stewart, is also slated to appear in the upcoming "Superman" film "Man of Tomorrow," hinting that Stewart may eventually wield the ring.