TheDCUis undergoing a major overhaul under the direction of James Gunn and Peter Safran, and one of the most anticipated projects isLanterns, which could introduce an underutilized hero from DC’s pantheon. TheDCU’sLanternsseriespromises a new take on DC’s famed Green Lantern characters, with a noir-inspired detective story at its core. While many are naturally hyped about seeing Hal Jordan and John Stewart as the titular characters, the show presents an exciting opportunity to introduce a lesser-used, yet pivotal DC Comics hero intothe DCU timeline: Green Arrow.
The DCU’sLanternsseries will feature two Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and John Stewart, in a show envisioned as a"True Detective in space,“focusing on the duo uncovering a larger mystery while patrolling Earth. While the Green Lantern Corps mythology is expansive, early descriptions of the series emphasize a grounded approach. A very convincing theory fromComicBook.comsuggests that the series will be based on “Hard-Traveling Heroes,” which opens the possibility for Green Arrow’s introduction.
Lanterns' Convincing Comic Adaptation Theory Would Fit With What We Know About Its Story So Far
One intriguing theory suggests thatLanternsmay draw inspiration from “Hard-Traveling Heroes” – an arc that paired Green Lantern with Green Arrow fora gritty exploration of social and moral issues. The “Hard-Travelling Heroes” era was written by Dennis O’Neil and illustrated by Neal Adams in the 1970s and is one of the most iconic Green Lantern stories ever told. It marked a departure from traditional superhero narratives, delving into real-world issues like racism, poverty, environmentalism, and the drug epidemic. In the storyline, Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern and Green Arrow embark on a road trip across America.
Lanternswill be released on HBO around the same time asSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
During this time, they confront social injustices and grapple with their differing worldviews. The storyline is a natural fit for a series likeLanterns, which is reportedly aiming for a serious and thought-provoking tone set in the“American heartland.”The comic arc’s combination of grounded human stories and larger-than-life superhero drama mirrors the ethos described by Gunn for hisreimagined DCU future. WhileLanternswill likely deviate from the literal road trip structure of the comics,the thematic elements of questioning morality, justice, and societal ills could easily form the backboneof the show.
Lanterns Adapting Hard-Traveling Heroes Would Make Green Arrow So Easy to Introduce
Green Arrow is uniquely positioned to slot seamlessly into a series likeLanternsif it adopts the thematic and narrative elements of “Hard-Traveling Heroes.” Unlike characters with overly complex mythologies or ties to otherworldly domains, Oliver Queen is an Earth-based vigilante with a straightforward backstory: a billionaire playboy turned socially conscious hero after being stranded on a deserted island. His grounded naturewould contrast effectively with the more fantastical elements of the Green Lantern Corps.
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Moreover, Green Arrow’s personality and ideological stance make him a perfect foil for Hal Jordan. Where Hal often represents establishment values - working as a space cop enforcing the laws of the Guardians of the Universe - Oliver frequently questions authority,advocating for the marginalized and challenging systemic injustice. Their debates in the comics were a highlight of “Hard-Traveling Heroes,” and this dynamic could translate beautifully to the small screen.
Additionally,Lanternscould use Green Arrow to emphasize its Earth-focused storyline. Oliver’s presence would deepen the sense that the series is connected to the wider DCU, paving the way for future collaborations and crossovers. Whether he teams up with Hal and John on a specific mission or merely provides commentary from the sidelines, his inclusionwould feel organic and meaningful, enhancing the show without overshadowing its core narrative.
I Think Green Arrow Deserves an Early DC Universe Debut
Despite his prominence in the comics, Green Arrow has been underutilized in live-action adaptations. He has appeared in only two major TV incarnations: Justin Hartley’s version inSmallvilleand Stephen Amell’s portrayal in theArrowverse. While both were well-received - especially Amell’s version,which launched a sprawling interconnected TV universe- Green Arrow has yet to receive the full cinematic treatment.
This oversight feels increasingly glaring as the DCU enters a new era. Green Arrow isa character with untapped potential,offering a unique blend of charm, wit, and political savvy. His Robin Hood-inspired persona and social commentary make him stand out among DC’s catalog of heroes, especially in a modern landscape that values complexity and nuance in its protagonists.
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Green Arrow aligns perfectly with James Gunn’s creative vision for the DCU. Gunn is interested inbalancing larger-than-life superheroics with smaller, character-driven stories. Oliver Queen embodies this duality - his gadgetry and archery skills make him a capable crime fighter, but his humanity, moral dilemmas, and sharp tongue truly define him.
Oliver Queen’s popularity during theArrowverseera proves there’s a substantial audience eager to see more of the character. Introducing him early in the DCU wouldcapitalize on this while simultaneously distinguishing him from his TV predecessors. A role inLanternscould serve as a soft launch, re-establishing Green Arrow in the public consciousness before spinning him off into solo projects or team-ups.
Lanterns
Cast
Lanterns follows new recruit John Stewart and veteran Hal Jordan, two members of the Green Lantern Corps, as they unravel a dark, Earth-bound mystery while investigating a murder in the American heartland.
