DC Universe co-CEO James Gunn has addressed fan criticism regarding the apparent early death of Hal Jordan in the HBO series Lanterns. The show's first episode depicted a murdered Hal Jordan, portrayed by Kyle Chandler, before flashing back to a 2016 storyline. This opening sequence, which showed Jordan with a fatal injury, prompted significant backlash from fans anticipating his live-action return to the DCU. The situation was further emphasized in episode six with the character's funeral.
However, questions surrounding Hal Jordan's demise persist, with many viewers unconvinced of his definitive death. Following episode five, Lanterns shifted its focus to 2026, adopting a "whodunnit" narrative centered on John Stewart's investigation into Hal's murder. Speculation among fans suggests that the final episodes may reveal Hal to be alive, with the corpse seen in the premiere being a mere replica.
Gunn directly responded to a fan on social media who expressed disappointment, stating, "Maybe you should try and at least respect the characters that made the comics popular. Killing Hal off right away after we have waited 15 years to see him on screen again was the worst thing you could have done." He defended the character's significant on-screen presence in the series, noting, "Hal's the star of TV series & he's in all the episodes so far. It's more live action screen time than all the live action screen time he's had combined throughout history." Gunn added, "We more than respect him. We love him, despite his imperfections."
Gunn's response included a subtle hint that fans questioning Hal's fate might be on the right track. "Us knowing the time of his death, if that's exactly what that is, is absolutely not the same thing as killing him off right away," he stated. This particular phrasing has fueled speculation that Hal Jordan may not be permanently gone, with fans hopeful for his continued presence in the DCU. While his appearance in Superman: Man of Tomorrow has not been suggested, the positive reception of Chandler's portrayal could lead to future roles or a potential second season of Lanterns.
In related news, Nathan Fillion's portrayal of Guy Gardner is set to be a connective thread across multiple DCU projects, including Superman, Peacemaker Season 2, Lanterns, and the upcoming Man of Tomorrow.