HBO has released the first teaser for the upcoming third episode of its DCU series, "Lanterns," offering viewers a rare look at Hal Jordan, portrayed by Kyle Chandler, in his iconic Green Lantern domino mask. The 42-second teaser, made available on the HBO Max YouTube channel, arrived shortly after the conclusion of the second episode.
While the teaser focuses on John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre, and his unfolding narrative involving a confrontation with a Guardian and his past, a brief moment at the 17-second mark reveals footage from an old television screen. This footage appears to show news coverage of Hal Jordan, who is depicted in the same suit seen throughout the series, but notably wearing the distinctive green domino mask.
This visual cue is significant for fans who have found it challenging to connect Chandler's portrayal of Hal Jordan to the character's long-established comic book and animated history. Seeing him in the full Green Lantern Corps attire, even in a brief archival segment, helps bridge that gap.
However, the appearance of the masked Hal Jordan may be more of an Easter egg or a flashback rather than a preview of his costume in current action within the series. The end of the first episode strongly suggested that Hal Jordan's role in the DCU might be limited, and the Episode 3 teaser also indicates potential timeline jumps, possibly revisiting 1996. This suggests that any appearances of Hal Jordan in his domino mask could be confined to flashback sequences.
The excitement surrounding this reveal is understandable, particularly given the reception of the last live-action Hal Jordan, played by Ryan Reynolds in the 2011 film. Moments like these are crucial as the DCU continues to take shape, drawing parallels to the anticipation for Robert Pattinson's Batman cowl or David Corenswet's Superman costume reveal.
With Hal Jordan's storyline seemingly drawing to a close, anticipation remains for a clearer look at John Stewart in his Green Lantern suit. This is expected when Pierre reprises his role in the upcoming DCU film, "Man of Tomorrow."
"Lanterns" Episode 3 is set to premiere on August 30. Earlier episodes have been met with critical attention, with discussions ongoing about potential hidden villains and the series' gritty tone, as commented on by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn.