Latest 'Lanterns' Trailer Shows Off Detective Work, Verdant Space and Grit
All eyes are on the DC Cinematic Universe. ‘Supergirl’ didn’t work out the way the studio intended. Season 2 of ‘Peacemaker’ left fans divided. ‘Lanterns’ has also received moderate criticisms for another grounded version of a superhero story, and you can bet DC Studios has heard them. The recent marketing and the new trailer have taken the supernatural and science-fiction elements to the forefront. At San Diego Comic Con’s Hall H, fans were given an exclusive preview of several scenes as well as the new trailer which is now available for public viewing.
Power behind the DC throne, James Gunn, wasn’t available but opened the panel with an introductory video. Showrunner Chris Mundy was joined by show creators Damon Lindelof and Tom King to discuss the series with cast members Aaron Pierre, Kyle Chandler, Garrett Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan with a surprise appearance by Nathan Fillion.
Pierre’s John Stewart and Chandler’s Hal Jordan have a remarkable chemistry. In the scenes shown to fans, we watch what may be Hal’s first “test” for John by driving him off a cliff, showing the life-or-death scenarios Stewart will be put through in order to “earn” the ring. We follow this up with a scene of Hal, Stewart and Kelly Macdonald (not present for the panel) as her character Sheriff Deputy Kerry, where the trio interrogate what appears to be a Manhunter. Hal eggs him on, saving the team by bubbling the Manhunter’s attempt at suicide bombing. Guy Gardner later visits John Stewart in prison. Poorna Jagannathan’s character Zoe interacts with John Stewart at a bar where Hal Jordan picks a fight with some rowdy bar goers. John and Hal are walked to their car by Dillahunt’s character Williams, who implies he knows John has also slept with his wife, Zoe. Hal gives John props for this. The final scene is Hal in a full Green Lantern attire visiting Sinestro in prison, before it abruptly cuts to a scene of Hal and John beating each other to a pulp as something begins to burn bright red behind them.
This might sound small scale but the imagination behind the characters and their worldview clearly isn’t. The grounded premise and interactions between characters is clearly ripe with potential and the cast is clearly locked in to the material and their scene partners. Kyle Chandler in particular spoke highly fo the character and experience, taking the event as seriously as he would a dream role. As a little bonus visual treat for fans, Aaron Pierre dressed to the nines wearing a jacket with the Green Lantern oath stitched to the back of it, and some awesome green sneakers showcasing the familiar emerald imagery.
If the reception to Lanterns is anything like these Comic Con attendees, DC Studios is sure to have another hit on their hands.