Lanterns Introduces Female Lead to Expanding Cast

Essential Highlights from HBO Max’s Lanterns

Kelly McDonald stars as Sheriff Kerry, the leading female role in HBO Max’s Lanterns.
Renowned for her portrayal of intricate characters, McDonald promises to bring depth to her role.
There are hints that Sheriff Kerry may develop a romantic connection with Hal Jordan.

As excitement builds for James Gunn’s new chapter in the DC universe, the upcoming series Lanterns is making headlines with its swift progress in casting. The series has secured its two central characters, along with a Green Lantern who will make guest appearances, while now adding its female lead.

Gunn’s latest casting choice reveals a seasoned actress in Kelly McDonald, who has a rich history of performing complex characters. This announcement is particularly intriguing, given that many cast members of Lanterns are new to the superhero genre.

Lanterns Welcomes its Chief Law Officer

According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, Kelly McDonald is officially set to portray Sheriff Kerry. The character is described as a “no-nonsense woman deeply committed to her family and community.” Her backstory, marked by resilience and a complex past, positions her as a compelling anchor in a narrative that seeks to unveil the secrets lurking within the town. Moreover, speculation suggests that Sheriff Kerry may serve as a romantic interest for Hal Jordan, portrayed by Kyle Chandler—a relationship that could initially be shrouded in mystery as she remains unaware of his Green Lantern identity.

Kelly McDonald has gained recognition for her role as Nucky Thompson’s wife (and ex-wife) in HBO’s critically acclaimed series Boardwalk Empire. Recently, she showcased her talent in a notable episode of Netflix’s Black Mirror titled “Hated in the Nation,”where she played a London detective at the center of a murder investigation involving remote-controlled bees—a role that could provide inspiration for her performance as Sheriff Kerry.

Joining McDonald and Chandler in the cast are Aaron Pierre, who steps into the role of John Stewart, and Nathan Fillion, portraying Guy Gardner. Notably, Fillion will also showcase his Green Lantern abilities in the upcoming film Superman: Legacy, which hits theaters next summer.

Featuring a gritty, noir-like atmosphere akin to True Detective, Lanterns follows veteran Hal Jordan, a legendary figure within the Green Lantern Corps, as he mentors the ambitious John Stewart. As these intergalactic officers tackle a chilling murder mystery set in America’s heartland, the narrative promises to blend detective drama with superhero elements. The specifics about Fillion’s role as Guy Gardner—whether it will be a recurring appearance or a one-off cameo—remain undisclosed. While Lanterns does not yet have an official release date, it is anticipated to premiere on HBO Max in 2025.

For more on this topic, check out the original article from The Hollywood Reporter.

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