Lanterns Gets John Stewart Wrong in DC TV Show

When a new television series steps into the spotlight, the promise is often that it will honor the history of beloved characters. With the arrival of the HBO Max series Lanterns, fans hoped for a deep dive into the world of John Stewart. However, as the narrative unfolds, questions arise about how effectively the show captures the essence of this DC Comics mainstay.

The initial episode touches upon John Stewart’s history in the DCU, confirming some loose connections with the history of the Green Lantern comics. But where the show truly falters is in capturing the soul and personality that made John Stewart so compelling in the comics.

The foundation of the character’s history is rich with dramatic potential. In the established lore, Hal Jordan, the original Green Lantern, was the first Earthling chosen to wear the Power Ring in 1986. Thirty years later, he trained John Stewart Jr. (Aaron Pierre) to become his successor. A classic mentorship pairing, right?

Yet, the development of the relationship between Hal and John Stewart Jr. reveals a shift in dynamic. While training took place, there were moments of tension, particularly when John Stewart Jr. was not allowed to wear the ring, leading to a cautious progression.

This tension is further amplified by the elder John Stewart. The narrative hints at a deeply concerning parental dynamic, suggesting that the older Stewart was actively grooming his son. Whispers of fear and manipulation surface, implying that the father may have used harsh methods to instill a sense of obedience, a dynamic that stands in stark contrast to the expectations of a typical family history.

Some versions of John Stewart’s life in the comics are a patchwork of adjustments—differing accounts of family structure, military service, and personal background. Whether he was an only child, raised by a single mother, or involved in specific military paths, the comic history often shifts details.

Ultimately, these historical discrepancies might seem minor, but they highlight a larger point about adaptation. Regardless of the specific backstory, the core of John Stewart has always been defined by integrity. He is portrayed as a man who walks his own path, speaks truth to power, and seeks atonement for his mistakes, even if those mistakes involved youthful joyrides.

The challenge for the series lies in translating this deep-seated character into action. The portrayal of John Stewart in Lanterns tends to position him as a passive figure, one who simply follows directions to avoid conflict. This contrasts sharply with the proactive, often chaotic energy of characters like Hal Jordan, and significantly distances the adaptation from the grounded, complex man we know from the comics.

It is this shift—from a driven, moral force to a more yielding character—that leaves some viewers feeling that the spirit of John Stewart has been inadvertently lost in the transition to screen.