Josh Brolin has finally broken his silence on one of the most talked-about roles he passed on in recent years: Hal Jordan in Lanterns, the HBO series set in the new DC Universe. The actor, known worldwide for bringing Thanos to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was one of the names considered to lead the production before the role ultimately went to Kyle Chandler.
The confession comes at a time when Lanterns is now available in its entirety on HBO Max and has generated a notable response from critics and audiences, which has rekindled interest in knowing what really happened with the search for the lead and why an actor of Brolin's stature decided to step away from the project.
An interview that uncovers the real reason
Josh Brolin's statements were made during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter granted to promote Whalefall. In it, the actor also addressed the cancellation of Outer Range, the science fiction and mystery series in which he played Royal Abbott, an experience he described as especially painful.
When asked if the fear of another abrupt cancellation influenced his decision to reject Lanterns, Brolin was blunt in dismissing that idea. As he explained, his philosophy regarding roles he does not accept is not to look back or compare himself with those who ultimately play them.
The actor cited his experience with Birdman as an example, where the role ended up in the hands of Edward Norton. Brolin acknowledged deeply admiring that work, but insisted that this does not mean his own performance would have achieved the same result had he accepted the character.
He also recalled another similar case in his career, that of Milk, a project that Matt Damon was initially going to star in. A delay in filming forced Damon to commit to another job, which opened the door for Brolin to take the role and offer his own version of the character.
The real reason: the similarity to Outer Range
Beyond his general philosophy on rejected roles, Brolin was specific regarding Lanterns. As he explained, the HBO series felt too similar, in tone and structure, to Outer Range, the canceled production that he still remembers with special affection.
The actor praised the subsequent work of his former co-stars in Outer Range, such as Tom Pelphrey, Lewis Pullman, and Imogen Poots, and defined the success of those actors after the cancellation as a kind of vindication against those who decided not to continue with the series.
This explanation clarifies that Brolin's decision had nothing to do with doubts about DC Studios, the character of Hal Jordan, or his future co-stars, but rather with the desire not to repeat creative ground he had already explored recently. Outer Range combined science fiction, mystery, and contemporary western elements, a mix that is also present in the premise of Lanterns, which focuses on a criminal investigation on American soil starring two intergalactic police officers.
Kyle Chandler takes over as Hal Jordan
The role that Brolin ultimately turned down went to Kyle Chandler, whose portrayal of Hal Jordan has been positively received even by audiences who had initial reservations about the show's approach.
In Lanterns, Chandler shares the lead with Aaron Pierre, who plays John Stewart, another of the most recognizable Green Lanterns from DC Comics. Together, they bring to life two intergalactic police officers tasked with solving a mysterious murder, in a plot that combines superhero elements with a dark criminal investigation atmosphere.
The cast is rounded out by Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Nicole Ari Parker, Jason Ritter, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Jasmine Cephas Jones.
The fate of Hal Jordan in the DCU
The character's trajectory within the new DCU has generated debate among fans, particularly regarding the decisions made about his narrative future. Although there is speculation about a possible return of the character in future installments, James Gunn has reiterated on several occasions that death within this universe must have real consequences.
With Lanterns now available in full on HBO Max, Josh Brolin is at peace with the decision he made. After embodying one of the most feared villains in superhero cinema in Marvel, the actor had the opportunity to switch to the side of the heroes in DC, but preferred to decline the offer. The affection he still holds for Outer Range suggests that, for him, the unfinished business remains that of the series that was canceled before its time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Josh Brolin reject the role of Hal Jordan in Lanterns?
As the actor himself explained, the decision was not related to the character or DC Studios, but rather that the series felt too similar in tone to Outer Range, another production he had recently participated in.
Who ultimately plays Hal Jordan in Lanterns?
The role of Hal Jordan in Lanterns is played by Kyle Chandler, whose performance has received praise from critics and audiences.
What is the relationship between Outer Range and Brolin’s decision?
Josh Brolin played Royal Abbott in Outer Range, a canceled series that combined science fiction, mystery, and contemporary western. The actor felt that Lanterns shared a very similar narrative structure.
Who plays John Stewart in Lanterns?
John Stewart, another of the lead Green Lanterns in the series, is played by Aaron Pierre.
What is the series Lanterns about?
Lanterns follows two intergalactic police officers, Hal Jordan and John Stewart, as they investigate a mysterious murder on American soil, combining superhero elements with a dark criminal plot.
Where can you watch Lanterns?
The series is available in its entirety on HBO Max.
