Ryan Reynolds’ “Lanterns” Scores 2.2/5 – Is HBO Series Worth Watching First?

A Challenging Universe to Adapt

Rated 2.2 out of 5 by AlloCiné users, the first adaptation of Green Lantern, released in 2011, did not leave a lasting impression on the general public. Even Ryan Reynolds, who played the lead role, openly criticized the film. For a long time, it seemed that this would spell the end for the Green Lantern universe on screen. However, in Hollywood, nothing stays dead for long…

A decade later, director James Gunn took charge of the DC universe adaptations and announced a complete reboot, a typical Hollywood move. This included a new Superman movie where Gunn introduced a Green Lantern, setting the stage for a fresh series: Lanterns.

What is the “Lanterns” Series About?

The Green Lanterns are intergalactic peacekeepers who wield rings granting them extraordinary powers. The story begins with Hal Jordan, an experienced Green Lantern, teaming up with a new recruit, John Stewart, to investigate a mysterious murder in Nebraska. Their journey leads them to uncover a cosmic conspiracy with far more dire consequences than they could have ever imagined.

Do You Need to Watch the Movie to Understand the Series?

In a word: no. With James Gunn at the helm of DC Comics adaptations, all previous adaptations are considered non-canonical, meaning they don’t impact this new universe. You can start fresh! However, you might still want to form your own opinion on the 2011 Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds, which is still available on HBO Max.

A new episode of the series Lanterns will be available every Monday on HBO Max starting August 17.