Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre Reflect on 'Lanterns' Finale: 'I Had to Gently Wipe Away a Tear'

The debut season of the highly anticipated DC series 'Lanterns' has officially concluded, delivering a series of dramatic revelations that have left viewers buzzing. The season finale provided long-awaited answers regarding the death of Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, and finally saw Aaron Pierre’s character fully embrace his destiny by donning the Green Lantern ring and uttering the iconic oath as Earth's new protector.

A Bittersweet Conclusion

In an exclusive HBO panel discussion moderated by The Ringer's Mallory Rubin, co-stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre shared their personal reactions to the show's emotional climax. Despite having finished production nearly 18 months ago, the actors admitted that watching the finished product was a deeply moving experience.

Chandler, reflecting on his character's arc, shared a vulnerable moment: "Something that really struck me is the last scene with Aaron and I in the show—it struck me this morning, having to say goodbye. I had to gently wipe away a tear," he confessed, jokingly adding that he had to hide his emotional reaction from his wife.

Living the Dream

For Aaron Pierre, stepping into the role of John Stewart has been more than just a job; it has been a career-defining milestone. "To call this opportunity to play John Stewart a gift would be a massive understatement," Pierre noted. "If I could choose to play any superhero, it would be John Stewart."

Unfazed by the Noise

While some online discourse surrounding the show has been polarized, both actors remain remarkably detached from internet criticism. Chandler revealed he does not use social media, focusing instead on the positive, face-to-face interactions he has had with fans. "I haven't heard anything bad. I don't know what's out there," he said. Pierre corroborated this, noting that people from all walks of life have shared how the show's exploration of identity and its masterfully crafted narratives have deeply moved them.

The Power of the Ring

When prompted to consider what they would do if they possessed a real Green Lantern ring for 24 hours, the stars offered very different perspectives. Chandler, drawing inspiration from 'The Twilight Zone,' suggested he would use the ring to create a construct that would render those with malicious intent transparent, effectively forcing them to face the consequences of their actions—though he insisted they should still have access to HBO to catch up on the show.