Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre reflect on the 'Lanterns' finale: Emotional goodbyes and the power of the Ring

The debut season of HBO's highly anticipated series 'Lanterns' has reached its gripping conclusion, leaving audiences with profound questions answered and a new era for the Green Lantern Corps firmly established. Following the final episode, stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre sat down with The Ringer's Mallory Rubin for an exclusive panel to discuss the emotional weight of the show’s ending and the transformative experience of bringing this iconic DC story to the screen.

A Bittersweet Farewell

For the cast, filming the series concluded well over a year ago, yet the emotional impact of the final scenes remains fresh. Chandler, known for his ability to ground intense drama, revealed that even he struggled to keep his composure after watching the final episode. 'Something that really struck me is the last scene with Aaron and I in the show,' Chandler remarked. 'It struck me this morning, having to say goodbye. I had to gently wipe away a tear.'

Stepping Into the Mantle

For Aaron Pierre, taking on the role of John Stewart has been a transformative, career-defining moment. He described the opportunity as a 'gift' and reiterated his lifelong ambition to portray the legendary hero. Pierre emphasized that the series was designed to spark critical, necessary conversations across various social perspectives, adding that he has been moved by the genuine, diverse feedback from viewers who have shared how the show resonated with their own life experiences.

Living Outside the 'Terminally Online' Noise

While the internet has buzzed with polarizing reactions to the series, both Chandler and Pierre remain largely sheltered from the digital discourse. Chandler confirmed that he does not participate in social media, noting that he remains blissfully unaware of the online debates. 'I haven’t heard anything bad,' he stated. 'I don’t know what’s out there.' Instead, both actors have focused on the tangible, positive interactions they’ve had with fans in the real world.

If They Held the Ring

In a lighthearted final moment, the duo was asked what they would do if they wielded a Green Lantern power ring for 24 hours. Chandler shared a unique, altruistic vision: he would create a construct that allows those who consistently choose to act against the common good to simply 'fade away in a transparency.' However, he quickly added a humorous caveat, insisting that these individuals should still be able to watch HBO to catch up on the rest of 'Lanterns'.

As 'Lanterns' wraps up its first chapter, the legacy of the performances by Chandler and Pierre ensures that the Green Lantern mythos remains a vital part of the DC Universe for years to come.