The HBO Max funded drama series which was stuck in development since 2019 is now back in the green with executive producer Greg Berlanti. The show, which was formally focused on Guy Gardner and Alan Scott, had already cast its leads Finn Witrock and Jeremy Irvine as the two Green Lanterns. Now, all that has been thrown to the wind as the focus has now turned to the Lantern John Stewart, one of DC’s first black superheroes who also enjoys massive popularity in part due to Rich Fogel’s animation series.
Also in a surprising turn, writer and former showrunner Seth Grahame-Smith has relinquished control of the project and has taken his leave after writing eight episodes for the series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, sources claim that he left due to “regime changes” at HBO Max, the parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, producers Warner Bros. Television, and now DC Comics. It is also said that Green Lantern was stuck in development hell for so long as it was immensely expensive to produce, possibly costing about $120 million. To put this in perspective, the recently completed House of Dragon cost less than $200 million and was of course a lesser risk seeing as Game of Thrones was already a hit, and provided them with an established fan base.
Now, the show’s budget is expected to reduce significantly, as Warner Bros. is still downsizing and aiming for tax cuts. Many projects have been axed, including the Batgirl film. There is no timeline yet for the series but fans can expect it anytime from late 2023.
