Kyle Chandler discusses Hal Jordan’s grouchy personality and ‘Lanterns’ premiere ending

Kyle Chandler explains his attraction to Hal Jordan’s grouchy nature and surprise ending of ‘Lanterns’ premiere

Kyle Chandler has discussed his role as Hal Jordan in DC’s Lanterns, including the character’s grouchy personality and the surprise ending of the series premiere.

The first episode concludes with a 10-year time jump, showing Jordan sitting alone in the snowy stands of a rural high school football field. The veteran Green Lantern is dead, while his power ring is nowhere to be seen.

“That might have been another reason why I said, ‘I want to do this,’” Chandler said of the ending. “That sets into the tone of the show.”

Chandler said he was attracted to the writing and the opportunity to portray a character with an irritable side. “I loved the fact that there was humor, and self-deprecating humor and a grouchy character,” he said. “I could see myself in this role. … Did I know anything about Green Lantern? I did not.”

Lanterns follows Jordan as he trains new recruit John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre. Jordan is a former military test pilot who has become accustomed to working independently, making Stewart’s arrival an unwelcome development.

“I love the old grouchy characters,” Chandler said. “They always try to do bad but it always falls on top of them. Then, when they do good, it’s heartwarming. You get to play all these different colors inside of these guys.”

Chandler described Jordan as a “talker” and “bulls—er” who’s “got far more on his mind than what he’s talking about.” He also said Jordan is dealing with concerns about his career, power and mortality.

The actor praised his working relationship with Pierre, while Pierre said the pair developed a genuine friendship during production.

The premiere’s final sequence was also emotional for Pierre, who described filming the scene showing Stewart discovering Jordan’s death.

The series, created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and Tom King, has seven remaining episodes in its first season.