Josh Brolin says his attachment to Outer Range may have influenced his decision to turn down Hal Jordan in HBO’s Lanterns.
Kyle Chandler ultimately landed the role alongside Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart. However, Brolin’s explanation gives little indication that his decision involved the show’s controversial treatment of Green Lantern.
Instead, the actor expressed affection for the cast while reflecting on the disappointment surrounding his previous television series. His comments follow backlash against several aspects of Lanterns, including its interpretation of Hal. Even some of the show’s critics, however, praised Chandler’s performance while questioning the creative decisions surrounding his character.
Brolin Points to His Attachment to Outer Range
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter while promoting Whalefall, Brolin addressed why he passed on the DC Studios series.
“I don’t know, maybe it was too close [to Outer Range],” he said.
Josh Brolin in Outer Range – Prime Video, YouTube
READ: Taika Waititi Star Wars Movie Has Been Shelved — Another Kennedy Lucasfilm Project Off The Board
Brolin starred in that science fiction Western as a rancher confronting a mysterious phenomenon on his property. Its cancellation after two seasons remains a disappointment for the actor, who emphasized his affection for the series and its cast.
He pointed to the subsequent success of former colleagues Tom Pelphrey, Lewis Pullman, and Imogen Poots as evidence of the talent involved. Their accomplishments reinforced his belief that the canceled production had considerable potential.
Nevertheless, his explanation leaves room for interpretation. Brolin did not specify whether Lanterns felt too similar to Outer Range or simply arrived too soon after its cancellation.
When asked whether concern about another cancellation had discouraged him, he dismissed that suggestion.
“No, it was just one of those things,” he said.
Brolin also confirmed that he had seen Lanterns, expressing support for its actors and hoping the series was succeeding.
Kyle Chandler Ultimately Took the Role
News that Brolin had passed on Hal Jordan emerged in September 2024. The Hollywood Reporter first reported the decision, noting his previous superhero roles in Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Deadpool 2.
Lanterns paired an experienced Hal with newcomer John Stewart in a murder investigation, placing the intergalactic heroes within an Earthbound detective story.
Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in Lanterns – HBO, DC Studios
READ: Aslan Confirmed as Male in Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Movie Despite Meryl Streep Casting
Chandler subsequently took the part. The setup positioned Hal as the veteran partner opposite a younger hero beginning his journey.
Brolin’s latest remarks suggest no resentment about that outcome. Reflecting on roles that went to other performers, he acknowledged that different actors produce different results without claiming his version would have been better.
Backlash Focused on Hal Jordan’s Characterization
As That Park Place previously reported, criticism of Lanterns included its handling of Hal Jordan and the premiere’s apparent revelation of his death.
James Gunn defended the decision after a viewer accused the series of disrespecting the character. His response emphasized Hal’s substantial presence throughout the show and praised Chandler’s work.
However, the amount of screen time did not resolve the underlying complaint: whether this embittered interpretation preserved the qualities readers associated with Hal.
Green Lantern writer Grant Morrison made that distinction especially clear. Morrison praised Chandler’s acting while questioning whether the character resembled the Hal familiar from the comics.
Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in Lanterns – HBO, DC Studios
READ: Xbox Could Be Doubling Down on Physical Games
That response reflected a broader distinction within the backlash. Viewers could appreciate Chandler’s performance while objecting to the characterization and story he was given.
Brolin’s explanation adds context to a casting decision made long before those arguments erupted. His remarks do not establish that he anticipated or shared the criticism.
For dissatisfied fans, the central issue remains the creative direction. Casting Brolin instead of Chandler would not, by itself, have addressed their objections to what Lanterns did with Hal Jordan.
Why do you think Josh Brolin turned down the role of Hal Jordan in Lanterns? Sound off and let us know!
