Kyle Chandler on Lanterns Finale: Hal and Halogram Were 'Never Fully Separated'

The season one finale of HBO's Lanterns delivered a poignant conclusion for the relationship between John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre, and Halogram, the digital recreation of Hal Jordan embodied by Kyle Chandler. While Halogram exists as a version of Hal Jordan from two decades prior, Chandler explained that the distinction between the original and the echo was far less defined than it might appear.

"Hal and Halogram were never fully separated; he [Halogram] is his [Hal’s] subconscious," Chandler stated at a recent press conference attended by Reactor Mag. This perspective sheds new light on Halogram’s journey throughout the season, particularly his evolving dynamic with John Stewart. Chandler sees Halogram’s experiences with John as integral to his own understanding, allowing him to finally process aspects of his past that the original Hal Jordan could not.

The Mind of Hal Jordan

Chandler elaborated on his approach to the season’s final scene, emphasizing the continuous nature of Hal’s consciousness. "At that point, I think it’s Hal as a young man going through all those experiences and then finally learning in the end what it’s all about," he said. He highlighted how Halogram, through his interactions with John Stewart, gained a unique capacity for emotional expression and self-discovery that was previously inaccessible to him. "He could never pluck that string as Hal in the show, but as Halogram, he learned with Hal and he could pluck the string." The actor also praised the writing for Halogram’s final moments, calling the trick that led John to say "I love you" "just brilliant."

A Father-Son Echo

The deep connection forged between John Stewart and Halogram in the latter half of the season has resonated with viewers, drawing parallels to a father-son dynamic. Chandler's insight that Halogram is essentially Hal’s subconscious provides a compelling explanation for this perceived bond. It suggests that John wasn't just interacting with a digital archive of memories, but with a part of Hal's very being, grappling with unresolved emotions and experiences. This layered understanding of the character’s portrayal deepens the emotional impact of their final scenes together, offering a sophisticated exploration of identity and legacy within the superhero genre.

What's Next

Details regarding the second season of Lanterns have not yet been announced, but Kyle Chandler's reflections offer a rich foundation for future narrative explorations of the Lanterns mythology and the complex psyche of Hal Jordan.