Josh Brolin Explains Lanterns Exit After DCU Show’s Record-Breaking Success

Published Oct 16, 2026, 4:16 PM EDT Jennifer is a TV and Movie News Editor at ScreenRant. She started her journey in entertainment media in 2022 when she first joined Valnet at CBR before coming to ScreenRant. Jennifer loves TV, especially science fiction. She also loves late-night talk shows, due to her insomnia. Alien: Earth is definitely one of her favorite shows, and she jumps on any chance she gets to write about it. Even on her days off, she will claim an Alien Earth article if one is available. Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon are two of her favorite late-night hosts, and Conan O'Brien before he left his show. Her Alien: Earth coverage for ScreenRant is by far the work that she is most proud of so far. She was initially a finance and political editor, but her passion for pop culture convinced her to transition into entertainment journalism. During her off time, she loves to binge-watch cooking shows such as Kitchen Nightmares. Jennifer also loves spending time with her daughter and cherishes every moment of it. Josh Brolin finally addresses why things didn't work out with the hit HBO comic book adaptation, Lanterns, Brolin was originally offered the role of Hal Jordan, one of DC Comics' most recognizable Green Lanterns, before Kyle Chandler was officially cast. Lanterns would have been the third superhero franchise for the actor if he accepted the part. Brolin previously portrayed Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Cable in Deadpool 2. However, he declined the opportunity in 2024, making way for Chandler. Brolin has opened up about his decision to turn down a major role in DC Studios' Lanterns, explaining that his previous work on Outer Range may have influenced his choice. Despite the HBO superhero series becoming a record-breaking success, the actor has no regrets about passing on the opportunity and is very impressed with the cast members who brought the project to life. Brolin further elaborated, stating that Outer Range was a little bit too much like Lanterns and that may have convinced him to turn down the role of one of the most iconic Green Lanterns. Both series combine science fiction mysteries with a Western-esque setting, potentially making the DC project feel too similar. However, Brolin did not explicitly state that this was the main reason why he didn't take the part. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Brolin explained that he does not usually dwell on projects he doesn't pursue, even when they become successful. Instead of asking himself what if? Or imagining how a film or TV series might have turned out with him involved, he appreciates the work of the actors who actually took part in those projects. He also applied that outlook to Lanterns, which premiered on HBO and HBO Max on August 16, 2026. Brolin expressed his enthusiasm for the show's cast and said he had enjoyed the series. Although he did not offer a definitive explanation for rejecting the role, he implied that the project may have resembled Outer Range too much and could have prevented him from doing something completely different. No, it was just one of those things. Lanterns, I love those actors, and I’ve seen it. I hope that it’s killing it. If I decide not to do something, I never really think, Oh, had I done it, it could have been better. Birdman was that way when I saw what Edward Norton did with it. I was like, That’s excellent. It’s not necessarily what would’ve transpired had I done it, but there’s no comparison. Matt Damon was supposed to do Milk before me, and because it pushed, he had to go do something else that he was required to do. So I went in there and did my version of that. But Lanterns, I don’t know, maybe it was too close [to Outer Range]. Brolin isn't wrong about the two being similar, especially when it comes to the creative direction of Lanterns. Rather than following the traditional format for a superhero adaptation with explosive elements, the HBO series combines science fiction with a more grounded mystery. Its story follows Green Lanterns Hal and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a murder on Earth. Green Lantern began as a comic book franchise revolving around the superheroes who have held the Green Lantern mantle. It all began with Alan Scott, who made his debut in All-American Comics #16 in 1940 before receiving his own comic book series in 1941. That original run lasted 38 issues before ending in 1949. The character was later reinvented during the Silver Age of Comics with the introduction of Hal Jordan. All eight episodes of Lanterns season 1 can now be streamed on HBO Max. Release Date August 16, 2026 Network HBO Showrunner Chris Mundy Cast Aaron Pierre John Stewart Directors Alik Sakharov, James Hawes, Stephen Williams, Geeta Patel Writers Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, Tom King, Vanessa Baden Kelly, Justin Britt-Gibson, Breannah Gibson Franchise(s) DC Universe Creator(s) Tom King, Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof