In the premiere of HBO’s Lanterns, the character Hal Jordan is shown dead after being shot. Showrunner Chris Mundy said the decision to kill the character was made to create a meaningful and emotional mystery for John Stewart. He said the choice was difficult because it impacted both the narrative and Hal’s legacy. Mundy, who co‑created the series with Damon Lindelof and Tom King, said they obtained approval from DC executives and faced no significant production constraints. The series will move between several time periods, and the death will remain a central element. The team said they wanted the story to be accessible to viewers unfamiliar with the DC universe while also appealing to fans. The interview was edited for length and clarity.