Aaron Pierre, Chris Coy Share Behind-the-Scenes Photo From ‘Lanterns’ Production

HBO’s ‘Lanterns‘ has spent the past several years quietly assembling one of the most star-studded ensembles in DC Studios’ current lineup, and now that the series has finally premiered, fresh behind-the-scenes glimpses from production are giving fans a look at the camaraderie built along the way.

The eight-episode series, which follows Green Lantern recruit John Stewart and veteran Hal Jordan as they investigate a murder in small-town America, officially premiered on HBO on August 16 after more than a year of casting reveals and set photos building anticipation. That anticipation has continued even after the show’s debut, with new candid images from filming still surfacing online.

The latest comes from a set photo showing Aaron Pierre and Chris Coy together on location for the series, offering fans a lighthearted, off-duty look at two actors who share screen time within the show’s sprawling ensemble. Pierre stars as John Stewart, the young Green Lantern recruit whose investigation forms the emotional backbone of the series, appearing in all nine of its episodes.

Coy, meanwhile, plays Waylon Sanders, a guest role described in official casting materials as either an intelligent survivor or a nervous truck driver, with the character’s real name and age left deliberately unknown. According to Deadline’s original casting report, Sanders is explicitly framed as someone “unbound by the laws of nature,” language that hints at a stranger, more otherworldly presence than his brief single-episode appearance might initially suggest.

Coy’s addition to ‘Lanterns’ fits within a broader pattern for the show, which leaned heavily on performers known for grounded, character-driven television rather than typical superhero casting choices. His own résumé includes standout roles in HBO’s ‘The Deuce’ and ‘Treme,’ along with a recurring part in ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves,’ credits that align closely with the detective-drama sensibility showrunner Chris Mundy has emphasized throughout the series’ development.

Speaking about joining the project, Coy expressed genuine enthusiasm for the character’s ambiguity. “I’m thrilled to bring this character to life and explore the complexities of a person who is not bound by the laws of nature,” Coy told Deadline at the time of his casting.

Pierre’s John Stewart anchors the series alongside Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan, with the two intergalactic cops investigating a mystery that pulls them deep into the fabric of small-town America. The show’s broader ensemble includes Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro, rounding out a cast built to support the series’ slower, more atmospheric storytelling approach.

That approach appears to be paying off critically. ‘Lanterns’ has quickly climbed to become the highest-rated project in DC Studios’ current cinematic universe on Rotten Tomatoes, drawing comparisons to prestige dramas like ‘True Detective’ for its restrained, mystery-driven tone.

Given how much attention the show has generated since its premiere, candid moments like this latest photo of Pierre and Coy continue to offer fans a window into the collaborative energy behind one of DC’s most unconventional recent projects. With new episodes continuing to roll out weekly, more behind-the-scenes glimpses from the cast are likely to keep surfacing as fans dig deeper into the show’s mysteries.

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