Tom King brings CIA experience to HBO’s ‘Lanterns’ series
8 reported
Comic book writer Tom King, a former CIA counterterrorism officer, is co-creating the HBO series "Lanterns," which reimagines Green Lanterns as gritty earthbound detectives. The show stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as his protégé, investigating a murder in rural Nebraska with extraterrestrial connections. King worked at the CIA from just after 9/11 to 2009, an experience he says informs the spy craft and detective knowledge in his writing. He left the CIA after his mother sent him a care package of new-age comics while he was stationed in Baghdad, inspiring him to return to writing. King previously wrote "The Vision," which inspired Marvel's "WandaVision," and "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow," which became the basis for the 2026 film "Supergirl." He is part of the DC brain trust assembled by James Gunn and Peter Safran, where he pitched "Lanterns" as a grounded murder mystery. The series is set to debut at San Diego Comic-Con.
What’s reported
Tom King worked as a CIA counterterrorism officer from just after 9/11 to 2009.
King co-created HBO's "Lanterns" with Damon Lindelof and Chris Mundy.
The show stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as his protégé.
"Lanterns" is described as a gritty earthbound detective story set in rural Nebraska.
King's comic "The Vision" inspired Marvel's "WandaVision."
His comic "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" was adapted into the 2026 film "Supergirl."
King was recruited by James Gunn and Peter Safran in 2022 for the DC brain trust.
King won two Eisner Awards for his comic "Mister Miracle."
Misconceptions
The article addresses rumors that King started the Iraq War. King states, "I didn't start the Iraq War. I was 23 years old."
Key figures
Tom King: comic book writer and former CIA counterterrorism officer
Kyle Chandler: actor playing Hal Jordan in "Lanterns"
Aaron Pierre: actor playing Hal Jordan's protégé in "Lanterns"
Damon Lindelof: co-creator of "Lanterns"
Chris Mundy: co-creator of "Lanterns"
James Gunn: filmmaker and co-head of DC Studios
Peter Safran: co-head of DC Studios
Sources: Variety
