J. Alphonse Nicholson and Jasmine Cephas Jones stand together indoors with concerned expressions, birthday decorations visible in the background, in a scene from Lanterns.

‘Lanterns’ Stars on Superheroes Surviving Systemic Racism

August 30, 2026 Nikita Francois

Lanterns is without a doubt, DC’s finest streaming series to date. With a detective-style plot, richly developed characters, and phenomenal acting by its cast, this series has demonstrated just how deep and powerful superhero storytelling can be. We spoke with J. Alphonse Nicholson (John Stewart Sr.) and Jasmine Cephas Jones (Bernadette) about bringing groundedness and realism to their characters in the latest episode, “OutKast.”

It became clear after the pilot that Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre were perfectly cast in their respective roles as Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Where Episodes 1 and 2 pulled us into their chaotic bromance within the world of rural Rushville and the potential aliens hiding in plain sight, “OutKast” (Episode 3) takes a few steps back, and the timing of this rewind is perfect. We now fully explore John’s backstory, while also seeing some of the most incredible acting performed by the entire cast.

J. Alphonse Nicholson, in a robe, sits hunched over a coffee table scattered with empty beer bottles, looking troubled in a dimly lit living room, in a scene from Lanterns.

Jasmine Cephas Jones, as Bernadette, holds a baby protectively at a kitchen table while facing a mysterious figure with their back turned, in a scene from Lanterns.

This episode gives us a deep dive into how John Stewart’s dad, John Senior, missed his opportunity to become a Green Lantern. The nuance within which that event occurred highlights a common theme many Black Americans have endured for decades. After experiencing a terrifying situation, how does one move in the world when all you’ve faced is fear compared to those who haven’t? When John Sr. and Bernadette realize that their son could be groomed to become a Green Lantern after his wife’s encounter with a Guardian, the episode opens up John Jr.’s world to tough love, questionable choices, harsh trainings, and sobering realizations that John Jr. must overcome to realize his full potential and become the man and superhero-in-training we see today.

Earlier this week, I had a chance to chat with the cast about filming Lanterns and the dualities of raising a son to be a superhero in a world where Black boys and men are expected to be anything but. Take a listen below:

The first three episodes of Lanterns are available to stream on HBO Max.