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NEW YORK – Garret Dillahunt, known for his roles in “Deadwood” and “Fear the Walking Dead,” expressed his excitement about portraying cowboy William Macon in the new sci-fi series “Lanterns.” The actor was particularly enthusiastic about reuniting with Kelly Macdonald, his former co-star from “No Country for Old Men,” who plays the no-nonsense sheriff Kerry in the show.
In a recent Zoom interview, Dillahunt, 61, shared that Macdonald’s character is a refreshing departure from typical roles. “She’s done something completely different with this character,” he said, praising her unique and engaging portrayal. Macdonald’s character is married to Jason Ritter’s character, Billy, who in the series is the sheriff’s husband-and in real life, Ritter is a longtime friend of Dillahunt’s.
“Lanterns,” premiering Sunday on HBO, is a comic book adaptation featuring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Green Lantern intergalactic cops Hal Jordan and John Stewart. They investigate unusual occurrences in a small American town, where Macdonald’s sheriff character and Ritter’s Billy play key roles.
Discussing his own character William Macon, Dillahunt described the dynamic with the Lanterns as “adversarial, at least in energy.” He emphasized that Macon believes he is acting in humanity’s best interest, making him more than just a straightforward villain.
Dillahunt also highlighted his on-set camaraderie with Ritter, with whom he has previously performed off-Broadway. He commended the professionalism and leadership of co-stars Chandler and Pierre, noting that both actors brought a positive and respectful energy to the production.
Chandler, known for his work on “Friday Night Lights” and “Mayor of Kingstown,” impressed Dillahunt with his preparation and genuine kindness. Aaron Pierre, who has appeared in acclaimed dramas like “Genius” and “The Underground Railroad,” was described as “super-present and attentive,” contributing to what Dillahunt called “one of the nicest bunch of people I’ve ever worked with.”
The series skillfully blends elements of fantasy, detective work, and western genres, staying true to the comic’s format of presenting a mystery to solve each episode. Dillahunt, a longtime comic book enthusiast, expressed personal joy in joining the Green Lantern universe, recalling his childhood passion for the comics.
At last month’s San Diego Comic-Con, Dillahunt and Chandler amused fans by wearing “Star Wars” Stormtrooper helmets while promoting the show. Dillahunt humorously noted on social media that while he might have been fine without the mask, Chandler insisted it kept them safe amid the crowds.
“Lanterns” offers a fresh take on superhero storytelling with strong performances and an engaging blend of genres, making it a notable addition to HBO’s lineup this season.