Actor Danielle Brooks says she had no part in her co-star J. Alphonse Nicholson getting his role in the upcoming HBO and DC series Lanterns. The two actors, who recently worked together on the independent film If I Go Will They Miss Me, discussed the new superhero project at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Brooks was quick to clarify that Nicholson earned the part on his own merit, without any help from her. The pair shared insights about balancing work on big-budget studio projects and smaller, personal films during an interview at the festival.
The Casting Question Answered at Sundance
The topic came up during a conversation at the Sundance Film Festival, where Brooks and Nicholson were promoting their new movie. When asked if she played any role in Nicholson joining the Lanterns cast, Brooks gave a direct and supportive response.
โNo. Heck no. Brotherโs so talented. He didnโt need me on that one. But we did talk about it because he already knew that he was going to be doing it. Even his facial hair, he was struggling with that because he had to have it a certain way for his character in that, but nah, that was him! That was him,โ Brooks said.
Her comments highlight Nicholson’s own talent in securing the part. Brooks is known for her role as Leota Adebayo in the DC series Peacemaker, but she has not been confirmed for a role in Lanterns. The moment provided a lighthearted look at how actors navigate the logistics, like specific grooming requirements, when moving between different projects.
Nicholson’s Experience Joining a Major DCU Series
For his part, J. Alphonse Nicholson shared his thoughts on preparing for a large-scale production like Lanterns. He compared the experience of working on an HBO-level series to the independent film he was presenting at Sundance.
Nicholson spoke about the valuable experience of working with James Gunn and adjusting to the different scale of production. He emphasized that while the budgets are different, the commitment to the work remains the same.
The actor also expressed his excitement for audiences to see both Lanterns and their Sundance film, If I Go Will They Miss Me. His casting in Lanterns was officially confirmed in late 2025, with the series described as a grounded detective story set within the DC Universe.
About Their Film ‘If I Go Will They Miss Me’
The reason Brooks and Nicholson were together at Sundance was for the premiere of their film, If I Go Will They Miss Me. The movie is a family drama that blends social realism with elements of magical realism.
The story is set in the Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles and follows a twelve-year-old boy named Lil Ant. He begins to see ghostly visions of other boys in his community while trying to connect with his father, Big Ant, who has recently been released from prison.
In the film, Danielle Brooks plays Lozita, the boy’s mother, and J. Alphonse Nicholson plays his father, Big Ant. The film is the feature-length directorial debut of Walter Thompson-Hernรกndez, adapted from his own award-winning short film. The project explores themes of family, legacy, and the invisible bonds between parents and children.
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What We Know About the ‘Lanterns’ Series
Lanterns is one of the first major television series in the new DC Universe being spearheaded by James Gunn and Peter Safran. It is planned as an HBO original series and has been described as a cosmic detective story, drawing comparisons to shows like True Detective but within a superhero context.
The series will feature Hal Jordan and John Stewart, two of the most famous Green Lanterns from the comics. Nathan Fillion is set to play Guy Gardner, another well-known Lantern. The show is being developed by Chris Mundy and Damon Lindelof, with James Hawes directing.
The series is scheduled to begin filming in 2026. The inclusion of J. Alphonse Nicholson in this high-profile project marks a significant step in the actor’s career, moving from notable stage and independent film work to a major studio franchise.
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