Line of Duty favourite Kelly MacDonald lands next role in iconic superhero series

Line of Duty's Kelly MacDonald is set to join the cast of an eagerly awaited chapter in the upcoming DC Universe. The superhero franchise is undergoing a revamp, starting with James Gunn's Superman blockbuster next year, and a host of future films and TV series have already been announced.

HBO and DC Studios are currently working on the much-anticipated small-screen instalment Lanterns, which focuses on the comic book franchise's iconic Green Lantern Corps. Kyle Chandler will star as Hal Jordan, who was first portrayed in live-action by in the 2011 box office disappointment, alongside Aaron Pierre as another member of the intergalactic police force, John Stewart.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Trainspotting's MacDonald has joined the cast as a character named Sheriff Kerry. An official description portrays her character as "a no-nonsense woman deeply devoted to her family and close-knit town.

"Her resilience, shaped by a complex past that's hardened her resolve, anchors her when the community's secrets begin to surface."

MacDonald has delivered outstanding performances in everything from TV hits like BBC's Line of Duty and Giri/Haji to film favourites like No Country for Old Men and Disney Pixar's Brave, reports .

She most recently starred alongside British actor Damian Lewis in Sky's vampire comedy film The Radleys.

The forthcoming TV spectacle has been likened to True Detective, tracing the journey of Lantern legend Jordan and newcomer Stewart as they delve into a chilling murder on Earth. Their quest for truth will lead them deep into the heart of America, while also unveiling another cherished segment of the DC Universe to an entirely new audience.

The show, Lanterns, boasts significant TV lineage behind the scenes. Chris Mundy of Ozark and Damon Lindelof, known for Lost, are penning the series, with award-winning comic book writer Tom King also contributing his expertise.

Director James Hawes, who has directed episodes of and Slow Horses, as well as the highly praised Anthony Hopkins-led biopic One Life, will be directing the first two episodes and is also an executive producer. Alongside Lanterns, the DC Universe will continue to grow with films like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, The Authority and The Brave and the Bold, a fresh take on Batman.

The franchise will officially kick off on TV with Max's upcoming Creature Commandos, followed by a second season of Peacemaker and a spin-off series featuring Suicide Squad leader Amanda Waller (Viola Davis).

Lanterns is expected to premiere in 2026 on HBO and Max.