With the release of the new DC TV series Lanterns looming, fans are eagerly anticipating another take on the mythology surrounding the superheroes who can create contracts with their powers. The new show is set to premiere on HBO Max in early 2026 and is the first project under the guidance of new DC Studios co-presidents James Gunn and Peter Safran. The show has been described as a True Detective-style murder mystery, focusing on two members of the Green Lantern Corps.
The show will be centered on Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart, who will be “drawn into a dark Earth-based mystery that forces them to confront their greatest fears.” The two intergalactic lawmen will also have to deal with an ancient threat that could impact all of reality, according to the series’ logline. The eight-episode drama is being directed by Ozark’s Chris Mundy and penned by Tom King (Creature Commandos, The Leftovers) with Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, Lost) executive producing.
Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, who starred in the 2011 Green Lantern movie, will not be making a return for the new series. Instead, it’s been reported that the show will be a two-hander, with both Chandler and Pierre reprising their roles. This decision is sure to irk some fans, but the idea of both Lanterns being featured sounds intriguing.
While the two lead characters are expected to be the primary focus of Lanterns, there is a supporting cast in place as well. Kelly Macdonald will play a sheriff in a small town rocked by a murder, while Garrett Dillahunt will portray the bad guy. Other cast members include Jason Ritter, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Jason O’Mara, and more.
Production for the upcoming show has already wrapped, though a premiere date is yet to be announced. The show will air on HBO Max, which is part of the network’s new streaming service.
There are a few snags, however. It’s currently being reported that the show won’t be ready to launch until at least the end of 2025, based on the fact that HBO already has its hands full with projects like Euphoria Season 3 and Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. It’s possible the network will delay the release of the series until after Supergirl’s reshoots are finished.
The series is being developed by the team behind the recent DC animated movies, and it’s also being produced in partnership with Warner Bros. Television. As such, the production company has a lot of weight to carry when it comes to creating an entertaining and successful series. Hopefully, the team’s experience with the franchise will allow them to craft something that’s worthy of the Green Lantern name. For more on the new DC series, be sure to check out our latest news updates, including some major casting announcements and a possible big surprise for one of the show’s villains. You can also read our breakdown of the key players who will appear in Lanterns.