Wednesday, March 04, 2026

Lanterns Trailer Reaction - The Green Lantern arrives in the DCU in the latest prestige HBO Max show

 

Lanterns (HBO) - Trailer Reaction

"In Brightest Day, In Blackest Night..."

DCU ALERT: Lanterns  - Coming August 16, 2026

Lanterns

An HBO Original Series

Official Synopsis

Intergalactic cops Hal Jordan and John Stewart are drawn into a dark, Earth-based mystery as they investigate a gruesome murder in the American heartland. This detective-heavy story serves as a foundational piece of James Gunn's new DC Universe.




Expanded Ensemble

  • Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan / Green Lantern
  • Aaron Pierre as John Stewart / Green Lantern
  • Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner / Green Lantern
  • Ulrich Thomsen as Thaal Sinestro
  • Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry
  • Garret Dillahunt as William Macon
  • Laura Linney as Undisclosed Character

Expanded Architects

  • Showrunner / Writer: Chris Mundy
  • Executive Producers / Writers: Damon Lindelof, Tom King
  • Studio Heads: James Gunn, Peter Safran
  • Lead Directors: James Hawes, Stephen Williams
  • Co-Directors: Geeta Vasant Patel, Alik Sakharov
  • Co-Producer: Ron Schmidt

Teaser #2

The First Look Trailer

Production Info & Specifications

Financial Budget$120 Million (Estimated Event-Level Scale)
Filming WindowsFebruary 2025 – July 2025 (Wrapped)
Primary LocationsLos Angeles Studios, California, USA
Production LabelDC Studios • Warner Bros. Television • HBO

Ray's Reaction



After years of the Green Lantern brand being stuck in development hell, HBO is finally giving us the gritty, grounded take these characters deserve. This full trailer is a massive improvement over the initial teaser. We finally get a glimpse of the dynamic between the leads, and there is a clear "buddy cop" vibe where the two are at odds.

Hal Jordan isn't ready to give up his mantle as Earth’s Lantern, while John Stewart is the brash hothead who feels his time is now. It reminds me of the relationship in F1 between Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. Hopefully, they avoid the overused trope of the rookie refusing advice from the veteran for too long. I’m also hopeful for ties to Peacemaker or Superman to ensure the show doesn’t feel too isolated. With Guy Gardner confirmed to appear, the crossover potential is huge.

There is some controversy regarding the costumes being physical items rather than ring-generated constructs, but I'm willing to see how they explain it. There is a lot riding on this, but after seeing this footage, the hype is real. HBO seems to have found the right light for the Corps.

Final Verdict


WILLPOWER REBORN. The DCU finds its spark.

Reviewer: Ray Manukay

poster