After two impressive seasons, “Peacemaker” is no more. Now something has to fill the void left in the DC Universe’s small screen schedule for 2026. Luckily, just when we needed a new hero to light the way, two will answer the call in one of the most anticipated TV shows of 2026. HBO Max’s “Lanterns” will introduce us to an all-new pair of space cops who will show us a whole new way, as the Green Lantern Corps says, to launch rings.
Since its announcement, “Lanterns” has been described as a detective story involving two of DC’s most beloved heroes on an Earth-based case. But what exactly does this story entail, and how much of the well-known “Green Lantern” lore will fit into it? More importantly, how much “Lanterns” will spill over into James Gunn’s DCU, potentially creating a blockbuster-sized event that could send us across the galaxies? Well, let’s not go too far. First, let’s meet the new stars taking the Green Lantern oath and the characters they’ll bring to life as the designated protectors of Space Sector 2814.
Who plays in Lanterns?
In October 2024, Aaron Pierre was cast as John Stewart, a new recruit to the Green Lantern Corps. Many fans supported this choice after Pierre gained attention in his Netflix action thriller “Rebel Ridge.” He was the second star to sign on to brandish a ring after Kyle Chandler landed the role of Hal Jordan, considered in the comics to be the greatest Green Lantern of them all.
Of course, we’ve already met another member of the corps that inhabits Earth and is set to make an appearance here as well. After brandishing his atrocious haircut in “Superman” and “Peacemaker,” Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner will appear to either help or agitate our heroes (our money is on the latter). We’ll also meet a new DCU threat and a former ally of Hal in the form of ex-Lantern Sinestro, played by Ulrich Thomsen.
However, not everyone will brandish a piece of fine jewelry. Kelly Macdonald (“Boardwalk Empire”) will play Kerry, a small-town sheriff who finds herself involved in the Lantern affair, light years from her jurisdiction. Laura Linney is also expected to appear, and while her role is unconfirmed, she feels like a perfect match for Jordan’s longtime love Carol Ferris.
Who directs and writes Lanterns?
The constant line that has been repeated with “Lanterns” is that he is supposed to be the “real detective” of the DC Universe. It certainly seems fitting given the creative powers involved behind the scenes. While Gunn is hard at work on the semi-“Superman” sequel “Man of Tomorrow,” Chris Mundy has been named showrunner of “Lanterns.” His previous writing credits include “True Detective” as well as showrunner of “Ozark.” He will also reunite with Chandler after writing on Netflix’s forgotten but truly fantastic drama series, “Bloodline.”
Much like the power couple at the heart of this intergalactic detective series, Mundy has partners of his own. Damon Lindelof, showrunner of “Lost” and “Watchmen,” co-wrote the series with him, as well as DC Comics writer Tom King. It’s a collaboration that should give confidence to any “Green Lantern” fan whose battery has been dead since Ryan Reynolds took off the ring.
Is Lanterns based on a comic book?
Much like some of the best comic book movies and shows, “Lanterns” doesn’t seek to adapt any particular arc or event. Instead, it aims to piece together fragments of these heroes’ stories. As Mundy told Men’s Health: “Our characters are faithful to the comics, but we’re putting them in a new story. So the actors didn’t have to dig into a specific period of the comics. It was more about figuring out who John is and who Hal is.” Cracking this code seems to set up your classic oil and water partnership, one that will need to be strong if these characters are to face a notable villain like Sinestro.
Considered the Greatest Lantern of all before Hal Jordan took the title, Sinestro turned against the Corps, eventually forming his own army and a weapon to go with it. While the Green Lantern’s ring is powered by will, Sinestro formed a similar jewel that works through fear. This upgrade transformed Hal’s former mentor into a powerful adversary, even triggering the major story event “The War of the Sinestro Corps” that involved all of DC’s finest. While we don’t yet imagine that “Lanterns” could lead to this, it’s worth noting that John and Hal could return to the DCU sooner than we think.
How important are the events of Lanterns to the DC Universe as a whole?
Many storylines involving Hal Jordan and John Stewart could lead to other corners of the DCU. For example, Milly Alcock’s Supergirl might encounter a Green Lantern during her space adventure, which is set to hit theaters on June 26, 2026. And if communications from DCU cast members are to be believed, there’s a chance our two new Lanterns will cross paths with Superman himself shortly after their show’s release on HBO Max.
When James Gunn announced on social media that his next project would be “Man of Tomorrow,” Aaron Pierre was quick to chime in, not only responding with a “Yes, indeed,” but adding Gunn’s post to his own Instagram story. Is there a chance that David Corenswet’s Kryptonian hero will have to answer to space’s toughest law enforcement in his next film? So far, all Gunn has confirmed is that Hal and John’s story plays a crucial role in what’s to come. “The ‘lanterns’ are really important for setting things up,” he teased to Rolling Stone, remaining as enigmatic as always. It’s still unclear exactly what sort of thing Gunn is referring to, and we’ll just have to wait until the lanterns are lit in 2026 to find out.
