The first footage from Lanterns reveals just how the high-flying Green Lantern duo conducts business as they investigate an Earth-bound mystery in the American heartland. The next television entry in the DCU promises to be a True Detective-esque story featuring two intergalactic cops, and it’s easy to see why in the brand-new teaser. Despite a release date delay, fans can already catch a sneak peek at the highly anticipated series. HBO released a preview for its upcoming 2026 titles, which include Euphoria Season 3, House of the Dragon Season 3, and, of course, Lanterns. A brief snippet of footage showcases John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) teaming up, with the latter showing his apprentice some tough mentorship in the process. This includes a moment in which Hal jumps out of a moving car toward a cliff, which forces John to act quickly with a Green Lantern ring. It’s a quick and effective way to show off their unique dynamic. Update: HBO revealed a new video from the set of Lanterns, featuring the same teaser footage. Lanterns is expected to premiere on HBO in the summer of 2026. It was set to premiere in the spring, but DC Studios recently decided to push it further than originally anticipated. The series is now expected to bow out after Supergirl hits theaters in June. Lanterns hails from series creators Chris Mundy (Ozark), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen), and Tom King, with Mundy serving as showrunner. The cast features Aaron Pierre, Kyle Chandler, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Nathan Fillion, Chris Coy, Nicole Ari Parker, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Sherman Augustus, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Paul Ben-Victor.
‘Lanterns’ Showrunner Reveals New Plot Details

Earlier this year, Lanterns showrunner Chris Mundy discussed how the show would handle the passing-of-the-torch between the title characters. While describing it as a “buddy cop show,” Mundy also teased, “Our show is in a lot of ways about replacement—when should someone step aside and when is it time for the next person to take the reins?.” It seems like Hal Jordan fans may want to clutch their pearls, as his time as a superhero may be coming to an end in the upcoming DCU series. Until then, expect plenty of “push and pull” between the title heroes.
“That push and pull between those two characters is really important. So much of the power that John has is by not taking the bait, understanding that you lose your power if you’re yelling and screaming. That’s what we’re trying to convey: He knows he belongs, so he doesn’t have to overcompensate. There’s a real balance there that’s just innately inside of Aaron. He’s big. He’s an intimidating presence just physically. But there’s a softness to him too. There’s a thoughtfulness. You can’t teach that.”
Lanterns revolves around a veteran Green Lantern, played by Kyle Chandler, as a substitute teacher of sorts who is tasked with mentoring the rookie John, played by Aaron Pierre. That tough love dynamic between the vastly different characters sounds like a key part of the series. While some fans may not be happy with an older Hal, it certainly makes sense that he would be an experienced hero in the DCU. After all, the series is likely trying to brush off comparisons to the 2011 film starring Ryan Reynolds.

Network

HBO

Directors

James Hawes

Writers

Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof

Franchise(s)

DC Universe