New plot details around Lanterns suggest that one fan-favorite hero’s time in the DCU might be limited. The HBO series is the next title set in the DCU, and, notably, will be the first one that DC Studios co-president James Gunn did not write. Set to premiere in the first half of 2026 before Supergirl, Lanterns has been described as a True Detective-style mystery focused on rookie Green Lantern John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and veteran Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler). In a Men’s Health profile on star Aaron Pierre, Lanterns co-creator Chris Mundy revealed that the series is “as much of a buddy cop show as a superhero show.” Mundy detailed how the series is about a generational conflict between John Stewart and Hal Jordan, and that the veteran Green Lantern might be stepping away from his intergalactic responsibilities. “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?” said Mundy. He went on to describe what makes Pierre such a great pick for John, and how he will clash with Chandler’s Hal.
“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.”

Will Hal Jordan Retire (or Die) in ‘Lanterns’?

Kyle Chandler in First ManUniversal Pictures

Despite being the second Green Lantern in DC Comics history, Hal Jordan is seen by many fans as the definitive version of the character. Debuting in Showcase #22 in October 1959, Hal has been an integral part of the DC Universe and is a founding member of the Justice League. He was previously played by Ryan Reynolds in 2011’s Green Lantern, which bombed at the box office and put the Green Lantern brand on hold for more than a decade. Following the controversial storyline Emerald Twilight, which saw Hal Jordan turn evil and destroy the Green Lantern Corps, some fans have another character as their favorite Lantern. Kyle Rayner, who was the lead Green Lantern in the 1990s, and John Stewart, made popular in animated shows Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, are often viewed as the entry point for younger Green Lantern fans. Even with Hal being redeemed in Geoff Johns’ influential comic run, John has been the Green Lantern many have been waiting for since the 2011 film. Chris Mundy’s comments about Lanterns suggest that the series could end with Hal no longer in the Green Lantern Corps. Viewers might see him stepping away, retiring, or possibly dying in the HBO series. No matter the case, the DCU has established a long shared history, so Hal could appear in stories set in the past. Meanwhile, John appears to be set up as the Green Lantern of the future, with rumors circulating that he will appear in Man of Tomorrow.

Network

HBO

Directors

James Hawes

Writers

Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof

Franchise(s)

DC Universe