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Great news for DCU enthusiasts: HBO has unveiled the initial teaser for the eagerly awaited series, Lanterns. Set to debut this August, the show centers on Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, and John Stewart, portrayed by Aaron Pierre, as they delve into a murder investigation in Oklahoma.
The teaser, which caused a stir at HBO headquarters after it leaked on social media earlier today, has now been officially shared on YouTube and X by HBO Max, accompanied by the caption, “You manifested it early.” The series is the brainchild of Damon Lindelof, who previously crafted the critically acclaimed, Emmy-winning series Watchmen for HBO in 2019.
In the two-minute preview, Jordan and Stewart are seen navigating a dirt road, engaging in conversation about their Green Lantern training. For those less familiar with DCU lore, Green Lanterns are an intergalactic peacekeeping force equipped with Power Rings, which allow them to harness green energy powered by their imagination and will. Stewart is introduced as a new recruit to the Green Lantern Corps, under the guidance of Jordan, an experienced human member.
Stewart expresses his frustration, saying, “With all due respect, we’ve been training for, what, two months,” adding, “And I haven’t even worn the ring yet.”
Jordan quips back, “Don’t get hung up on the jewelry, junior,” and jokingly calls Stewart a “substitute teacher.” In a bold move, he places the ring on the dashboard and leaps out of the car, leaving Stewart to take control as the vehicle hurtles towards a cliff.
Stewart somehow escapes, and tells Jordan that he “could’ve died.” The veteran replies, “You wanted me to train you, I’m training you.”
Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald stars as Sheriff Kerry Macon and Nathan Fillion is Guy Gardner once again; Fillion has voiced Jordan’s character in multiple DCU films, and played Gardner in last year’s Superman.
Judging solely by what we saw today, the series appears to be as action-packed as anything we’ve seen from the DC Universe: explosions and a scene of Stewart running through traffic are strategically placed to keep our attention. However, the series takes on a more subdued tone than the 2011 Green Lantern film starring Ryan Reynolds. Panned by critics — it’s earned a measly 25% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes — the film strayed too far from its source material and ended up being colorful mess of terrible CGI and grating Reynolds smarminess.
By hiring Lindelof to helm this project, it appears as if DC has learned from the messy mistakes of its failed franchise starter. If previous series are anything to go off of, Pierre and Chandler may add another Emmy to Lindelof’s shelf (and maybe add a few of their own).
The series will debut in August 2026 on HBO and stream on HBO Max.