HBO Max Reveals Teaser and Photos for DC Studios' Gritty 'Lanterns' Series
The power rings are here! HBO Max has dropped the highly anticipated first-look footage and official images for Lanterns
, the gritty, True Detective-style addition to the new DC Universe (DCU) slate. The series, which stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as legendary Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart, is set to premiere in late Summer 2026.
A Dark Mystery in the American Heartland
Moving away from a traditional space opera, Lanterns grounds its story on Earth, following two intergalactic cops investigating a dark and terrifying murder mystery in Nebraska that ties into the larger DCU narrative. The show is described as a "buddy cop" series, with the dynamic between the seasoned Hal Jordan and the new recruit John Stewart at its core.
The first-look photos and footage, released as part of HBO Max's 2026 preview, show the heroes primarily in civilian clothes, emphasizing the grounded, character-driven tone showrunner Chris Mundy and executive producers Damon Lindelof and Tom King are aiming for.
Meet the Cast and Creative Team
The eight-episode first season boasts a stellar cast and an impressive creative team.
Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, a seasoned and somewhat gruff Green Lantern legend.
Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, a new recruit and former Marine who is an "opposing force" to Jordan.
Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, another Green Lantern Corps member who will also appear in the Superman movie.
Ulrich Thomsen as the villainous Sinestro.
Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry, a no-nonsense law enforcement officer involved in the central mystery.
The series is a high-priority project for DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, who have stressed its importance in setting up the broader DCU storyline.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Lanterns will stream on Max in late Summer 2026.
Stay tuned to the official HBO website for future trailers and news as the premiere date approaches.
