The new DC Universe is expanding with its second live-action television series Lanterns, which introduces two of the publisher’s most famous comic book heroes.
Inspired by the Green Lantern stories, but with a True Detective-style twist, the show follows veteran space cop Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they unravel a dark murder mystery.
Too dark, perhaps, for fans of the source material, who were dismayed by a lack of recognisable elements in the first Lanterns trailer (Green Lantern is, as the name suggests, typically one of the more colourful corners of the DC Universe).
Hopefully, producer and DC architect James Gunn, plus series creators Chris Mundy (Ozark), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen) and Tom King (Supergirl), have some tricks up their sleeve to wow the sceptics when Lanterns premieres this summer.
Whatever the reception to the show, we do know that Pierre’s John Stewart will be sticking around for at least one more appearance, as he’s joined the cast of Gunn’s own Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow.
If you’re intrigued to know more about the next big addition to DC’s film and TV universe, read on for all the essential details on HBO Max’s Lanterns.
Lanterns release date speculation
Lanterns does not yet have an exact release date, but we do know it’s heading to HBO Max in August 2026.
The streaming platform recently launched in the UK, which means the series is likely to air simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic, making it easier to dodge spoilers than if there were an extended delay.
We’ll update this page with more information on the release of DC’s Lanterns as it comes in.
Lanterns cast: Who stars in the DC Comics adaptation?
Aaron Pierre (Rebel Ridge) and Kyle Chandler (Godzilla) star in Lanterns, playing DC Comics characters John Stewart and Hal Jordan, both of whom are members of the titular intergalactic police force.
Green Lanterns wield rings that, among other abilities, allow them to create powerful constructs of whatever they can imagine, with the ring’s strength derived from the wearer’s willpower.
Chandler’s Hal will be eyeing retirement after years of service in the Corps, with Pierre’s John being a recent recruit chosen to take over the former’s unruly sector.
The Green Lantern mythos hasn’t had the most glorious luck transitioning to live-action, with 2011’s critically panned Ryan Reynolds film being a low point, but things appear to be looking up in James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe.
The writer-director introduced Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) – one of the less likeable members of the Corps – in last summer’s Superman, with the character confirmed to return in Lanterns.
The Lanterns cast also includes Line of Duty‘s Kelly Macdonald as small town sheriff Kerry, Garret Dillahunt (Fear the Walking Dead) as modern cowboy William, and Ulrich Thomsen (Banshee) as comic book villain Sinestro.
Nicole Ari Parker and Sherman Augustus has been cast as John Stewart’s parents, Bernadette and John Snr, with Poorna Jagannathan, Jason Ritter and Paul Ben-Victor rounding out the main cast.
Intriguingly, Ozark star Laura Linney and Mission: Impossible alum Paula Patton have also bagged roles on the show, but their characters remain undisclosed for now.
Here’s an overview of all the confirmed names for HBO’s Lanterns:
- Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan
- Aaron Pierre as John Stewart
- Kelly Macdonald as Kerry
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
- Garret Dillahunt as William Macon
- Poorna Jagannathan as Zoe
- Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro
- Nicole Ari Parker as Bernadette Stewart
- Jason Ritter as Billy Macon
- Sherman Augustus as John Stewart Sr
- Paul Ben-Victor as Antaan
- Chris Coy as “Waylon Sanders”
- Cary Christopher as Noah
- Laura Linney as TBC
- Paula Patton as TBC
Lanterns plot: What is it about?
Lanterns combines sci-fi elements from DC’s cosmic Green Lantern comic books with a gritty Earth-based murder mystery that has been compared to True Detective.
The show introduces Hal Jordan and John Stewart – two of the most prominent characters to have held the Green Lantern mantle – depicting them as mentor and rookie on this perplexing case.
The mismatched pair will have to find a way to work effectively together, as well as to extract secrets from the residents and police force of a small Nebraskan town that is somewhat suspicious of outsiders.
With Hal’s arch-nemesis Sinestro confirmed to appear, it’s possible that the series will head to space at some point – or at least allude to greater threats in the wider DC Universe.
Lanterns trailer
Lanterns dropped its first teaser trailer in March 2026, which received a decidedly mixed reception from fans, who took issue with its lack of colour and comics-accurate sci-fi elements.
You can come to your own verdict below:
Lanterns is coming soon to HBO Max. Subscribe from £5.99 a month.
Add Lanterns to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
