- Primary Subject: Lanterns
- Key Update: HBO released a two-minute teaser trailer confirming a darker, grounded murder-mystery tone for the DCU series.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: March 5, 2026
- Quick Answer: Lanterns is a gritty, True Detective-style mystery starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as space cops investigating a terrestrial murder that impacts the broader DCU.
DC Studios is gearing up for its third series in the DC Universe (DCU), Lanterns. The show has finally released its over-two-minute teaser, offering a glimpse at a very different DC story with a darker, more grounded murder-mystery tone.
As Lanterns prepares to hit HBO, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming series.
What is Lanterns About?
Lanterns will expand the mythology of the Green Lantern Corps by introducing two of its intergalactic peacekeepers.
The series follows test pilot Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler), a legendary Corps member nearing retirement, who is tasked with training new recruit and former marine John Stewart (Aaron Pierre).
Together, they investigate a murder in Nebraska that unravels a sinister mystery on Earth connected to a larger DCU storyline. Along the way, Hal teaches John how to wield his Power Ring.
"[It’s] as much of a buddy cop show as a superhero show," showrunner Chris Mundy told Men’s Health. "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? 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."
Meanwhile, James Gunn described Lanterns as a “terrestrial-based TV show” that can be likened to True Detective, but with Green Lantern space cops “watching over Earth.”
Who’s in the Cast of Lanterns?
Friday Night Lights and Rebel Ridge stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre lead Lanterns, joined by Superman star Nathan Fillion, reprising his role as Guy Gardner.
Ulrich Thomsen also appears as Sinestro, a former Lantern who has gone rogue. Here’s the complete list of cast members:
- 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 young Noah
- Laura Linney
- Paula Patton
Is There a Lanterns Trailer?
HBO and DC Studios have finally released the official teaser for Lanterns, featuring the strong chemistry between Chandler and Pierre as Hal and John.
Unlike many superhero TV series packed with flashy costumes, epic battles, and nonstop spectacle, Lanterns takes a different approach with its murder-mystery and detective-like tone.
The teaser opens with Hal and John on a seemingly routine trip, where the veteran Lantern begins training the rookie by leaving him alone in a moving car that ends up tumbling off a cliff.
From that intense moment, the story kicks into action as they investigate a murder, confront dangerous foes, and begin to unleash the true powers of the Green Lantern Corps.
When Will Lanterns Be Released and Where to Watch It?
So far, the exact release date for Lanterns has not been revealed, but the series is slated to premiere in August 2026.
It will air on HBO and stream on HBO Max in the United States, as well as on Sky Max and NOW TV in the United Kingdom.
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