Two Green Lanterns, one high-stakes mystery, and a universe-spanning legacy… Lanterns is shaping up to be a major pillar of DC’s slate. James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has shared the first look at Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights) and Aaron Pierre (Mufasa: The Lion King) as Hal Jordan and John Stewart respectively, giving fans a glimpse into the grounded detective drama that will explore the darker corners of the DC Universe (and if you look closely, you can spot Jordan’s ring on his right hand).
Pierre’s Stewart is introduced as a newcomer to the Green Lantern Corps, still finding his footing within the ranks of the intergalactic peacekeepers. He partners with Chandler’s Jordan, a seasoned veteran who has long been at the forefront of the Corps’ battles. Their mission begins with a single murder, but as they dig deeper, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary crime. What starts as a routine investigation soon unravels into a conspiracy that threatens not just Earth, but the stability of the DC Universe. The series will weave into Gunn’s broader DCU plans, tying into upcoming projects like Superman and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
Joining them is Ulrich Thomsen (The Celebration) as Sinestro, a longtime nemesis of the Green Lanterns. Additional cast members include Kelly Macdonald (Brave) as Sheriff Kerry, Garret Dillahunt (12 Years a Slave) as William Macon, and Poorna Jagannathan (Never Have I Ever) as Zoe. While the focus remains on the central duo, other Lanterns will make appearances throughout the series.
Chris Mundy (Ozark), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen), and Tom King (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow) are spearheading the creative team. The absence of glowing emerald constructs and deep-space battles in the initial preview suggests the show is prioritising the grounded detective elements for now. That doesn’t mean the cosmic elements will be absent, but Lanterns appears to be taking a slow-burn approach, letting the story and characters dictate when those larger-than-life moments unfold. Given the calibre of its leads, there’s also a strong possibility that Stewart and Jordan could make the jump to the big screen in future DCU films.
A firm release date for Lanterns has yet to be announced by DC Studios, but with filming already underway, speculation points to a premiere sometime in spring 2026. Whether this 8-episode season marks the beginning of a long-running series or serves as a stepping stone to larger cinematic crossovers, the stage is set for Hal Jordan and John Stewart to shine in ways they never have before.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
Kevin Low
