HBO’s upcoming Lanterns superhero series has received another trailer, this time showing off its two main villains, long-time archenemy Sinestro and the Manhunters, an intergalactic race of extraterrestrial robots.
Debuting during the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026, the newest trailer kicks off with Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) investigating a series of violent murders, with the Manhunters being presented as the prime suspects in the case. In the comics, Manhunters are the predecessors to the Green Lantern Corps, created by the Guardians of the Universe as a robotic police force, only to become self-aware and turn on their creators. These robotic beings are also capable of disguising themselves in any form, making them perfect for infiltration operations.
The trailer also teases the conflict between the two Green Lanterns, with the more experienced Jordan having to come to terms with the fact that he’s not just training the younger Stewart to be his backup, but rather his replacement. We also got our first look at Ulrich Thomsen’s Sinestro, the former Green Lantern Corps member who was dishonourably discharged for abusing his power, and has been the archnemesis of the hero ever since.
While not as flashy as most might expect for a Green Lantern show, Lanterns still promises some will-powered CGI goodness, with scenes from the trailer showing Stewart hilariously manifesting a bird instead of actually flying, juxtaposed by Jordan’s much more capable nature, as he generates tornadoes, force blasts, shields, and even a bottle opener.
Lanterns is co-created by Chris Mundy, who also serves as showrunner, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, and also stars Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Laura Linney, Jason Ritter, Alphonse Nicholson, and Jasmine Cephas Jones. Nathan Fillion will also reprise his role as fellow Green Lantern Guy Gardner following 2025’s Superman.
Lanterns will debut on HBO on 16 August 2026, and will run for eight episodes.
Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
