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So far, our worries about "Lanterns" getting the axe in the midst of all of that Warner Bros. merger mess seem to have been graciously unfounded. Things are moving swiftly ahead for HBO's new superhero series, a live-action DC Comics adaptation centered on Hal Jordan and John Stewart of Green Lantern fame. Portrayed by Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, respectively, the upcoming action-packed series sees the elder Hal tasked with training the new recruit as they investigate a murder in small-town Nebraska — that is, if they don't kill each other first.
The tension between the old guard and the new blood is very much on display in the new "Lanterns" trailer, which just dropped on March 4. "You're just a f***ing substitute teacher," Chandler's Hal gripe to his trainee. "You're not ready to get up in front of the class until the ring says you are."
In case you forgot, the Green Lanterns are a group of intergalactic peacekeepers who wear emerald rings that give them extraordinary powers.) And it sounds like Stewart isn't too much of a fan of his mentor, either: "The Green Lanterns' oath is to protect people, and we both know I do a better job of this than you," Pierre's John bites back.
And that's not the only strained relationship in the upcoming eight-episode series: The fellas will also have to contend with Sheriff Kerry (Kelly Macdonald), who seems less than charmed by Hal's signature dry wit. Unfortunately for her, though, it doesn't look like the Lanterns will be leaving her jurisdiction anytime soon: "Something is off here, I can feel it," Hal ominously declares of the heartland town. It's like "True Detective," but with a little extraterrestrial edge.
"Lanterns" is scheduled to premiere in August 2026 on HBO and HBO Max as part of the DC Universe's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters phase, with the show's gritty mystery expected to have consequences that reverberate throughout the DCU.
Joining Chandler, Pierre and Macdonald in the detective drama are Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner — an abrasive Green Lantern member who was recently seen not only in "Superman" but also "Peacemaker" — as well as Garret Dillahunt as modern-day cowboy William Macon, Poorna Jagannathan as the "composed and cunning" Zoe, Ulrich Thomsen as the ruthless rogue Sinestro, Nicole Ari Parker and Sherman Augustus as John's parents Bernadette and John Sr., Jason Ritter as Sheriff Kerry's husband Billy Macon, and Paul Ben-Victor as the extraterrestrial Antaan. Additionally, Laura Linney and Paula Patton have been cast in undisclosed roles.
Tom's Guide will keep you posted on all things related to "Lanterns," including a set premiere date, more teaser trailers, character details, plot points and other behind-the-scenes intel.
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