DC has just revealed the first official logo for its upcoming series, Lanterns, and fans of the Green Lantern Corps are already buzzing with excitement. The logo prominently features a green hue, paying tribute to the iconic powers and suits of the Green Lanterns. Beyond the thrilling action sequences, the series will also delve into the personal journeys of its heroes, highlighting their challenges, growth, and the mentor-student dynamics that define their story.
The Origins of Lanterns and Its Cast
The series was first announced by James Gunn in January 2023. As part of DC Universe: Chapter 1 – Gods and Monsters, it explores the mentor-trainee relationship between Hal Jordan (played by Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (played by Aaron Pierre).
Fans got their first glimpse of the series on February 27, 2025, when Gunn shared a production photo featuring both Pierre and Chandler, confirming that filming was underway. Furthermore, according to insiders, the series promises to balance thrilling action sequences with character-driven storytelling, giving viewers a closer look at the psychological challenges of becoming a Green Lantern.
Lanterns Teasers and Early Footage
The first teaser debuted at the HBO Max Upfront event in São Paulo, Brazil. Interestingly, neither Jordan nor Stewart wore their Green Lantern uniforms in the footage, which left fans curious about the story’s approach.
A later preview, included in HBO Max’s December 12, 2025, sneak peek for its 2026 slate, featured Stewart saying he had trained his whole life to become a Green Lantern. At the same time, Jordan tells Stewart:
“You’re not ready to get up in front of the class until the ring says you are.”
The scene reportedly shows Jordan jumping out of a car while Stewart braces for impact as the vehicle veers off a cliff, further highlighting the series’ action-packed sequences. In addition, this moment emphasizes the mentor-student dynamic, which is central to the series’ narrative.
Diving into the Green Lantern Corps
For fans unfamiliar with the lore, the Green Lantern Corps is an intergalactic police force. Specifically, each member wields a power ring capable of creating energy constructs limited only by their imagination. Meanwhile, Lanterns promises to explore the responsibilities, challenges, and moral dilemmas faced by its members. In addition, the series will offer a more grounded and dramatic take on these cosmic heroes.
Creative Team and Story Inspiration
The series is co-created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King. Reportedly, the story takes inspiration from the crime drama True Detective. It follows Jordan and Stewart as they investigate a murder in Nebraska. This approach creates a unique blend of procedural drama and superhero action, which is rare in previous DC series.
Additional Cast and Appearances
Additional cast members include Kelly Macdonald and Nathan Fillion, who reprises his role as Guy Gardner from Superman. Fans are eager to see how these familiar characters integrate into the narrative and interact with the new Lanterns.
Filming is reported to be progressing smoothly, with production insiders hinting at visually stunning sequences and intricate storytelling. Fans are speculating about potential Easter eggs and references to the wider DC Universe, which could tie Lanterns to other shows and movies.
Lanterns is expected to premiere in late summer 2026, though an exact date has not yet been announced. The series has already sparked anticipation due to its mix of mentorship, cosmic stakes, and crime investigation. This combination offers a fresh perspective on DC’s Green Lantern mythology.
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