Warner Bros. has officially released its HBO Max 2026 preview, offering an exciting look at what subscribers can expect next year. Among the many highlights, new footage from Lanterns stands out as one of the most important reveals for the evolving DCU.
Although the tease is brief, it immediately establishes a darker and more grounded tone. More importantly, it signals that Lanterns will play a major role in DC Studios’ long-term television strategy.
Lanterns Stands Out in HBO Max’s 2026 Preview
The 2026 promo from HBO Max showcases a wide lineup of returning hits and ambitious new projects. However, Lanterns quickly grabs attention due to its serious atmosphere and mystery-driven presentation.
Furthermore, the footage hints at intense challenges awaiting the show’s two central Green Lanterns. While details remain under wraps, the teaser suggests that both cosmic forces and real-world dangers will collide, raising the stakes considerably. As a result, Lanterns already feels different from anything DC has previously brought to television.
A Grounded Mystery Within the DC Universe
Unlike traditional Green Lantern stories that focus heavily on intergalactic spectacle, Lanterns appears firmly rooted on Earth. At the same time, it does not shy away from larger cosmic implications.
Moreover, the series seems to adopt a slow-burn investigative structure. This approach allows tension to build naturally while keeping the story accessible for viewers new to DC mythology. Consequently, Lanterns may serve as a perfect entry point into the cosmic side of the DCU.
How Lanterns Differs From Past Green Lantern Adaptations
Previous Green Lantern adaptations leaned heavily into large-scale visuals and space-based action. However, Lanterns takes a noticeably different path. Instead of relying solely on spectacle, the series prioritizes atmosphere, character, and suspense.
Additionally, the grounded tone teased in the trailer suggests influences from crime dramas rather than traditional superhero shows. Because of this creative shift, Lanterns feels more mature and aligned with DC Studios’ current storytelling philosophy.
A Character-Driven Story With High Stakes
At its core, the series appears to focus on personal responsibility, moral choices, and the cost of wielding power. While the teaser avoids revealing plot specifics, it strongly hints at a layered mystery that gradually expands into something much larger.
This structure not only strengthens character development but also allows the DCU to unfold organically. Therefore, each episode can build tension while expanding the universe in meaningful ways.
Euphoria Season 3 Also Debuts New Footage
In addition to Lanterns, the trailer features the first footage from Euphoria Season 3. After a long hiatus, fans finally get a brief glimpse of what lies ahead for Rue and the rest of the ensemble. Although the preview is short, it confirms that the series will continue its emotionally intense storytelling when it returns in 2026.
What Else Is Featured in HBO Max’s 2026 Preview?
Beyond Lanterns and Euphoria, the HBO Max 2026 promo also highlights an impressive lineup of major returning originals. Notably, the trailer features new footage from House of the Dragon, The Gilded Age, Hacks, Industry, The Pitt, and Dune: Prophecy. Together, these returning series signal a strong commitment to premium storytelling across multiple genres.
Meanwhile, the preview also teases several brand-new shows set to debut in 2026. These include A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, DTF St. Louis, Rooster, and Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. In addition, the trailer offers a first look at an untitled Larry David miniseries, along with upcoming projects such as Half Man, War, and the two-part documentary Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man!.
Clearly, with such a diverse and ambitious slate, HBO Max is positioning 2026 as one of the platform’s most exciting years to date.
About Lanterns and Its Creative Team
Lanterns is executive produced by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King. Notably, Lindelof and King also serve as co-writers on the series. Because of this experienced creative lineup, expectations are high. Ultimately, Lanterns is shaping up to be a cornerstone of DC Studios’ expanding television slate.
As DC Studios continues to build a connected universe across film and television, Lanterns appears uniquely positioned to bridge grounded storytelling with cosmic mythology.
Therefore, the series could introduce major DC concepts that will later influence future movies and shows. If successful, Lanterns may redefine how DC approaches long-form storytelling on streaming platforms. While an official release date has not yet been announced, additional updates are expected in the coming months. Trailers, casting news, and story details will likely emerge as HBO Max ramps up its marketing for 2026.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on DCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to DC Updates’ YouTube channel.
Shobith Chandran 
Patrick Webb