New ‘Lanterns’ Details May Worry Green Lantern Fans

Fans of DC’s Green Lantern may have to wait longer than expected to see John Stewart and Hal Jordan return on screen. HBO’s new series Lanterns was once expected to arrive in early 2026, but industry reports now suggest it will come out sometime after DC Studios releases its next film, Supergirl, which is set for June 2026.

The Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision newsletter recently indicated that Lanterns will debut following Supergirl. When the Lanterns Podcast reached out for confirmation, the outlet said that remains the current expectation. Although DC Studios has never provided an exact release date, the series had been widely considered the next major project on the slate. Production finished earlier this year, but HBO appears to be taking more time before releasing the show, likely to ensure the final product meets quality standards.

DC Studios co-president James Gunn commented in late 2024 that he expected both Lanterns and Supergirl to arrive “around the same time.” That window now looks uncertain. The reason for the delay has not been confirmed. It may relate to story revisions or extended post-production time. The series, which has been described as having shades of True Detective, will feature the Green Lantern Corps as intergalactic law enforcement while also including well-known DC villains.

Showrunner Chris Mundy said the story would focus in part on the idea of retirement. Longtime fans might recognize the theme as fitting for Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, who will appear as a veteran Green Lantern partnered with a younger recruit, John Stewart, portrayed by Aaron Pierre. “Our show is in a lot of ways about replacement—when should someone step aside and when is it time for the next person to take the reins?” Mundy said. His remarks have led some to wonder whether the show could see Hal Jordan step away from the Corps by the end of the series.

Mundy also discussed the dynamic between the two leads. John Stewart will bring a quiet intensity to his role, serving as a steady counter to Hal Jordan’s more seasoned but forceful approach. “That push and pull between those two characters is really important,” Mundy explained. “So much of the power that John has is by not taking the bait, understanding that you lose your power if you’re yelling and screaming. That’s what we’re trying to convey: He knows he belongs, so he doesn’t have to overcompensate. There’s a real balance there that’s just innately inside of Aaron. He’s big. He’s an intimidating presence just physically. But there’s a softness to him too. There’s a thoughtfulness. You can’t teach that.”

While HBO has not given a new release target, Lanterns remains one of DC Studios’ most anticipated television projects. Viewers hoping to see how the two heroes’ partnership unfolds may have to wait until the latter half of 2026 or later.