New Lanterns Trailer Drops, Confirms August 16 Premiere on HBO
HBO has officially set a premiere date for Lanterns and released a new trailer. The DCU’s next chapter is landing on August 16, and it looks like James Gunn delivered exactly what he promised.
The new trailer, reported by The Hollywood Reporter, goes further than the first teaser. We finally get a proper look at the Green Lantern suit, ring constructs, and at least one shot of a planet that is decidedly not Nebraska. The latest footage also reveals Laura Linney in an undisclosed role alongside the rest of the ensemble.
The series is led by Kyle Chandler as veteran Lantern Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as new recruit John Stewart. Nathan Fillion also reprises his role as Guy Gardner from last year’s Superman, with the full ensemble rounding out to include Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Jason Ritter, Ulrich Thomsen, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Jasmine Cephas Jones.
The show is structured as a buddy-cop mystery: seasoned Green Lantern Hal Jordan takes rookie John Stewart under his wing as the pair investigates a murder in the American heartland, only to uncover something considerably darker than a small-town crime. Think True Detective with power rings. Showrunner Chris Mundy (Ozark) co-wrote the pilot with Damon Lindelof (Watchmen) and Eisner Award-winning comic writer Tom King. The show will span dual timelines — one set in 2016, one in 2026 — per an interview Mundy gave to Entertainment Weekly.
Lanterns
The series lands in HBO’s coveted Sunday 9pm slot — the same timeslot that has housed House of the Dragon and The Last of Us. So, no pressure. UK viewers are in luck too: Lanterns will be available to stream on HBO Max in the UK, which launched on 26 March 2026, with plans starting from £4.99 per month.
The August 16 premiere date makes Lanterns the second DCU release of 2026, slotting in behind Supergirl in June and ahead of Clayface in October. Also worth noting: Aaron Pierre is already confirmed to return as John Stewart in the 2027 DCU film Man of Tomorrow, according to Screen Rant. Chandler’s future in the role is, for now, being kept close to the chest.
We’ll keep you posted on updates about Lanterns as the project develops.
Chloe Jones is a film and television critic dedicated to providing expert analysis of movies, web series, and the latest in prestige TV. Known for her insightful perspective and deep industry knowledge, Chloe helps audiences navigate the crowded streaming landscape with honesty and expertise. Folow me on letterboxd
