The upcoming DC Universe series Lanterns has officially finished filming. Actor Aaron Pierre, who plays John Stewart, confirmed the news in an October 2025 interview, stating, “We recently wrapped Lanterns. It was an enormous shoot.” He described the project as being “of a grand scale in every sense of the word” and expressed that the entire team is “very proud” of the work they’ve done. The series is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max in early 2026.
The Core Creative Team and Their Vision
Lanterns is spearheaded by a creative team with strong credentials in crime drama and comic book storytelling. Chris Mundy, known for his work on Ozark, serves as the showrunner and head writer. He is joined by producer Damon Lindelof, the co-creator of Lost and Watchmen, and Tom King, an award-winning DC comic book writer.
James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has previously described the show’s tone. He said the series is “more of a True Detective-type mystery” and will feature the Green Lanterns as “supercops on ‘Precinct Earth’.” This vision is supported by Mundy’s experience as a writer on the crime anthology True Detective, which Gunn cited as a major influence for Lanterns.
A Terrestrial Mystery for the Space Cops
The plot of Lanterns will focus on a Earth-bound detective story. The official logline reveals that the show will follow “new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.” The mystery they uncover is expected to have larger implications for the growing DC Universe.
Showrunner Chris Mundy provided more detail on the characters, explaining that Hal Jordan is “approaching retirement” and is training John Stewart to be his replacement. Mundy also emphasized that the series will feel relatable, exploring “who these guys are when they’re on the job and when they’re out of uniform.”
The Stars and Their Characters
The series features a cast led by Kyle Chandler as the seasoned Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as the rookie John Stewart. Pierre shared his appreciation for his character, saying, “They embrace their flaws in a way that is beautiful. That makes them extremely relatable.”
They are joined by Nathan Fillion, who reprises his role as the abrasive Guy Gardner. Fillion hinted that his character is “a little bit higher strung” in this series compared to his other DCU appearances and noted the show’s mature tone, stating, “I’ve dropped more F-bombs in that project than I have in, I think, my entire career put together.”
The main cast also includes:
- Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro, a rogue former Green Lantern.
- Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry.
- Poorna Jagannathan as Zoe.
- Garret Dillahunt as William Macon, a modern cowboy.
Jagannathan praised the scripts in a 2025 interview, calling them “the best writing that I’ve ever read” and noting that it makes the sci-fi world feel accessible.
Production Timeline and Release Plans
Filming for the series began on February 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. While rumors circulated online about production wrapping as early as July 2025, Pierre’s October confirmation solidifies the timeline. The first season will consist of eight episodes.
During a February 2025 press event, DC Studios co-chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran expressed confidence that Lanterns would premiere in early 2026. While an exact date is not yet set, industry predictions point to a potential release around March 2026. No trailer has been released yet, but teasers are expected to arrive in the months leading up to the premiere.
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