HBO has released the first trailer for Lanterns, a new DC Universe TV series featuring Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart investigating a murder in Nebraska. The show stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in the lead roles and is set to premiere in August 2026 with eight episodes. Inspired by True Detective and Slow Horses, it blends superhero action with detective drama.
The trailer for Lanterns, produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television, introduces the buddy-cop dynamic between veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, and rookie John Stewart, portrayed by Aaron Pierre. As intergalactic peacekeepers empowered by emerald rings that create green light constructs, the duo probes a mysterious murder in a small Nebraska town, uncovering deeper threats that could lead to a personal reckoning.
Key scenes in the trailer depict Hal driving a car off a cliff, prompting John to deploy his powers for a daring save. It also showcases glimpses of the Green Lantern costume, ring, and power battery, alongside a nod to Ch’p, an extraterrestrial Lantern resembling a squirrel. The series draws stylistic influences from True Detective and Slow Horses, emphasizing grounded investigation amid cosmic elements.
The ensemble cast includes Kelly Macdonald as sheriff Kerry, Nathan Fillion reprising Guy Gardner from the Superman project, Garret Dillahunt as cowboy William Macon, Poorna Jagannathan as cunning Zoe, and Ulrich Thomsen as rogue ex-Lantern Sinestro. Additional roles feature Nicole Ari Parker as John’s mother Bernadette Stewart, Jason Ritter as Kerry’s husband Billy Macon, Sherman Augustus as John Stewart Sr., Paul Ben-Victor as truth-seeking alien Antaan, Chris Coy as enigmatic trucker Waylon Sanders, and Cary Christopher as gifted child Noah. Laura Linney and Paula Patton appear in undisclosed parts.
Created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, Lanterns is executive produced by Mundy, Lindelof, King, James Gunn, Peter Safran, James Hawes, and Ron Schmidt. The eight-episode season arrives on HBO in August 2026, marking a key entry in the rebooted DC Universe.