DCU Lanterns Goofy? Trailer Mentions Another Squirrel

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James Gunn’s thing for squirrels continues in the DCU Lanterns series coming next year to HBO Max.

DC Studios unveiled a first glimpse of their upcoming series, Lanterns, during a presentation in São Paulo. This teaser offered fans the very first look at the new, more realistic take on Green Lantern being developed by James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Although the video hasn’t been published yet, accounts from those who’ve seen it reveal a lot about the show’s overall mood and how the characters interact with each other in the new DC Universe series.

We’ve heard this show is excellent – it begins realistically, but quickly becomes very science fiction-focused.

A Western-Style Green Lantern Story

Omelete reports that the teaser trailer has a strong Western feel, fitting with the show’s setting in the American countryside.

The video appears to have a muted, earthy color scheme, with both the settings and clothing rendered in brownish shades. This suggests a realistic, gritty look similar to the show True Detective, rather than a focus on fantastical visuals.

The show’s direction fits with what creator Chris Mundy has already stated: he wants Lanterns to feel like a crime thriller just as much as a superhero story.

Hal Jordan Trains John Stewart

The teaser mainly highlights the relationship between Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, and John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre.

So, apparently Hal and John have been working together for months now! Hal’s basically been showing John the ropes, acting as a mentor while John learns what it takes to be a Green Lantern here on Earth. He’s stepping in as a kind of substitute teacher, guiding him through the initial training stages – it’s really cool to see that dynamic.

The tension between them is clear:

  • John Stewart openly tells Hal he’s better at saving people.
  • Hal pushes back, continuing to drill him like a veteran who has seen it all.

Omelete notes that the two characters seem to constantly disagree in the preview, highlighting the show’s central theme of very different personalities being forced to work together.

No Suit Reveal Yet

If you’re excited to see the Green Lanterns in their full costumes, you’ll have to be patient—the preview doesn’t reveal either Hal Jordan or John Stewart fully suited up. The only glimpse of powers comes from a brief shot of Hal flying, but his complete costume is still hidden.

Since the show isn’t expected until late summer 2026, HBO is likely waiting to share a full look at the visuals at a later time.

Ch’p Reference Confirmed

The preview also has a fun Easter egg for dedicated comic book readers: a reference to Ch’p, the squirrel-shaped Green Lantern from sector 1014.

Although the character isn’t currently visible, sources confirm he’s part of James Gunn’s DC Universe and could show up later this season.

Release info

HBO and Max are developing a new eight-episode series called Lanterns. Chris Mundy, known for True Detective: Night Country and Ozark, will lead the show as showrunner. He’s working with executive producers Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, The Leftovers) and Tom King (Mister Miracle, Supergirl) to create a realistic crime thriller that uniquely focuses on two Green Lanterns.

Aaron Pierre stars as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in this eight-episode series, with both actors appearing in every episode. The cast also includes Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry, Garret Dillahunt as William Macon, Jason Ritter as Billy Macon, Nicole Ari Parker as Bernadette, Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro, and Poorna Jagannathan as Zoe.

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2025-11-26 02:02