The first official trailer has arrived for HBO’s Lanterns ahead of its debut in August 2026, and it features a flying Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and a John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) who is in training and waiting for his turn to wield the iconic ring.
Lanterns appears to be taking a much more grounded approach in a world filled with superheroes, as we don’t really see any powers take center stage besides a few teases at what this pair can do. Instead, we get a look at the fraught relationship between the old veteran and the up-and-comer who is waiting for his time to shine.
The trailer reveals Jordan and Stewart have been together for about two months now, and Stewart hasn’t been able to wear the ring yet.
“Don’t get hung up on the jewelry, junior,” Jordan says. “You’re just a f****** substitute teacher. You aren’t ready to get up in front of the class until the ring says you are.”
What follows next is Jordan jumping out of the car before it speeds off a cliff, and Stewart needing to find a way to survive, which he does off-screen.
We then get a glimpse of the wider mystery at hand, which involves a murder in the American Heartland. It also includes Sheriff Kerry (Kelly Macdonald), who doesn’t like these two getting in her way.
The rest of the trailer is filled with tension between the teacher and his student, a glimpse of Jordan’s old suit, and even a tease of the other Green Lanterns, who Jordan believes are all aliens. Oh, and one is a “f*****’ squirrel,” who is most likely Ch’p from the comics.
“The Green Lantern’s oath is to protect people,” Stewart says. “We both know I do a better job of this than you.”
“This is my job,” Jordan responds. “As long as I’m alive, that ain’t changin’. So, take a deep breath, junior.”
“You’re old. You’re tired,” Stewart says. “And your time is up.”
Lanterns will arrive after Supergirl, and it’s another way the DCU is expanding in 2026 and introducing new characters. And yes, it will also include familiar faces as Nathan Fillion will return as Guy Gardner in the series.
Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.
