HBO Max Releases Teaser Trailer for New DC Series 'Lanterns'

The series follows a new Green Lantern recruit and his veteran partner investigating a murder in the American heartland.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

HBO Max has released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming DC Studios superhero TV series 'Lanterns'. The show stars Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, a new Green Lantern recruit, and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, his veteran partner. The series will follow the two intergalactic cops as they are 'drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery' while investigating a murder in the American heartland.

Why it matters

The release of the 'Lanterns' teaser trailer builds anticipation for the new DC series, which is part of the expanding DC Universe under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. As a Green Lantern-focused show, 'Lanterns' represents an opportunity to explore lesser-known characters from the DC canon and potentially introduce them to a wider audience.

The details

In the teaser trailer, John Stewart expresses uncertainty about his readiness to take on the role of a Green Lantern, to which Hal Jordan responds by saying Stewart is 'just a f****** substitute teacher' who is 'not ready to get up in front of the class until the ring says you are.' However, Jordan then leaves the ring with Stewart, suggesting this is all part of the training process.

  • The 'Lanterns' teaser trailer was released on March 5, 2026.
  • The series is set to debut on HBO Max in August 2026.

The players

Aaron Pierre

An English actor who will play the role of John Stewart, a new Green Lantern recruit, in the 'Lanterns' series.

Kyle Chandler

An American actor who will play the role of Hal Jordan, a veteran Green Lantern, in the 'Lanterns' series.

Chris Mundy

The showrunner for 'Lanterns', who is also known for his work on 'True Detective: Night Country'.

Damon Lindelof

A writer for 'Lanterns', known for his work on 'Watchmen'.

Tom King

A DC comic creator who is also a writer for the 'Lanterns' series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With all due respect, we've been training for, what, two months? And I haven't even worn the ring yet.”

— Aaron Pierre, as John Stewart (wadk.com)

“Don't get hung up on the jewelry, junior. You're just a f****** substitute teacher. You're not ready to get up in front of the class until the ring says you are.”

— Kyle Chandler, as Hal Jordan (wadk.com)

What’s next

The 'Lanterns' series is set to debut on HBO Max in August 2026, so fans can expect more promotional materials and information about the show in the coming months leading up to its premiere.

The takeaway

The 'Lanterns' teaser trailer offers a glimpse into the dynamic between the new Green Lantern recruit John Stewart and the veteran Hal Jordan, hinting at a training-focused narrative that will likely be a central part of the series. As a new entry in the expanding DC Universe, 'Lanterns' represents an opportunity to introduce lesser-known characters to a wider audience and explore different corners of the DC canon.