Image Credit: HBO
The first trailer for the new drama “Lanterns,” based on DC Comics’ “Green Lantern,” has been released. Green Lantern is a DC hero, also known from the movie starring Ryan Reynolds. They are guardians who protect peace throughout the universe with the “Power Ring,” a weapon that embodies their will. However, this drama is set in a rural town in Nebraska and begins with a down-to-earth, gritty murder investigation. It is reminiscent of “True Detective” and the works of Taylor Sheridan.
The protagonists are rookie Green Lantern John Stuart (Aaron Pierre) and legend Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler), who become entangled in a massive mystery spanning the galaxy while investigating a murder case in the United States. At the beginning, John complains that despite two months of training from his senior, Hal, he still isn’t allowed to wear the ring. Hal dismisses him, saying, “Don’t get hung up on jewelry.” Suddenly, Hal leaves the ring on the dashboard and jumps out of the driver’s seat. John is thrown off a cliff with the car… “You almost died,” says Hal, looking cool as a cucumber at John, who has returned unharmed. “You asked for training, so I trained you.”
Soon, the two are drawn into investigating a case that smells of a suspicious conspiracy. How will this locally-based case connect to the universe-spanning saga of Green Lantern? The footage shows lines such as “Green Lantern’s job on Earth is to protect people” and “All the other Green Lanterns are aliens, and one of them is a squirrel,” as well as glimpses of the costume and a fragment of Hal Jordan’s superpowers… This is clearly a superhero buddy cop drama for adults. The series consists of eight episodes and is co-written by Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, 2019) and Tom King, author of comics such as Rorschach.
Episodes 1 and 2 are directed by James Hoare, who directed the spy thriller drama The Man in the High Castle starring Gary Oldman. Showrunner and executive producer is Chris Mande. The drama “Lanterns” is scheduled for US streaming in August 2026.
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