10 Things You Need to Know Before You Watch Lanterns
10 Things You Need to Know Before You Watch Lanterns
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re shedding light on some important details you may not know about HBO’s “Lanterns”.
Part of “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters”
After taking over as DC Studios co-CEOS, James Gunn and Peter Safran unveiled their first project in the rebooted DC universe, officially named “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters”. It spans films and TV in one shared continuity, and “Lanterns” is part of that slate. In fact, it’s the third DCU TV series after “Creature Commandos” and “Peacemaker S2”. Projects like “Superman”, “Supergirl, and “Man of Tomorrow” are all part of this continuity. What this means is, instead of standalone films or shows with unconnected stories, every project under “Gods and Monsters” takes place in the same fictional world, and possibly on the same timelines. Same characters can also appear across projects. It makes for more intricate storytelling, and richer world-building. Don’t you think?
More Grounded Than the Comics
With “Lanterns”, Chris Mundy sets out to create a human story that resonates with people who have never touched the comics. More than just a space opera or super-hero drama, “Lanterns” aims for a layered story on an epic scale. To achieve this, Mundy and his team are drawing inspiration from acclaimed shows like “Ozark”, “True Detective”, and “Slow Horses”. As showrunner, Mundy brings his own pedigree, having been involved in both “Ozark” and “True Detective: Night Country”. Writers like Damon Lindelof and Tom King will also be adding their own storytelling expertise. But of course, there will be power rings, Green Lanterns weapons and the Corps framework hardcore fans will love. Though it won’t be adapting any specific story from the comics.
A Connection to “Superman”
The clearest bridge between HBO’s “Lanterns” and “Superman” 2025 is Guy Gardner. In Gunn’s “Superman”, Nathan Fillion plays the veteran Green Lantern as a member of the Justice Gang. Staying true to DC Studios’ interconnected universe, after making an appearance in “Peacemaker” S2, Gardner will also appear in Lanterns. Unlike the noble Hal Jordan and John Stewart, it appears Gardner is set to provide the much-needed comic relief. But the connection doesn’t end there. “Lanterns” unfolds across two timelines, with the events of “Superman” taking place between them. Beyond these connections, Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart, a major character in “Lanterns” is confirmed to appear in “Man of Tomorrow”, “Superman’s” follow-up. It’s exactly the kind of interconnected world many DC fans have been hoping for.
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A Multi-Season Show
Way back in February 2025, Safran stated that “Lanterns” could extend beyond its first season. Then in May 2026, reports indicated that HBO was developing a potential second season. According to the same report, a writers’ room was expected to reconvene, with comic book writer Christopher Cantwell joining as both a writer and executive producer. Cantwell later confirmed he was working on a second season. Sounds like great news, except it seems it all depends on how well the first season performs. If the viewership falls short, the series may never move beyond season one. Fortunately, Mundy has said the first season tells a complete story, meaning fans likely won’t be left with unresolved story arcs if a second season never materializes.
Laura Linney Is Part of “Lanterns”
Although we don’t know what role Laura Linney is playing in “Lanterns”, it’s exciting that she’s part of the cast. When the second trailer dropped in May 2026, Linney briefly appeared in what looked like a serious conversation with Stewart. “Ozark” fans will surely remember her standout performance, which earned her three Emmy nominations. If Gunn’s goal is to make “Lanterns” play like a prestige television drama rather than a large-scale cosmic adventure, it makes sense that Linney is part of it. The fact that her role remains undisclosed already has fans speculating. Some have guessed she might be playing Hal Jordan’s love interest, Carol Ferris, or a high-ranking Lantern Corps figure. Whichever it is, we hope it lives up to expectations.
Sinestro
Can there be a “Green Lantern” show without Thaal Sinestro? He’s about as close to essential as a Green Lantern villain gets. Those familiar with the comics know Sinestro isn’t just any antagonist. He’s a former Green Lantern himself, and one of its greatest members before he was cast out and became its most iconic enemy. Since “Lanterns” will focus heavily on Hal Jordan, his story would feel incomplete without Sinestro. He’s, of course, Jordan’s former mentor, whose dictatorship Jordan helped to expose. It has been confirmed that Ulrich Thomsen will be playing the role. While we don’t know the full extent of his role, whatever mystery Jordan is investigating, it appears Sinestro will be tied to it somehow.
The "Two-Timeline" Twist
Isn’t it intriguing when the past somehow connects to the present? Rather than delivering spectacle-driven storytelling, “Lanterns” creative team are crafting it with plenty of complexity. The series unfolds across two timelines, with each one revealing pieces of a much larger conspiracy. The story begins with a murder mystery that takes place in Rushville Nebraska in 2016 before shifting to another mystery in 2026 that’s directly connected to the first. With Lindelof and Mundy involved, the nonlinear timelines feel like a natural fit. According to Mundy, the focus is on creating “emotional mysteries” that explore the evolving relationship between Hal and Stewart. Whatever the case, it sounds like a long-fuse thriller built to reward patient viewers.
An Earth-Based Murder Mystery
Instead of introducing the Green Lantern Corps through another galaxy-spanning war, “Lanterns” begins with a murder on Earth. New recruit Stewart and Corps veteran Jordan team up to crack a case in a quiet corner of rural America. But it’s more than a murder mystery. Across eight episodes, it also opens the door to DC’s main storyline and a far larger mythology. The series draws creative DNA from outstanding shows like “True Detective" and “Slow Horses”, giving it a feel of a sophisticated, character-driven mystery series. Still, even as the tale begins on earth, “Green Lantern” is still “Green Lantern”. According to Mundy, the peacekeeping force still travels to other planets and conjures things from the ring.
Inclusion of Prison Salvation & the Organization Checkmate
For true DC fans, names like Salvation and Checkmate are nothing new. For those who don’t know, Salvation is a metahuman prison-slash-planet filled with banished villains, while Checkmate is a covert intelligence organization tied to many DC heroes. In “Peacemaker’s” finale, Chris Smith is exiled to Salvation, seemingly becoming its first prisoner. The series also introduces Checkmate as a new organization founded by the 11th Street Kids. Both Salvation and Checkmate will be featured in “Lanterns” and may go on to play much larger roles. Since “Peacemaker” and “Lanterns” exist in Gunn’s shared DC universe, that’s not surprising. Also, with a murder mystery that grows into something far bigger, an organization like Checkmate may prove especially important. We can’t wait to find out.
Hal's & John's Mentor-Slash-Rival Bond
Since “Lanterns” is treading a similar path to “True Detective”, it makes sense if the leads share a difficult relationship, like Rust Cohle and Marty Hart. Their tension could stem from how each got their ring. Hal was chosen the traditional way, naturally becoming a Lantern after Abin Sur crashed on Earth. John’s case is unusual. He was selected by the Guardians of the Universe instead of the ring itself. That could explain why Hal feels resentment toward him. His fraught relationship with Sinestro, his own mentor-turned-enemy may complicate things and shape how he approaches training Stewart. Perhaps, Hal fears his mentorship could repeat Sinestro’s failure. Hopefully, during their journey they’ll grow mutual respect for each other, like Rust and Marty did.
Are you happy with the show’s direction? Let us know in the comment section.