HBO Max Unveils New Footage of ‘Lanterns’ Series

In brightest day, the first look is here. As part of its exciting 2026 programming preview, HBO Max has unveiled the first teaser footage for Lanterns, the highly anticipated DC Studios series. The clips provide a glimpse into the dynamic between the show’s two lead characters, Hal Jordan and John Stewart, and the high-stakes, Earth-based mystery they will be tackling.

HBO Max Reveals First Look at Jordan and Stewart

The series stars Kyle Chandler as the legendary Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, and Aaron Pierre as the determined recruit, John Stewart. The new footage immediately establishes their mentor-mentee relationship. “I’ve trained my whole life for this,” Stewart says, full of conviction. Jordan quickly tempers his enthusiasm, replying, “You’re not ready to get up in front of the class until the ring says you are.”

One of the teaser’s most dramatic moments shows Jordan placing his power ring on the car’s dashboard before abruptly jumping out of the moving vehicle, leaving Stewart to careen off a hill. The brief but action-packed preview also shows Stewart running against traffic on a highway, hinting at the grounded, intense nature of the series.

A “Buddy Cop” Superhero Show

Lanterns comes from a creative team that includes Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King. The series is described as a story about two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark mystery when they investigate a murder in the American heartland.

In a recent interview, showrunner Chris Mundy elaborated on the show’s tone, calling it “as much of a buddy cop show as a superhero show.” He explained that a central theme is replacement and the push-and-pull dynamic between the seasoned veteran and the up-and-coming hero. “So much of the power that John has is by not taking the bait, understanding that you lose your power if you’re yelling and screaming,” Mundy said, praising Aaron Pierre’s ability to convey that innate strength and thoughtfulness.

An Expansive Cast and High Expectations

Joining Chandler and Pierre is an impressive ensemble cast that includes Kelly MacDonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Ulrich Thomsen, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Sherman Augustus, and Nathan Fillion, among others. With its unique blend of gritty crime drama and cosmic superhero lore, Lanterns is positioned to be a cornerstone of the new DC Universe. The series is expected to premiere on HBO Max in 2026.