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| Credit : DC's Lanterns |
Hal Jordan and John Stewart pause their murder investigation in a newly released image from HBO’s upcoming series Lanterns, offering a glimpse into the show’s grounded, character-driven tone.
The exclusive still, unveiled as part of ScreenRant’s Summer 2026 TV preview, features Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart—two members of the Green Lantern Corps—sharing drinks in a small-town bar. While parts of the series are set in Iowa, much of the central investigation unfolds in Sheridan County, Nebraska, where the presence of outsiders isn’t exactly welcomed by the locals.
Though the image suggests a moment of rest, it’s more likely that Hal and John are using the setting to gather information. Their expressions hint that this encounter could be more than casual downtime—it may be a key step toward uncovering the truth. The image also draws attention to Hal’s iconic power ring, a symbol of experience and authority that John has yet to earn.
As a new recruit, John is still in training and not permitted to wield a ring. This dynamic is highlighted in the series trailer, where John questions how much longer he must wait. Hal, ever the seasoned mentor, turns the moment into a lesson—leaving the ring behind as he exits a moving vehicle, forcing John to confront the situation without relying on its power.
While Lanterns exists within the larger DC Universe, the show leans heavily into a gritty, detective-style narrative. Blending cosmic elements with a grounded mystery, it explores a unique buddy-cop dynamic as Hal prepares John to eventually take his place.
The series also features Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner and Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro, Hal’s former mentor turned adversary. Sinestro’s presence is expected to add tension to the investigation, especially given his complicated history with Hal. This backstory may also shape Hal’s tough, no-nonsense approach to training John.
With Hal nearing retirement and regarded as a legend among the Corps, the mentorship at the heart of Lanterns is as much about legacy as it is about solving a case. John, still learning what it truly means to be a Green Lantern, faces a steep path ahead.
Lanterns is set to premiere on HBO this August, following the release of Supergirl on June 26. The eight-episode first season will be followed by the next DCU installment, Clayface, arriving in October.