‘Lanterns’ teaser: Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre’s tense partnership to steer upcoming DC series

HBO has released the first teaser for Lanterns, offering an early look at the dynamic between Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart as the two Green Lanterns investigate a mysterious killing on Earth.

The preview emphasises character conflict and a grounded tone rather than large-scale superhero action. The series follows Stewart, a new recruit to the Green Lantern Corps, who teams up with veteran Lantern Jordan to examine a murder in the American heartland.

In one exchange highlighted in the teaser, Stewart questions why he has not yet been given a power ring after weeks of training. Jordan dismisses his frustration, telling him, “Don’t get hung up on the jewelry, Junior.” The moment references the longstanding lore of the Green Lantern Corps, where the rings themselves choose their wielders.

The teaser also hints at the broader mythology behind the intergalactic organisation, though the setting remains largely Earth-based. Jordan briefly notes the alien membership of the Corps, joking that one member is “a f****n’ squirrel,” a nod to lesser-known characters from the comics.

Chandler and Pierre lead a cast that includes Kelly Macdonald as a local law enforcement officer involved in the investigation. Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan and Ulrich Thomsen also appear in the series.

Lanterns is produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television. The project was created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and Tom King, with Mundy serving as showrunner.

Directors attached to the series include James Hawes, Stephen Williams, Geeta Vasant Patel and Alik Sakharov. Hawes also directed the opening episodes.

The series is part of the expanding DC screen universe overseen by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
HBO has scheduled Lanterns to premiere in August.