New Lanterns Trailer Shows More Green Lantern Action and Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner
DC's Lanterns finally delivers the cosmic action fans demanded after early criticism. Kyle Chandler's Hal Jordan uses classic ring powers while Nathan Fillion returns as Guy Gardner. Streams HBO Max UAE same day as US debut.
HBO Max has released a new trailer for DC Studios series Lanterns, and this time there's actually plenty of Green Lantern action. The series debuts Sunday, 16 August on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max in the UAE the same day. According to HBO Max's new trailer release, fans can finally see the cosmic superhero powers they've been waiting for.
Key Takeaways
- HBO Max's new Lanterns trailer debuts 16 August 2026 on HBO and HBO Max in the UAE.
- The trailer features Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan using Green Lantern powers and Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner.
- The series follows intergalactic cops investigating a murder in the American heartland.
- Co-creator Damon Lindelof previously apologised for calling the 'Green' in Green Lantern 'stupid'.
- Cast includes Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Laura Linney in undisclosed roles.
What does the new Lanterns trailer show?
The new trailer addresses previous fan criticism by showcasing Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) actually using his Green Lantern powers. We see him blocking energy beams, creating protective bubbles, and even conjuring money out of thin air — all the classic ring-slinging action fans expect from a Green Lantern series.
The footage also includes space sequences with Hal Jordan arriving on a mysterious cracked planet in full Green Lantern costume. Meanwhile, new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) expresses his desire for cosmic abilities, setting up what appears to be tension between the two Lanterns.
Most notably, we get our first proper look at Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner, following his appearance in last summer's Superman film, plus an introduction to Laura Linney's character.
Are you afraid? #Lanterns premieres August 16 on @hbomax. pic.twitter.com/Z0uUUQMwZh
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 18, 2026
Who stars in Lanterns?
Kyle Chandler leads the cast as Hal Jordan, the veteran Green Lantern legend. Aaron Pierre plays John Stewart, described as a new recruit to the Green Lantern Corps. Nathan Fillion returns as Guy Gardner after appearing in the Superman film that launched the new DC Universe.
Laura Linney joins the cast in an undisclosed role, though her character hasn't been revealed in the marketing materials. The series is part of James Gunn's broader DCU slate, which includes upcoming films like Clayface and Superman: Man of Tomorrow.
What is Lanterns actually about?
The series follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan as two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery. They're investigating a murder in the American heartland, suggesting the show will blend cosmic superhero elements with grounded detective work.
This approach appears designed to make Green Lantern mythology more accessible while maintaining the space-cop premise that defines the characters. The trailer suggests tension between Stewart and Jordan, likely exploring their different approaches to wielding the ring's power.
Why was there controversy about the series?
In March, Lanterns co-creator Damon Lindelof had to apologise after previously calling the word 'Green' in 'Green Lantern' stupid. The controversy began when he joked on the Lovett or Leave It podcast: 'It's called Lanterns, because we all agreed that the 'Green' was stupid, so now it's just Lanterns.'
Comic writer Grant Morrison criticised these comments, arguing: 'The only people who give a f*** about the Lanterns TV series are Green Lantern fans. Why alienate them at the start? That feels more like 'stupid.''
Lindelof eventually apologised on Instagram, saying: 'I made a dumb joke on a comedy podcast. The joke was dumb, the fandom is not. I owe them an explanation and a genuine reflection of my actual feelings.'
When and where to watch Lanterns in UAE
Lanterns debuts Sunday, 16 August 2026 on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max in the UAE on the same day. This places it after this summer's Supergirl film and before the October release of Clayface, which James Gunn has confirmed is chronologically the first DCU film.
The series will be part of HBO's major streaming push in 2026, joining other high-profile series on the platform. UAE viewers won't need to wait for regional delays — it's a same-day global release
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Lanterns release?
Lanterns debuts Sunday, 16 August 2026 on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max in the UAE the same day.
Who is in the cast of Lanterns?
The cast includes Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Laura Linney in an undisclosed role.
What is Lanterns about?
The series follows new recruit John Stewart and veteran Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops investigating a murder in the American heartland while dealing with cosmic Green Lantern duties.
Where can I watch Lanterns in UAE?
UAE viewers can stream Lanterns on HBO Max starting 16 August 2026, with no regional delay from the global release date.
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