2026 Green Lantern TV Show’s Unexpected Genre Gets Revealed

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Chris Mundy, the creator of the upcoming series Lanterns, has explained why the show is a detective story rather than a typical superhero adventure, and it fits perfectly with the show’s core idea. Following the introduction of Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner in the Superman movie, Lanterns will introduce two more Green Lanterns: Hal Jordan (played by Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). Though Green Lantern is usually associated with space adventures, this series will focus on a relationship between these two characters as they investigate a murder on Earth, which may be connected to a larger conflict in the galaxy.

With the DC Universe just getting started, the filmmakers are trying out various types of stories. 2026 looks to be a major year for DC Studios leaders James Gunn and Peter Safran, with ambitious projects like Supergirl, a sci-fi adventure, and Clayface, a scary, R-rated horror movie, on the way. The upcoming series Lanterns is also aiming for something different, according to the show’s creator.

In a recent interview with Men’s Health, Chris Mundy, the showrunner for the upcoming DCU series Lanterns, revealed that the show will be a blend of genres. He described it as “just as much a buddy cop show as a superhero show,” highlighting its surprising direction for an HBO Max series.

The buddy cop genre typically features two very different partners who are forced to team up to solve a serious case. The new show, Lanterns, naturally fits this genre because it pairs a seasoned hero, Hal Jordan, with a new recruit, John Stewart, who have contrasting personalities.

Mundy explained that the dynamic between Jordan and Stewart is central to the story of Lanterns, emphasizing that the show is fundamentally about one person taking the place of another.

The central theme of our show explores the idea of succession—knowing when to relinquish control and allow someone new to lead. The dynamic between these two figures is crucial. A lot of John’s strength comes from remaining calm and not reacting impulsively, because losing your temper means losing power. We want to show that he’s secure in his position, so he doesn’t feel the need to prove himself. Aaron Eckhart embodies this balance naturally. He has a physically imposing presence, but also a gentle and thoughtful side—qualities you can’t simply teach.

These statements align with what James Hawes, the director of Lanterns, shared in an earlier interview with Brandon Davis in June 2025. Hawes explained that Lanterns would follow a buddy cop format, though it wasn’t explicitly stated this would be a defining characteristic of the show.

Brandon Davis asked about the Lanterns project, expressing his excitement and curiosity. He acknowledged the likely limitations on what could be shared, but wanted to know what initially drew the team to the project.

It’s a bit different from the kinds of projects I usually work on, but the writing is fantastic. Chris Mundy and Damon Lindelof, who’ve done shows like ‘Ozark’ and ‘True Detective,’ have created a script that’s really clever and full of interesting characters. It feels like a buddy cop movie, almost like a mix of ‘True Detective,’ ‘Fargo,’ and ‘No Country for Old Men’ – very realistic and grounded. It’s essentially a buddy cop story, with a surprising twist: someone starts flying!

Following a significant year for the DC Universe in 2025, the series Lanterns will be the first major release in 2026. The show features Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Nathan Fillion, and Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro, and is anticipated to debut on HBO Max in early 2026.

Why Lanterns’ Buddy Cop Genre Has the Potential to Elevate the DCU

The series Lanterns really sets itself apart within the DC Universe – and the superhero genre in general – by focusing on the classic buddy cop dynamic. It has the chance to make the DCU even stronger by highlighting the great relationship between its two main characters, and its episode-by-episode structure lets the bond between John Stewart and Hal Jordan grow and develop naturally.

I’m really excited about what Chris Mundy said about Lanterns! It sounds like the show is building towards John Stewart becoming the main Green Lantern in the DCU, eventually taking over from Hal Jordan. I’m picturing a future where Stewart teams up with Superman and joins the Justice League! It makes sense that the show will focus on Stewart learning to work with other heroes, and who better to learn from than a seasoned Lantern like Hal Jordan?

The premise of Lanterns – pairing up two cops – works perfectly for the Green Lantern universe, since the Corps essentially function as space law enforcement. However, what sets this show apart is its focus on detective work. Instead of immediately using their rings to create powerful energy constructs, the two main characters are placed in a realistic situation where they have to solve a mystery using their skills as investigators.

The relationship between the two main characters in Lanterns relies heavily on conflict, and that conflict could easily shift. Fans of DC Comics know Hal Jordan is often arrogant, while John Stewart is known for being disciplined. This means Stewart might end up guiding or even correcting Jordan as they work through the investigation.

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2025-11-08 23:35