James Gunn’s Lanterns Trailer Drawing Criticism for Not Showing Any Superpowers, Except for One

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The trailer for the new series Lanterns is finally available, and some fans are confused by what wasn’t shown. There was a lot of excitement for a first look at the show, and while the trailer wasn’t bad, it didn’t reveal nearly enough about the series.

The scene opens with Aaron Pierre (from Rebel Ridge) and Kyle Chandler (known for Godzilla vs. Kong) driving on a deserted highway, discussing whether they’re prepared to accept the ring. Pierre, playing John Stewart, urges Chandler, as Hal Jordan, to accelerate the training.

The contentious dynamic takes center stage from the outset.

Stewart protested, saying, “We’ve only been training for about two months, and I haven’t even had a chance to wear the ring yet.” Jordan responded harshly, telling him, “Don’t worry about the ring. You’re still just a beginner, and you’re not prepared to lead the class until I say you are.”

After that, the action really kicks into high gear. Jordan jumps out of the moving car, putting Stewart in a dangerous situation. When Stewart surprisingly survives, he remarks he could have died, and Jordan responds with mock applause, saying, “Do you want my help? Because I’m going to train you.”

How Stewart managed to survive a car plunging off a cliff and into the canyon is a mystery – and that’s where the trouble starts for the movie trailer.

Lanterns Trailer Is Good … But It Could’ve Blown the Roof Off

There’s good in this trailer, and that should go without saying.

We finally see the deep-seated animosity between the two Green Lanterns and understand its roots. Stewart thinks Jordan is past his prime and can’t effectively protect Earth, while Jordan views Stewart as an arrogant newcomer who doesn’t deserve the power ring – even though it isn’t his call to make.

Stewart: “We both know I do a better job of this than you.”

Jordan: “This is my job. As long as I’m alive, that ain’t changing.”

The trailer finally reveals a first glimpse of John Stewart as the Green Lantern, showcasing his iconic costume and power ring. We also see Hal Jordan fly for the very first time – all major moments for fans. Plus, Kelly Macdonald (known for her roles in No Country For Old Men and Boardwalk Empire) joins the cast, and it’s clear her character isn’t a fan of Hal Jordan.

Lanterns Teases Something Much Bigger

By the time this was said, dedicated DC Comics fans secretly believed Lanterns had a lot of promise, as long as it was done well.

Stewart noticed there were no other humans in the trailer and asked Jordan about it. Jordan’s reply was brilliantly funny: “I’m the only human here. Everyone else is an alien—one of them is even a squirrel!”

Most likely, we’ll see the Green Lantern Corps show up eventually.

The first trailer for Lanterns was a mixed bag. While it showed Jordan flying, it didn’t showcase the ring’s powers – every time it seemed like we’d see a demonstration, the scene would cut away. However, it’s possible that was intentional, as teaser trailers are designed to hint at things to come rather than reveal everything.

Following production delays, Lanterns is now set to debut for HBO Max in August 2026.

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2026-03-04 22:40