Forget the Backlash, HBO’s Green Lantern Show Is Delivering on the DCU’s Most Exciting Promise

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DC Studios aims to follow up a strong 2025 with an even more ambitious 2026, planning major releases in both theaters and on TV. Between the films Supergirl and Clayface comes the series Lanterns, which will bring the Green Lantern universe back to live-action after the 2011 film starring Ryan Reynolds. The team-up of Hal Jordan and John Stewart is expected to be a highlight for DC fans, but initial reactions to Lanterns have been mixed. Much of this stems from the promotional materials, which highlight a realistic and mature style of filmmaking.

The Green Lantern Corps is usually associated with epic, large-scale adventures in space. But the new series, Lanterns, takes a very different approach. Instead of cosmic battles, it’s a grounded mystery set on Earth, focusing on Hal and John investigating a case in a small town. While some DC fans haven’t connected with the show’s darker, more subdued style, Lanterns is actually delivering on its initial promise of a unique story.

Lanterns‘ True Detective Approach Shouldn’t Be Surprising to DC Fans

In January 2023, James Gunn announced the initial list of projects for the DCU’s “Gods and Monsters” phase. While the plans have evolved since then—the project known as Man of Tomorrow wasn’t originally included, for example—some things have remained consistent. One of the first shows Gunn revealed was Lanterns, which he described as a TV series similar to True Detective, but featuring Green Lanterns and set on Earth. He made this comparison even before any filming began.

It’s one thing to hear a show is similar to True Detective, and another to see it visually resemble DC’s take on that style – that’s likely why the initial teaser surprised some viewers. However, fans who’ve followed the DC Universe from the start and James Gunn’s statements weren’t surprised at all. Lanterns is definitely inspired by the look and atmosphere of True Detective, but with its own unique twist. Like the popular HBO crime drama, Lanterns focuses on the relationship between two partners, Hal and John, and much of the show’s appeal comes from watching their interactions. Their dynamic is a mentor/mentee relationship that can be strained, as John is determined to prove he deserves the power of a Green Lantern.

Beyond similar visuals and character interactions, the new show Lanterns is taking a storytelling approach similar to True Detective. It will unfold across two different time periods within the DC Universe: one in 2016, featuring John Stewart as a backup Lantern to Hal Jordan, and another in the present day. True Detective‘s first season effectively used flashbacks to develop its characters and mystery, and Lanterns aims to do the same. The key will be weaving these two timelines together seamlessly to create a cohesive and satisfying story, just as True Detective did. If done well, Lanterns should feel like a unified narrative, rather than two separate, disconnected storylines.

It’s common for movie and TV studios to use marketing that misleads audiences about what a show is really like. However, the promotion for Lanterns seems to be different. While the trailers are keeping some surprises under wraps – as good trailers should – they accurately convey the show’s core concept. In fact, the trailer clearly suggests Lanterns will be similar to True Detective, but set in the DC universe, which is exactly what James Gunn has hinted at for the past three years.

Lanterns Is a Great Idea for a DC TV Show

James Gunn, as he builds the new DC Universe, is focusing on giving each movie and show its own individual feel. He wants to mirror the DC comics, where different titles all had unique styles while still existing within the same universe. This creative approach will help keep the DCU interesting and prevent it from becoming repetitive, offering viewers something fresh and exciting with each new installment.

The DC Universe is still new, but we’re already seeing how well different kinds of stories can work within it. Superman is a classic, family-friendly blockbuster focusing on positivity and fun, while Peacemaker leans into mature themes with violence and comedy. Clayface promises to be a scary, body-horror experience. It makes sense for Lanterns to try something unique. We’ve already seen lighter, more optimistic space adventures like Superman and the upcoming Supergirl. By taking inspiration from shows like True Detective, Lanterns can offer a fresh take on familiar ideas and continue this trend of diverse storytelling.

As a huge DC fan, I think turning Lanterns into a crime drama is actually a really smart move. The Green Lantern Corps are essentially space police, so it makes total sense to lean into that. It’s definitely a different direction than we’ve seen before, but it’s not a crazy leap. Think of Hal and John as cops stationed on Earth – it’s a natural fit to put them on an Earth-based mystery. Plus, starting with something more realistic is a brilliant way to bring in viewers who aren’t already familiar with the more out-there Green Lantern stuff. Let’s be real, this universe has some weird concepts – a squirrel Lantern, anyone? Framing Lanterns like a show like True Detective makes those wilder sci-fi ideas easier to swallow at first. Then, if the show gets a second season, they can really go big with the scope and scale once people are already invested.

As a DC series, Lanterns will definitely deliver the superhero action fans expect. The creators promise a vibrant display of green energy and have hinted at large-scale battles showcasing the full power of the Lanterns. The show seems to be taking a similar approach to True Detective as Captain America: The Winter Soldier did with political thrillers or Ant-Man with heist comedies. James Gunn, inspired by Marvel’s success blending comic book elements with popular genres, is aiming to do the same for DC. Given the strong start of the DCU and the talented team working on Lanterns, it’s reasonable to expect a good show.

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2026-06-01 20:43