Being a DC or Green Lantern fan is particularly exciting right now! Just two months after a sneak peek, HBO released the first official trailer for Lanterns. The trailer gives the best look yet at Hal Jordan (played by Kyle Chandler), a veteran Green Lantern, and his new recruit, John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), showing off their partnership. While the trailer raises questions about how the series will handle Green Lantern’s powers and Power Rings, it also seems to confirm a major fan theory about Hal Jordan and the direction of the show.
A popular fan theory about the Lanterns series suggests a major shift in who protects Earth as a Green Lantern. Many believe Hal Jordan might die, leading his protégé, John Stewart, to take on the primary role. While the new trailer doesn’t confirm this, it does hint at a rivalry between John and Hal, with Hal firmly stating his intention to remain in charge. This suggests a change in leadership could be coming to the series.
Lanterns Could Be Taking a Page From a Major Comics Storyline
There’s speculation about a potential storyline for Lanterns where Hal Jordan dies, paving the way for John Stewart to take on a more prominent role. This idea is rooted in a famous Green Lantern comic book arc called “Emerald Twilight” from 1994. That story featured significant changes for the Green Lanterns, particularly Hal. After his hometown, Coast City, was destroyed in a bombing, Hal was deeply affected, haunted by the voices of the victims. Though he defeated the one responsible, Mongul, it wasn’t enough to prevent a downward spiral. Hal ultimately succumbed to the influence of the Parallax entity, causing widespread destruction and the deaths of many, including Guardians and other Lanterns. This ultimately led to his death and allowed another Lantern to rise as his replacement.
In the comics, Kyle Rayner took over as the Green Lantern after Hal Jordan fell from grace and died. However, the trailer for the upcoming “Lanterns” series suggests John Stewart might be the one to step into that role in the show. While the series could adapt the “Emerald Twilight” storyline (which deals with a changing of the guard), it’s not the only possibility. It could also be setting up a much larger story, potentially leading to a major crossover event like “Blackest Night” from the comics. “Blackest Night” involves a war between the different Lantern Corps, resulting in heroes and villains being resurrected as undead soldiers by black rings. If Hal Jordan were to return as a Black Lantern, it would create a compelling conflict for John Stewart.
It’s still unclear where the story of Lanterns is headed. The recently released trailer is just a small preview of what’s to come, and we anticipate a cameo from Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner. We also have questions about Hal Jordan’s statement that he’s the only human Green Lantern, considering the others are aliens. It remains to be seen how everything unfolds, but it seems likely the story will have a surprising turn for Hal Jordan, and John Stewart might become a Green Lantern sooner than expected.
Lanterns debuts on HBO Max later in 2026.
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2026-03-05 02:10