The Biggest DCU Crossover Event Theory Was Just Made More Likely by James Gunn

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There’s still a lot of buzz surrounding the DC Universe. The success of Superman and the second season of Peacemaker have really gotten fans excited about the direction James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, is taking these iconic characters. With Lanterns set to premiere on HBO in early 2026, many believe it will lead to a massive DCU crossover event – bringing the popular “Blackest Night” storyline to life – and James Gunn has recently hinted that this fan theory could be true.

Following the season 2 finale of Peacemaker, James Gunn discussed with Rolling Stone how he’s building a larger DC Universe. He explained that while each project will stand on its own, the various shows and movies will connect in unexpected ways. He specifically highlighted Lanterns as a crucial element, stating it will be “really important in setting up things” to come.

Lanterns Being Important Only Furthers The Potential For “Blackest Night”

“Blackest Night” is a massive crossover event in DC Comics focused on the Green Lantern universe. Published between 2009 and 2010, it began with a war between Sinestro and his Sinestro Corps against the Green Lanterns, setting in motion a long-foretold prophecy. This prophecy involves the emergence of power rings representing every color of the emotional spectrum, including the terrifying black rings of the Black Lanterns. These Black Lanterns, effectively undead beings, kill many DC heroes who then rise again as part of the Black Lantern Corps. To defeat Nekron, the master of the dead, and his army, the heroes teamed up with various Lantern groups to form a White Lantern Corps. This new force used light to combat the darkness and even brought some of the fallen heroes back to life.

Considering the “Blackest Night” storyline heavily features Green Lantern, it’s logical that the new Lanterns series would connect to it. Early information about the series suggests this is indeed the case. Lanterns will center on veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan and newcomer John Stewart as they investigate a murder that quickly unravels into a much larger and more ominous mystery. Many fans believe the victim of this murder is Alan Scott, the very first Green Lantern, and that the investigation will confirm the long-foretold “Blackest Night” prophecy is beginning to unfold.

How Could Peacemaker Connect to Lanterns?

James Gunn has hinted that the upcoming Lanterns series is crucial for a bigger story, and fans are drawing connections to the Peacemaker season finale. The finale showed A.R.G.U.S. finding Salvation and Peacemaker’s team establishing Checkmate. This is noteworthy because, in the comics, Alan Scott (the original Green Lantern) wasn’t just a member of the Justice Society – he also briefly worked with Checkmate, leading the organization as the White King alongside Sasha Bordeaux’s Black Queen. This connection strengthens the theory that Alan Scott will play a significant role in the future of the DC Universe.

Thanks to the shows Peacemaker and Lanterns, the DC Universe is building towards a major event potentially involving the ‘Blackest Night’ storyline. The groundwork laid in Lanterns, particularly anything concerning Alan Scott, could be the central mystery Hal Jordan and John Stewart investigate. Even if Lanterns doesn’t directly start ‘Blackest Night,’ it could establish the conditions for it to happen across all DC projects. The upcoming series will also feature Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, connecting it to the wider DC Universe. As a member of the Justice Gang, Guy’s involvement would naturally draw that team into investigating any signs that ‘Blackest Night’ is approaching.

Lanterns is expected to arrive on HBO in 2026.

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2025-10-24 16:41