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Lanterns: We Think We Know Who the Real Villain Is Based on the New Trailer | Comic Con 2026
A new trailer for HBO Max’s Lanterns, unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con, points to a more cosmic Green Lantern story than earlier promotional material suggested. IGN says the footage may reassure fans who feared the series would focus mainly on a grounded detective-style plot, while also raising questions about its central threat and Hal Jordan’s future.
Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan is shown training Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart, and tells Sinestro that John is intended to replace him as Earth’s Green Lantern. The trailer also introduces Ulrich Thomsen’s imprisoned Sinestro and reveals that the pair are investigating Manhunters on Earth: dangerous shape-shifting robots created by the Guardians of the Universe, which could make it difficult to identify allies or enemies. Lanterns is due to premiere on 16 August.
In short
- New trailer emphasises Lanterns’ cosmic Green Lantern mythology.
- John Stewart appears set to replace Hal Jordan.
- Shape-shifting Manhunters may be the main threat.
Explained simply
Lanterns is an HBO Max series centred on the Green Lantern Corps, a group of cosmic superheroes who wield rings powered by willpower. The story follows experienced Green Lantern Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, as he trains John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) to become the next Green Lantern protecting Earth.
Hal and John must investigate mysterious threats called Manhunters, which are dangerous shape-shifting robots created by the Guardians of the Universe, cosmic beings of immense power. The Manhunters' ability to change form makes it difficult to determine who can be trusted as an ally or enemy.
Lanterns represents a significant attempt to bring DC Comics' Green Lantern universe to television. The series is set to premiere on HBO Max on 16 August, and has attracted considerable interest in its direction and scope.