Although James Gunn’s plans for the first chapter of the DC Universe (DCU) remain largely unclear, the upcoming HBO series Lanterns seems to hint at a possible apocalyptic finale. This show’s storyline, grounded on Earth and focused on the Green Lanterns, might be laying the groundwork for a universe-threatening event known as Blackest Night.
This series could be pivotal because it might connect to an epic conclusion that puts the survival of all life at risk, aligning with Gunn’s darker thematic vision for the saga’s endgame.
Transition from a Cancelled Green Lantern Film to a Grounded Earth-Based Series
Fans were initially dissatisfied when DC Studios canceled a planned Green Lantern movie in favor of a television series. The original concept by Greg Berlanti that revolved around space operas was discarded for a more Earth-centric narrative, which added confusion since multiple Green Lanterns appeared on Earth despite this not being a typical Lantern Corps story.
The solution to this fan frustration came when it was revealed that Lanterns would adopt a True Detective-style mystery format, firmly set on Earth and designed to integrate tightly with the overarching DCU that James Gunn and Peter Safran are building. This style shift suggests a deliberate move toward a darker, more suspenseful tone.
Moreover, this decision implies there’s a deeper strategic reason behind rewriting scripts already in progress, likely to align with the larger story Gunn is crafting—one involving gods and monsters sharing the same universe and timeline.
Blackest Night Prophecy: A Looming Apocalypse in the DCU
The Green Lantern mythology centers around a prophecy found in the Book of Oa that foretells the Blackest Night, an apocalyptic war that threatens to annihilate all life. According to recent fan theories circulating on social media platforms like Twitter/X, the HBO Lanterns series is set to build toward this catastrophic event involving an all-out War of Lights among the various Lantern Corps factions.
This scenario would serve as a fitting and dramatic climax to James Gunn’s DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, wrapping up the arc with high stakes and dark consequences.
How the Lanterns Series Might Trigger the War of Lights and the Blackest Night
The fan theory suggests that the Lanterns series is designed as a mystery thriller with strong supernatural and dark elements, rather than a typical superhero recruitment drama. Central to this is the involvement of prominent characters like Hal Jordan and John Stewart, who appear on Earth due to an urgent, dire reason rather than simply beginning their superhero journeys.
One key plot catalyst is apparently the death of Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern of Earth, who is rumored to have been killed by the Black Hand, a villain embodying death and darkness.
“My DCU prediction: The War of Lights is already happening. Hal & John were sent to Earth to investigate the death of Alan Scott. Alan was killed by the Black Hand. Lanterns ends with the reveal that the Prophecy of Blackest Night is coming true.” — Comics Explained, July 15, 2025
Alan Scott’s murder by Black Hand could directly ignite the long-awaited Blackest Night event. The Black Hand, as a physical representation of Death, commands the power to resurrect fallen heroes and villains as Black Lanterns—undead warriors who seek to extinguish all life during this dark prophecy.
Implications for the DCU’s First Chapter and Its Dark Finale
The Blackest Night event promises to bring a large-scale conflict involving all factions of the Lantern Corps and an existential battle that threatens everything within James Gunn’s interconnected DCU. This approach would mark a significant tonal shift toward a grim and intense finale, moving past conventional superhero battles to explore more epic and unsettling themes.
If Gunn embraces this dark direction, it could revitalize fan interest and help overcome the weariness many feel toward superhero stories, signaling a bold new chapter for the DC franchise.
Lanterns is scheduled to premiere on HBO in early 2026, potentially setting the stage for the dramatic end of DCU Chapter One.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household, and he has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, against religion.”
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu influenced the new CGI-animated version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still values prayer. However, he has expressed that he is “in some ways, anti-religion.”
