James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Studios are planning to broaden the DC Universe (DCU) by showcasing at least nine different characters who have been Green Lanterns in the comics. Fans have already met Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner in Superman and seen him more in Peacemaker Season 2. Yet, numerous other Green Lantern heroes will soon emerge across upcoming DC Studios projects, demonstrating the expanding importance of James Gunn Green Lantern initiatives within the franchise.
Although Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern status is established in the DCU, attention is turning toward 2026 when several iconic Lanterns will debut. HBO Max’s Lanterns series, starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, is set to introduce further familiar Green Lantern characters, significantly enriching the DCU’s portfolio of powerful figures. This series will be just one of multiple projects that explore the Green Lantern mythology within the evolving DCU timeline.
Main Green Lantern Characters Featured in DC Studios Productions
Hal Jordan and John Stewart Lead the Lanterns Series
Kyle Chandler will portray Hal Jordan, one of the two principal Green Lanterns in the forthcoming Lanterns series. Hal Jordan stands as the most well-known Green Lantern, recognized widely beyond comic book fans. The series promises a unique approach, framing their story as a True Detective-style murder mystery geared toward mature audiences, likely earning a TV-MA rating.
Joining Hal Jordan is Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, the other lead Lantern in the series. Gunn has clarified that Lanterns will primarily focus on John Stewart’s journey, portraying him as the central character. Traditionally, in the comics, John Stewart succeeds Hal Jordan, stepping into the Green Lantern role after Hal has long established himself. Lanterns could explore this transition, potentially positioning John Stewart as the main Green Lantern moving forward within the DCU.
Hal Jordan’s future involvement beyond Lanterns remains unclear. Gunn hinted Hal will be considerably older than John, suggesting a narrative where he may hand over responsibilities and possibly fade from the spotlight as John’s story takes precedence in successive DCU chapters.
Guy Gardner’s Expanding Presence Across the DCU
Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner has already enjoyed significant screen time in early DCU projects. As a leading member of the Justice Gang in Superman, he played a prominent part, and he has since returned in Peacemaker Season 2. Furthermore, Gardner’s character has been seamlessly integrated into the storyline, replacing a previous DCEU character and showing continuity during Peacemaker Season 1 events.
Guy Gardner will appear again in Lanterns, albeit in a supporting capacity. While the narrative will center on John Stewart and Hal Jordan, Gardner’s presence continues to connect various parts of the expanding DCU and reinforces his role as one of the key Lanterns within the universe.
Jessica Cruz Stars in My Adventures with Green Lantern
A spin-off connecting with the popular My Adventures with Superman, My Adventures with Green Lantern was announced for 2025, highlighting Jessica Cruz as its protagonist. The series will explore Jessica’s struggle to balance everyday teenage life with the extraordinary responsibility of wielding a power ring.
Jessica Cruz holds the distinction as the first human female Green Lantern in the comics. Her backstory includes a troubled arc in the New 52 comic series before being mentored by Hal Jordan to use her ring’s power positively. The show is expected to dive into her development and challenges as she grows into this heroic role.
Supporting Characters in My Adventures with Green Lantern
Kyle Rayner, another Green Lantern from the comics known as a comic book artist who inherits a ring, will play a distinct part in this series. Unlike his comic origins, Kyle is rumored to be Jessica’s high school love interest, with no confirmation that he will become a Lantern himself, suggesting a fresh take on his character to fit the show’s narrative.
Nicki Jones, also known as Jade in comic book lore, is likely adapted into a character named Nikki, Jessica’s close friend and central to the storyline. In the comics, Nicki was part of Lex Luthor’s Infinity Inc., a team granted powers through Luthor’s Everyman Project. She also shared a romantic relationship with Kyle Rayner, who once gifted her a spare power ring to join the Green Lantern Corps.
Alex DeWitt, another figure linked romantically to Kyle Rayner in the comics, will appear as a star athlete and politician’s daughter in My Adventures with Green Lantern. Whether she will acquire Lantern powers has not been confirmed, adding intrigue to her role in the new series.
Kilowog, a beloved member of the Green Lantern Corps, will be prominently featured as a mentor figure, likely guiding Jessica Cruz through her training. Depicted as one of the last surviving Lanterns, Kilowog’s mentorship will be key to Jessica’s growth and integration into the Lantern mythos in the show.
Sinestro Emerges as the Antagonist in Lanterns
Ulrich Thomsen returns as Sinestro, the confirmed main villain of the upcoming Lanterns series. A pivotal figure in Green Lantern’s comic history, Sinestro began as a Lantern but ultimately became corrupted by his lust for power, leading to his expulsion from the Corps.
The series is expected to delve into this transformation, illustrating Sinestro’s origin as a Lantern before evolving into one of their greatest enemies. In various comic arcs, Sinestro went on to establish the Yellow Lantern Corps, a development that could also be incorporated into the DCU narrative given Thomsen’s indications of reprising the role in multiple projects.
The Broader Impact of Green Lantern Expansion in the DCU
Introducing this diverse group of Green Lantern heroes signals DC Studios’ commitment to weaving intricate stories that broaden the depth and complexity of the DCU under James Gunn’s direction. By showcasing multiple perspectives—from legendary figures like Hal Jordan and John Stewart to newer faces such as Jessica Cruz and Kyle Rayner—the narrative scope will appeal to a wide range of viewers while staying rooted in rich comic lore.
The fresh take on the Lanterns, blending mature themes with youthful character arcs, suggests a multifaceted future for Green Lantern titles. This expansion not only builds anticipation for the 2026 Lanterns series and associated spin-offs but also positions the Green Lantern Corps as central to key storylines driving the DCU’s evolution. As these characters develop and intersect, fans can expect a robust and interconnected universe marked by conflict, mentorship, and legacy.
