Fans of the DC Universe (DCU) are eagerly anticipating a major crossover event, as James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has recently signaled that something significant is unfolding. Following the success of Superman and Season 2 of Peacemaker, and with Lanterns set to premiere on HBO in early 2026, excitement is building around a potential massive convergence in the DCU, fueled by Gunn’s comments about how interconnected these stories will become.
James Gunn Emphasizes the Central Role of Lanterns in the DCU
After the Peacemaker season 2 finale, James Gunn shared insights with Rolling Stone about the bigger world being crafted for the DCU. Though each project functions independently, Gunn explained that various shows and movies will connect as pieces of a larger puzzle. He highlighted the series Lanterns as a pivotal part of this expanded universe, stating,
“Lanterns is really important in setting up things,”
James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO.
The Lanterns Series Points Toward a Potential “Blackest Night” Event
The upcoming Lanterns show is fueling speculation about the return of the iconic Blackest Night storyline to live-action, a massive crossover in DC Comics that ran from 2009 to 2010. In the original comics, the war between Sinestro’s Sinestro Corps and the Green Lanterns triggered a prophecy involving the full spectrum of power rings, including the Black Lanterns led by Nekron, a death lord. These Black Lanterns were undead versions of fallen heroes who challenged the living and forced alliances among the various Lantern Corps, culminating in the creation of the White Lantern Corps to combat the darkness.
Given Blackest Night’s deep ties to Green Lantern lore, the DCU’s focus on Lanterns suggests this story could set the foundation for this crossover. The series will follow veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan teaming up with new recruit John Stewart as they uncover a mysterious murder leading to darker revelations. Fans have theorized that the murder under investigation might be that of the original DC Green Lantern, Alan Scott, and that this death could reveal that the ominous Blackest Night prophecy is coming true.
Possible Connections Between Peacemaker and Lanterns Explored
Gunn’s emphasis on Lanterns’ importance invites connections to the conclusion of Peacemaker season 2, which introduced the shadowy organization Checkmate after A.R.G.U.S. discovered Salvation. Intriguingly, Alan Scott has been more than a Green Lantern in DC Comics—he was a key figure in the Justice Society and briefly took on the role of White King for Checkmate alongside Sasha Bordeaux as the Black Queen. This detail deepens the theory that the murder Hal Jordan and John Stewart investigate might be Scott’s, potentially triggering the larger events of Blackest Night in the DCU.
Though it’s uncertain whether Blackest Night will begin directly within Lanterns, the show may officially establish that the prophecy is underway. With Lanterns introducing various Lantern Corps members and Nathan Fillion’s appearance as Guy Gardner, a member of the Justice Gang, the series is positioned to weave together multiple parts of the DCU. Acknowledging the impending Blackest Night would likely attract the attention of teams like the Justice Gang and other heroes, raising the stakes across the universe’s projects.
Lanterns is scheduled to premiere on HBO in 2026, potentially marking the start of a major narrative arc across the DCU.
Why This Crossover Matters for the Future of the DC Universe
The anticipation surrounding this crossover stems from James Gunn’s strategic plan to interlink the DCU’s films and shows, combining standalone stories into a shared narrative. By potentially reintroducing Blackest Night, one of the most celebrated comic events, the DCU could offer fans both nostalgia and fresh storytelling depth. The integration of characters like Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Alan Scott, and Guy Gardner signals a commitment to exploring the Lantern mythology in depth and hints at a broader, more complex universe ahead.
This crossover could redefine how the DCU approaches interconnected storytelling, raising expectations for new heroes, alliances, and conflicts that will unfold across multiple series and movies. As fans await Lanterns and other upcoming projects, the groundwork laid by Gunn promises a tense, uncertain, yet hopeful future for the DCU’s evolving narrative landscape.
