The upcoming HBO Max series “Lanterns,” set for release in summer 2026, has sparked widespread discussion after early footage hinted at new Green Lantern Corps costumes, leading to debates among fans about the creative direction chosen by James Gunn. The James Gunn Green Lantern costumes, which appeared briefly in material presented to journalists at a recent HBO Max event in São Paulo, Brazil, have drawn attention for their potential departure from traditional designs.
Early Footage Previews Costumes and Sparks Debate
At an HBO Max Upfront event, select journalists were shown a sneak peek of “Lanterns,” revealing the costumes for Hal Jordan and John Stewart. While two cuts of the footage were reportedly circulated, only one showed a clear glimpse of the Green Lantern uniforms. Reporter Matías Lértora, who viewed the footage, has avoided revealing exact details but did note,
“it’s based on the design of a specific comic,”
Matías Lértora, CinesArgentinos.com. He further clarified that the designs are not identical to those seen in any one comic source, implying some creative liberties were taken by the production team.
Inspiration and Distinction from Comic Book Roots
The prevailing theory among DC fans is that DC Studios and James Gunn are drawing inspiration from the “Green Lantern: Earth One” comic series for the new suits. However, when suggestions arose that the team might opt for computer-generated suits similar to those used in the 2011 “Green Lantern” film, Lértora responded with a simple negative, indicating the upcoming designs will steer away from full CG and instead lean into practical elements.
Design Shifts and Fan Expectations
The teaser art previously released for “Lanterns” was modeled after the “Earth One” comics, lending weight to the idea that elements from this universe will make their way into the new series. For instance, Nathan Fillion‘s Guy Gardner appeared in casual attire designed by Maxwell Lord, featuring only the Green Lantern emblem. This move away from the Power Ring-generated suits suggests a more grounded and varied approach to costume design across characters like Hal Jordan and John Stewart.
While traditionalists among Green Lantern fans are hoping for updated takes on the classic green and black uniforms, there is speculation that the show will feature more spacesuit-like outfits, mirroring those from “Earth One.” The 2011 movie‘s heavily green skinsuits remain a point of contention, and the current production seems intent on breaking from a fully digital aesthetic, a choice influenced in part by the financial constraints of television production.
Production Choices and Reactions
James Gunn and DC Studios appear committed to blending practical costumes with modest visual effects, avoiding a total reliance on computer graphics. However, some fans remain skeptical, expressing concerns that jumpsuits or spacesuits could fall short of expectations. With details still under wraps, most judgements remain speculative until official reveals occur.
Series Overview and Creative Team
“Lanterns” follows the story of new recruit John Stewart and veteran Lantern Hal Jordan, two intergalactic officers investigating a murder mystery in rural America. The showrunner and executive producer is Chris Mundy, recognized for his work on “True Detective: Night Country.” Mundy is joined by Damon Lindelof, of “Watchmen” fame, and comic writer Tom King, known for “Supergirl.” The main cast includes Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, and Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro. Additional cast members are Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Nicole Ari Parker, Jason Ritter, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Jasmine Cephas Jones.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Premiere
The “Lanterns” series is scheduled to debut on HBO in 2026. Anticipation continues to build around how the production’s choices in costume design will shape audience reactions and reflect the evolution of the Green Lantern mythos within James Gunn’s larger vision for DC Studios. As more information and official imagery become available, fans and observers alike will gain a clearer sense of what to expect from the much-discussed James Gunn Green Lantern costumes and the series as a whole.
