The upcoming Lanterns series from James Gunn’s DCU, centered around the Green Lantern Corps, is primed to shape the foundation of a new Justice League, with its first teaser screened at HBO Max’s Upfront event in São Paulo on November 25. Although the footage remains exclusive, private descriptions signal that John Stewart will become the central Green Lantern moving forward, tying directly into the broader narrative ambitions for the DCU.
First Teaser Reveals Hal Jordan and John Stewart’s Complicated Partnership
Exclusive reports from the event confirmed that Hal Jordan and John Stewart have been collaborating for several months in a rural environment with a moody, investigative atmosphere reminiscent of True Detective. Their relationship is marked by friction rather than mentorship, driving home that Stewart is being primed as an equal rather than a pupil under Hal’s guidance. This dynamic will impact how the story unfolds and who eventually takes on a leadership role among the Green Lanterns.
Within the teaser, Hal operates as John’s stand-in teacher, though it’s left unclear who the original mentor had been. Arguments between John and Hal show a younger hero challenging the experience of his senior, emphasizing his determination and belief in his own abilities to save lives. The narrative twist appears to hinge on the idea that John might be learning some hard truths about what it truly takes to lead as a Lantern, hinted at by the ‘substitute teacher’ aspect of Hal’s current role.
This temporary arrangement further suggests that Hal’s position is not lasting, reinforcing a transition of responsibility and highlighting the likelihood that John Stewart will step forward as the featured Green Lantern in the new DC continuity.
John Stewart’s Role Set to Surpass Hal Jordan in Gunn’s Vision
Series showrunner Chris Mundy has noted the series is
“in a lot of ways about replacement,”
—Chris Mundy, Showrunner. He further questioned,
“When should someone step aside and when is it time for the next person to take the reins?”
—Chris Mundy, Showrunner. These statements suggest the show is intentionally constructed around the idea of change—specifically, Hal Jordan making way for John Stewart to assume the key Lantern role. This may come as a surprise to fans expecting Hal at the forefront, but casting choices and narrative hints underscore the shift.
Looking at the cast, Kyle Chandler, who plays Hal Jordan, is 60, while Aaron Pierre, cast as John Stewart, is 31. This age difference subtly hints at a generational shift and the selection of Stewart as the Lantern to represent the DCU in the coming years. With James Gunn emphasizing that Lanterns will be significant in laying the groundwork for the expanded DCU, John Stewart’s development as a leader seems all but assured. His trajectory aligns neatly with plans for a new Justice League, where he would serve as the team’s Green Lantern.
Potential for John Stewart as a Founding Member of the DCU Justice League
There has yet to be an official announcement for a Justice League project under Gunn’s DCU, but anticipation runs high given the universe’s interconnected direction. Already, projects like Superman and Peacemaker season 2 are planting narrative seeds for a collaborative superhero team, with the Justice Gang serving as a precursor. Through these developments, John Stewart stands out as the logical Lantern to join the League, given his training and the future-oriented role being carved out for him.
While tradition might suggest Hal Jordan could fill the Justice League seat, current storylines indicate Hal will not remain long in that spotlight. John Stewart is younger, being strategically positioned for leadership, and appears to be the Lantern the DCU intends to follow in its next phase. The training dynamic shown in the teaser, where Hal prepares John for greater responsibilities, hints that Stewart will carry the Green Lantern legacy forward into the new Justice League. Fans can expect the Lanterns series to debut in late summer 2026, further clarifying the Green Lantern Corps’ place in Gunn’s universe.
Lanterns Series Cast and Key Characters
The cast of Lanterns brings several prominent actors to their respective roles. Aaron Pierre will play John Stewart, the Green Lantern focusing on the future of the Corps. Kyle Chandler is cast as Hal Jordan, whose transitional mentorship shapes John’s journey. Kelly Macdonald takes on the role of Sheriff Kerry, and Garret Dillahunt will portray William Macon. These casting choices reflect the personal and generational conflicts explored in the upcoming series, supporting the story’s theme of legacy and renewal within the Green Lantern mythology.
By spotlighting John Stewart’s emergence and directly linking this to the Justice League’s anticipated beginning, James Gunn’s DCU Green Lantern series is setting up a pivotal reshaping of the superhero team dynamic in this new cinematic universe.
VIMOS O TRAILER DE LANTERNAS VERDES!
Primeira prévia da série da DC na HBO foi exibida em evento e tem Hal Jordan e John Stewart juntos, saiba TUDO: https://t.co/gk1DZJs6J3
— omelete (@omelete) November 25, 2025
