‘Lanterns’ trailer reveals Green Lantern murder mystery in HBO’s new DC series

HBO has released the first trailer for Lanterns, the new DC Universe series that follows Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a murder in a small American town.

The upcoming HBO show, set to premiere in August, centres on veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, and new recruit John Stewart, portrayed by Aaron Pierre.

As members of the Green Lantern Corps, the pair are intergalactic peacekeepers who wield powerful emerald rings capable of creating energy constructs of any shape or size.

A small-town murder with cosmic stakes

According to the trailer, the two heroes travel to Nebraska to investigate a mysterious killing that could have far wider consequences than it first appears.

The footage highlights the dynamic between the experienced Hal and the younger Stewart, with the series leaning into a buddy-cop style partnership as the veteran Lantern mentors the newcomer.

One early scene shows Hal driving a car off a cliff, forcing Stewart to quickly use his Green Lantern abilities to save himself. The moment hints at the mix of action and humour the show aims to deliver.

The trailer also offers glimpses of the iconic Green Lantern ring, power battery and costume. It even includes a brief reference to Ch’p, a squirrel-like extraterrestrial member of the Green Lantern Corps.

Star-studded cast joins the DC series

The series features an extensive supporting cast including Kelly Macdonald as Kerry, a small-town sheriff, and Garret Dillahunt as William Macon, described as a modern-day cowboy.

Nathan Fillion will reprise his role as Guy Gardner, another member of the Green Lantern Corps and the Justice Gang.

Poorna Jagannathan plays Zoe, a calculated and composed character, while Ulrich Thomsen appears as Sinestro, a former Green Lantern who has turned rogue.

Nicole Ari Parker stars as Bernadette Stewart, John Stewart’s mother, and Jason Ritter plays Billy Macon, the husband of Macdonald’s character.

Other cast members include Sherman Augustus as John Stewart Sr., Paul Ben-Victor as the alien Antaan, Chris Coy as a mysterious truck driver named Waylon Sanders, and Cary Christopher as a gifted child named Noah.

Laura Linney and Paula Patton have also joined the series in undisclosed roles.

Lanterns was created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and Tom King. The series is executive produced by Mundy, Lindelof, King, James Gunn, Peter Safran, James Hawes and Ron Schmidt.

The show is produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television.