The forthcoming Lanterns series focuses on John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) as they utilize their Green Lantern rings to delve into a mystery on Earth. Following the Green Lantern movie, which was primarily set on Earth, there were concerns among fans that the show would replicate the film’s mistakes. However, according to director James Hawes, the show will do justice to the heroes’ cosmic scope.

In an interview with Collider, Hawes assured that the show’s Nebraska setting would not lack “sci-fi magic.” He explained that the fantastical elements of Lanterns are presented in a way that makes them feel ordinary, saying, “It’s done in a world where you accept that these things just are.” As someone new to the superhero genre, Hawes expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that he was “bewitched” by his introduction to the genre. He added, “You always find a scene or two that you think, ‘I can’t wait to be beside the camera and the cast, directing this scene.’ You know this is something you have to take seriously, and that absolutely happened with Lanterns.”

Hawes also discussed the show’s humor, describing it as “very particular” and hoping that his episodes would be reminiscent of his work on Slow Horses and Black Mirror. He praised the “electric” cast, particularly Pierre and Chandler, who brought “charm” and “authenticity” to their roles. Hawes noted, “These are two people you just want to hang out with. […] You want to go on that journey. You get people who are just so classy and so busy inhabiting their roles, so you never doubt it. They’re not on the outside—they’re deep in those skins.”

Lanterns is set to premiere on Max and HBO in 2026.

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