The Green Lantern Corps Hits a Setback
In the ever-shifting universe of superhero media, the light of the Green Lantern Corps will take a little longer to reach our screens. For the legions of DC fans eagerly awaiting the new era under James Gunn and Peter Safran, some disappointing news has emerged. The highly anticipated Max series, Lanterns, previously expected to launch in early 2026, has been officially delayed.
Why Was DC’s ‘Lanterns‘ Delayed?
The news comes directly from DC Studios co-chief James Gunn, who confirmed the scheduling shift. On social media, Gunn clarified that the studio’s primary focus is the July 2025 release of Superman, the film set to launch his new DC Universe (DCU).
As a result, Lanterns, a cornerstone of the DCU‘s “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters,” has been pushed to a later slot in 2026. This strategic move is intended to ensure the Man of Steel gets the flawless debut required to kickstart the new cinematic universe. While delays can be frustrating, Gunn’s transparency suggests a commitment to quality over speed.
A ‘True Detective’ Vibe in the DC Universe
For those just catching up, Lanterns is being pitched as a gritty, terrestrial-based detective story. Gunn himself has compared its tone to HBO’s critically acclaimed crime drama, True Detective. The series is set to follow two of the most iconic Green Lanterns, the brash pilot Hal Jordan and the stoic marine John Stewart. Together, they will uncover a dark mystery on Earth that has massive implications for the entire DCU.
This ambitious premise promised a fresh, mature take on characters who have struggled in live-action—a definitive redemption after the much-maligned 2011 film.
Is the Delay Good News for ‘Lanterns‘?
This setback does have a silver lining. With Superman taking priority, the creative team has more breathing room to perfect the script, world-building, and—most crucially—the casting for Lanterns. As of now, the coveted roles of Hal Jordan and John Stewart remain uncast. The delay gives Gunn, Safran, and showrunner Chris Mundy (Ozark) additional time to find the perfect actors to wear the power rings and carry a series of this magnitude.
The delay of Lanterns appears to be an isolated adjustment to accommodate the sheer scale of launching a new Superman. The animated series Creature Commandos is still on track to be the first official DCU entry later this year, followed by the Viola Davis-led Waller.
For now, the oath will have to wait. The emerald light won’t be cutting through our streaming queues quite as soon as we’d hoped. But if this delay means we get a meticulously crafted mystery that finally does justice to the Green Lantern Corps, it’s a wait most fans will be willing to endure.
