DCU’s big-screen reboot may still be in its infancy, but the superhero universe’s TV game has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre-led TV series managed to push forward an unorthodox story that has been more inclined towards setting the characters’ foundation rather than relying on fancy battle sequences.
Lanterns explores John Stewart’s rise to becoming Earth’s Green Lantern, while paying homage to Hal Jordan’s heroic era. With John finally embracing his role as a hero of his choosing, there’s a substantial palette of storylines in which the show can branch out. How will John Stewart fit in the larger narrative with the other DCU heroes? Is Hal Jordan gone for good? The show itself will answer these questions, but can fans expect a return?
Lanterns season 2 is in early development, but hasn’t been renewed yet
Lanterns has been a critical success, drawing substantial viewership with its crime-drama approach. If we view Lanterns as an origin story that eventually serves as a stepping stone to introducing John Stewart to the big screen, then a single season would suffice. However, based on the positive outlook from the audience and the exciting chatter from the writers’ room, Lanterns will likely come back.
Co-creator Chris Mundy has joined a team of writers working on potential storylines and ideas, but none of it can be taken as a definite sign of renewal.
Talking on the Ringer-Verse podcast, Mundy said he has no idea what’s going to happen when asked about Hal Jordan’s potential resurrection. It seems like they hadn’t penned future seasons ahead of time, which may or may not hurt the chances of a season renewal. This can only mean that we can’t expect Lanterns season 2 to drop anytime soon, at least not for another two years if it’s still in the writing process.
In an interview with Collider, co-creator Damon Lindelof confirmed he would not return for a second season should the series continue, but he also said the next installment is in early development. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” he stated.
What does the future hold for John Stewart’s Green Lantern?
When Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern appeared in Superman, fans thought he’d be officially filling in the iconic role. However, with Lanterns’ arrival, fans couldn’t understand how the DCU was going to explain how Earth had two Lanterns, let alone three. That’s why many fans went in with a lot of anticipation watching Lanterns, but the epic finale impressively turned the tables on the matter.
In Lanterns episode 8, John Stewart makes a deal with Guy Gardner: he will officially become Earth’s Green Lantern, while Guy remains the official representative of the Corps for the entire Sector. This explains why Earth has two Lanterns, but that still leaves John’s future in the DCU in the dark.
Many are assuming that John Stewart might make an appearance in the Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, scheduled to be released in July 2027. This will mark the superhero’s official entry into the larger DCU project that’s developing under James Gunn.
Like the MCU before it, the DCU can use its TV shows to fill in the smaller storylines that major movies simply don't have the time to explore. Shows like Lanterns can flesh out these connective threads, adding depth to the larger DCU while helping bridge the gaps between its big-screen projects.
As for a potential Lanterns season 2 storyline, there’s a pit full of ideas that can explore John’s future as one of the most important heroes in the DCU. John just got the ring, and he is in uncharted waters with an unsanctioned lantern which was forged by Sinestro. There’s an element of exploring the Yellow Lanterns and other members of the Corps that can line up the plot for not one but multiple seasons.
Then there’s the matter of Hal Jordan, who has seemingly said his goodbye in the series. Fans think there are still ways to bring him back, but since the showrunner has no idea if that’s in the cards, we can’t find out until Lanterns season 2 actually comes out.
All episodes of Lanterns are available for streaming on HBO Max.
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