Lanterns Gritty Tone Is Very Different from Superman Despite DCU Connections

During a recent DC Studios press event attended by ComicBook, CEO James Gunn revealed significant details about how Lanterns and Superman will coexist in the DCU while maintaining distinct creative identities. The HBO series, which recently began production under the guidance of showrunner Chris Mundy, represents a darker, more grounded approach to superhero storytelling compared to the more optimistic tone of Gunn’s upcoming Superman film. This deliberate tonal separation marks a crucial strategy in DC Studios’ plan to create a diverse cinematic universe, with Lanterns exploring complex themes through its police procedural format while Superman embraces traditional superhero storytelling.

During the press event, Gunn underlined how the different tones of Lanterns and Superman echo the DCU’s most significant tool. “It’s so cool because it is connected to Superman. Because we’ve got Guy Gardner in that and then we’ve got these Green Lanterns over here. And it’s just such a different tone from what Superman is,” Gunn explained. The filmmaker emphasized that this contrast exemplifies DC Studios’ broader mission to create interconnected yet tonally distinct properties. “It’s exactly what I want to bring to the DCU is being able to have these very different films and television series that are still part of an overall connected world, but have completely different feels to them,” said Gunn. This approach allows DC Studios to explore various genres while maintaining narrative cohesion, with Lanterns taking inspiration from crime dramas like True Detective while Superman channels classic superhero adventures.

[RELATED: James Gunn Claims Superman’s Connection to Lanterns Won’t Distract From the Movie]

Lanterns‘ creative direction has taken shape under an impressive assembly of talent, with showrunner Chris Mundy joining forces with writers Tom King and Damon Lindelof. King has previously expressed enthusiasm about the project’s casting, praising the chemistry between Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart. “When you look at Kyle, you see someone who used to fly jetplanes and embodies Hal. When you look at Aaron, his heart, his soul, and his strength are so John Stewart,” King explained, highlighting how the casting choices allow the show to stand out.

How Lanterns Plans to Reinvent Superhero Television

Lanterns demonstrates DC Studios’ commitment to genre diversity through its structure as a detective story that happens to feature superheroes. The series pairs veteran Lantern Hal Jordan with newcomer John Stewart to investigate a mystery that begins on Earth but reveals far-reaching implications across the galaxy. This premise allows the show to blend noir elements with cosmic superhero action, creating a distinct identity.

The collaboration between showrunner Mundy and writers King and Lindelof brings together expertise from both television drama and comic book storytelling. Mundy’s work on True Detective: Night Country and Ozark demonstrates his ability to craft complex narratives with moral ambiguity, while King’s extensive experience writing Green Lantern comics ensures the show honors its source material. In addition, Lindelof’s previous success with HBO’s Watchmen proves he can adapt superhero properties into compelling drama without sacrificing their essential nature.

Beyond the two Green Lanterns, the series features a robust supporting cast. Kelly MacDonald, known for her Emmy-nominated work in Boardwalk Empire, plays Sheriff Kerry, the local law enforcement official who first encounters the cosmic mystery. Garrett Dillahunt (Deadwood, Fear the Walking Dead) portrays William Macon, a key figure in the investigation. Emmy nominee Ulrich Thomsen (The Blacklist, Counterpart) stars as Sinestro, the legendary Green Lantern who becomes the Corps’ greatest enemy after his tyrannical methods are exposed. Finally, Poorna Jagannathan (Never Have I Ever, The Night Of) plays Zoe, a scientist whose research becomes central to the unfolding galactic conspiracy.

Lanterns is expected to debut on Max in 2026, following the July 11, 2025 release of Superman.

Are you excited about Lanterns? How do you think the TV show will connect to Superman? Join the discussion in the comments!