Lanterns is moving from Max to HBO and has received an official series order.
The redeveloped adaptation of the Green Lantern comic comes from Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and Tom King.
It is part of a new strategy to move expensive scripted series from the streaming service to the linear network that also includes big-budget series such as Harry Potter and IT prequel Welcome to Derry. Obviously, all of these shows will subsequently air on the streaming service.
Lanterns follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, Earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.
It’s been a long road for a Lanterns TV series. A Green Lantern series originally was in the works since 2019 from Greg Berlanti.
In October 2022, it was reported that the show’s focus had shifted. Initially, the series would center on Guy Gardner and Alan Scott, with Finn Wittrock and Jeremy Irvine in the respective roles.
DC Studios co-head James Gunn revealed in May that Watchmen’s Lindelof, Ozark’s Mundy and comic book writer King would take on the redeveloped series, which has now received an official series order at HBO rather than Max.
The eight-part series comes from Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios. Mundy will serve as showrunner, and Lindelof and King will co-write the series with all three exec producing.
There is no casting for the series.
Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and Max Content, said: “We are elated to be reuniting with both Chris Mundy and Damon Lindelof as they partner with Tom for this fresh take on DC’s Green Lantern. As part of James and Peter’s vision for the DC Universe, this first new live action series will mark an exciting new era.”
James Gunn and Peter Safran, Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs of DC Studios, added: “We’re thrilled to bring this seminal DC title to HBO with Chris, Damon and Tom at the helm. John Stewart and Hal Jordan are two of DC’s most compelling characters, and Lanterns brings them to life in an original detective story that is a foundational part of the unified DCU we’re launching next summer with Superman.”