Lanterns Creator Finally Reveals When The Show Takes Place, And It’s Not The Answer We Expected

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There’s an interesting new detail about the upcoming HBO Max series Lanterns, but don’t worry, it won’t spoil anything! Chris Mundy recently revealed when the show takes place, giving fans a better idea of what to expect when it premieres in early 2026. This information adds to the growing anticipation surrounding the series.

Chris Mundy, the creator and showrunner of Lanterns, is known for creating gripping stories and choosing fantastic actors. He’s previously worked on popular shows like Ozark, Bloodline, and True Detective. Keep an eye out for rising star Aaron Pierre (from Netflix’s Rebel Ridge), who will bring a fresh and surprising take to the role of John Stewart.

Mundy is challenging Stewart’s narrative by looking at it from different perspectives, rather than following the story in a straightforward, sequential order. He’s not focusing on a simple, timeline-based understanding of the character.

The story jumps between different time periods, so it was important that the characters remained true to themselves throughout, he explained to MensHealth. He then discussed why Pierre was the ideal choice to play Stewart.

John’s portrayal varies depending on the scene. Aaron really brought the character to life with his physical presence and charisma. His theater background and attention to detail enhanced John’s character, adding depth to both the action-oriented and emotionally complex aspects of the role.

The upcoming Lanterns series will feature a rivalry between Pierre’s Stewart and Hal Jordan, played by Kyler Chandler (known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy, Argo, and Friday Night Lights). Their relationship will be similar to the complex dynamic between Martin Hart and Rustin Cohle in the first season of True Detective – they’re friends, but they also enjoy getting under each other’s skin.

The Jordan Rules Don’t Apply to John Stewart, or Guy Gardner

Jordan is a well-known Green Lantern, famous for his strong, traditional, and disciplined way of fighting for justice. Stewart, a newer Lantern, is more adaptable and doesn’t get upset easily. Naturally, their different styles lead to conflict as they try to team up and accomplish their goals.

The core of our show explores the idea of succession – knowing when to step down and when to let someone new lead. The dynamic between these two concepts is central to the story. A lot of John’s strength comes from his ability to remain calm and avoid conflict, because reacting with anger actually weakens his position. We want to show that John is secure in his place, so he doesn’t feel the need to prove himself.

Like Gundy pointed out, and if you’ve watched Rebel Ridge, Pierre just has this incredible calm about him. Seriously, even when things get totally chaotic, he doesn’t lose his cool – not even close. It’s like he’s seen it all before.

Aaron has a unique combination of strength and sensitivity. He’s physically imposing and can be intimidating, but he’s also genuinely kind and thoughtful – qualities that come naturally to him and can’t be learned.

It’s fun to think about how John Stewart and Hal Jordan would react to Guy Gardner, especially the version played by Nathan Fillion who boldly challenged Superman in the upcoming James Gunn film. He’s known for his aggressive, no-holds-barred approach, even using his power ring to casually throw opponents and vehicles around. However, Stewart and Jordan are currently focused on their own issues.

Lanterns is scheduled to debut on HBO Max in early 2026.

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2025-10-29 02:15