Lanterns fans can breathe a little easier. Co-showrunner Chris Cantwell has made it clear that the DC Studios series is not cancelled. However, HBO has still not officially renewed the show for a second season, leaving its future in limbo for now.
The update comes at a turbulent time for DC on screen. James Gunn and Peter Safran are stepping down as heads of DC Studios, with Marvel veteran Jeremy Latcham taking over on December 1, and fans have been worried about what that means for current projects.
Where Lanterns Season 2 Stands
Work on a second season has already started behind the scenes. A writers’ room began assembling in October, and Cantwell confirmed he is joining the show for season 2. He is set to run the series alongside co-creator Chris Mundy, while Damon Lindelof is stepping away due to scheduling conflicts. Writers including Vanessa Baden Kelly are also reportedly returning.
Even so, nothing is guaranteed. According to reports, a renewal is not imminent because HBO is waiting to see pitch material from the writers’ room. Mundy himself has admitted that the show’s chances now feel like a coin flip following the shake-up at the top of DC Studios.
A Big Hit for HBO
On paper, the show should be an easy renewal. Lanterns premiered on HBO on August 16, 2026, starring Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart in a grounded, True Detective-style mystery. It earned a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and its season finale drew 10.5 million global viewers in its first three days.
For now, fans will have to wait for HBO to make it official. With strong ratings, glowing reviews and a writers’ room already at work, though, the Green Lantern Corps’ story looks far from over.
Learn more about the HBO series and the latest reporting from MovieWeb.
Lanterns: Related Reading
- James Gunn Bids Farewell to DC Studios With a Heartfelt Note to Fans
- DC Studios Is Developing a New Constantine Film, With Glen Powell Rumoured for the Role
- James Gunn and Peter Safran Will Step Down as DC Studios Chiefs
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