Carolina De La Rocque
The next upcoming production of the new DCU is Lanterns, a television limited series to be released on August 16th. The eight episode show is situated in the same universe as past DC Studios productions such as Superman (2025), the animated series Creature Commandos, and the HBO show Peacemaker. To further establish that connection, Nathan Fillion will reprise his role from Superman as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, having also appeared in Peacemaker season 2.
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During a dynamic and insightful panel at San Diego Comic Con, happening this weekend, a trailer and new information were released. The trailer features iconic comic book characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart in a mentor-mentee relationship, as they explore abilities and powers after John is recruited onto Green Lanterns Corps.
Some of the trailer’s highlights are the use of Hal Jordan’s powers (especially the force field while being shot at) and the great combination of realistic cinematography and imaginative CGI. The iconic Manhunters arc from the comics — which has also been previously adapted in DC TV series — seems to play a big part in the upcoming television series. Manhunters are apparently hiding as humans in Rushville, Nebraska — so, everyone could be a villain, which will likely be a key point of tension in the show. And, as a small town murder is found to be a more consequential and interconnected event, the Lanterns need to set their differences apart and work together to figure out who is lying about their identity.
The remarkable Sinestro is also in the 3-minute trailer, and he will likely be one of the show’s main villains. The audience can already notice the complex and tense relationship between him and Hal, his old mentee. The villain will be played by Ulrich Thomsen and has a relatively comic accurate look. I had not been previously aware of Sinestro’s part in the series, so that was one of the trailer’s main surprises.
Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner is featured, but in a tone unlike the one he’s been previously presented in — he’s seemingly threatening someone. That served as yet more proof that the tone of the show will be rather serious, layered and grounded.
In a sequence that perfectly demonstrates the Lanterns’ powers, their iconic oath is sworn as a voiceover in a moment that will give chills to any original DC fans. It made me excited to see the live action moment when the oath actually used during the show. Seeing productions in this scale makes me feel hopeful about DCU’s uncertain future.
