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“Lanterns” Premiere Kills Hal Jordan, Critics Applaud Twist

8/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

HBO premiered the DC Studios series “Lanterns” on August 16, 2026, ending the episode with Hal Jordan dead.
The show follows two timelines, a 2016 storyline with Jordan alive and a 2026 storyline with him dead.
Showrunner Chris Mundy said Jordan’s death was intended to deepen John Stewart’s emotional arc.
Critics praised the twist, calling the series the strongest effort from DC Studios.

History

Historical Context

Warner Bros.’ 2011 live-action *Green Lantern*, directed by Martin Campbell, cost $200 million but earned only $237 million, prompting the studio to abandon planned sequels and launch the DC Extended Universe with *Man of Steel* (2013). Decades later, HBO’s 2026 series *Lanterns*—produced by DC Studios—kills Hal Jordan to shift focus to John Stewart, reflecting the franchise’s cautious approach to major character resets.

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Story summary

HBO premiered the DC Studios series “Lanterns” on August 16, 2026, ending the episode with Hal Jordan dead.
The show follows two timelines, a 2016 storyline with Jordan alive and a 2026 storyline with him dead.
Showrunner Chris Mundy said Jordan’s death was intended to deepen John Stewart’s emotional arc.
Critics praised the twist, calling the series the strongest effort from DC Studios.

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