Photo Credit: HBO
Lanterns may be hiding a much bigger DCU surprise than fans expected. Showrunner Chris Mundy recently teased a surprising timeline approach for Lanterns, hinting that the upcoming series could unfold in a way that changes how viewers experience its mystery from the very beginning.
Chris Mundy reveals that Lanterns will take place in two time periods
According to Entertainment Weekly, Lanterns showrunner Chris Mundy confirmed the HBO series unfolds across two timelines.
The story begins in 2016 after a shooting in Rushville, Nebraska. Veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan investigates the incident with new recruit John Stewart. Mundy explained, “That becomes a second mystery that we know is down the road for us.” He also revealed the series later shifts forward by 10 years into 2026.
Moreover, Mundy described the structure as “dueling timelines” that gradually connect throughout the season. He stated, “So eventually two different mysteries get worked out over the course of the show.” The series follows Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, and John Stewart, portrayed by Aaron Pierre. Their partnership anchors the grounded mystery despite the franchise’s cosmic mythology.
Furthermore, Mundy compared the narrative approach to the first season of True Detective. He explained, “It was less of a whodunnit as much as like, what happened and why?” The structure focuses heavily on the evolving relationship between Hal and John.
Mundy added, “We think of this as a relationship show between John and Hal.” The eight-episode season gradually explores emotional tensions between the two Lanterns.
Additionally, the 2026 timeline exists after the events of last summer’s Superman film. Mundy confirmed that Guy Gardner appears several times during the season. He described the character as “fabulously obnoxious.”
However, the show avoids featuring multiple Lanterns directly interacting throughout season one. Instead, the series centers primarily on Hal and John’s investigation and partnership across both timelines.
Lanterns premieres on August 16 and will stream on HBO Max and air on HBO.
