James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, directly addressed recent rumors, confirming that images portraying Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan from the upcoming Lanterns show were fabricated by artificial intelligence. The clarification came after the images sparked speculation online, making “James Gunn Lanterns show debunked” a trending topic among fans eager for authentic updates.
Gunn Exposes Fabricated Lanterns Images
Earlier this week, digital images claiming to show Pierre and Chandler as iconic Green Lanterns began making rounds on social platforms. These depictions showed the two characters wielding their powerful rings, leading to heightened excitement and conversation within the superhero community. However, James Gunn swiftly put the speculation to rest. On Threads, he stated plainly that the images were not legitimate, identifying them as AI-generated fakes and clarifying that no real production material had been leaked.
What Is Known About the Upcoming Lanterns Series
Despite the false images, anticipation remains high for Lanterns, with only a single official image currently available to the public. This first look showcases John Stewart and Hal Jordan walking side by side on a quiet road. A trailer for the show was also screened privately, offering a glimpse of Hal Jordan in flight, exchanges between Hal and John, and an allusion to the Green Lantern Corps’ unusual member, Ch’p—a character described as making Rocket Raccoon look ordinary by comparison.
Production Timeline and Release Details
The release date for Lanterns is officially set for summer 2026, though there is no confirmed day as of yet. Addressing fan curiosity about promotional material, Gunn admitted that he is not specifically informed about teaser schedules for the series, saying he is more familiar with film timelines than television projects.
Show’s Focus: Dynamics Between Stewart and Jordan
Series showrunner Chris Mundy described the tone and style of the upcoming DC Studios project, noting that Lanterns will have as much emphasis on its characters’ partnership as on their heroic exploits, saying,
“as much of a buddy cop show as a superhero show.”
– Chris Mundy, Showrunner. This dynamic is intended to shape the core of the series, centering on how Hal Jordan and John Stewart interact and work together.
Mundy elaborated further on the larger themes explored, stating,
“Our show is in a lot of ways about replacement – when should someone step aside and when is it time for the next person to take the reins?”
– Chris Mundy, Showrunner. He further emphasized the importance of the characters’ push and pull:
“That push and pull between those two characters is really important. So much of the power that John has is by not taking the bait, understanding that you lose your power if you’re yelling and screaming.”
– Chris Mundy, Showrunner. These insights suggest the series will deeply examine leadership, legacy, and the evolving relationships within the Green Lantern Corps.
DC Studios’ Broader Plans and What Comes Next
The Lanterns series is set to join a stacked lineup of upcoming DC releases, with Supergirl scheduled for June 26, 2026. While viewers anticipate new trailers and official updates, fans can prepare for a fresh approach to superhero storytelling, particularly through the lens of the buddy cop dynamic and themes of change introduced in Lanterns. As DC Studios continues to shape its cinematic and televised universe, attention will remain on how Gunn and Mundy deliver this new chapter for John Stewart, Hal Jordan, and the wider Green Lantern mythos.
