DC Studios is preparing to mark a significant moment within the James Gunn DCU fifth chapter, as the studio confirms that Lanterns, the next television series in the expanding universe, is set for a late summer 2026 debut. The decision establishes 2026 as a pivotal year for both James Gunn’s evolving creative vision and DC Studios’ broader strategy, unfolding across the platforms of both DC and HBO.
Having already introduced new chapters through Creature Commandos, the highly anticipated Superman film, and Peacemaker Season 2, the DCU’s traction increased under Gunn’s leadership in 2025. Moving into 2026, Gunn is entrusting more responsibility to his collaborators, signaling a critical transition for the franchise’s future output.
Strategic Timing for Lanterns’ Release
Peter Safran, DC Studios’ co-CEO, recently announced in an interview with CBR that Lanterns would arrive after Supergirl as the fifth chapter in the canon, aiming for a late summer premiere. Rather than due to delays, Safran attributed the timing to a deliberate programming strategy—one that carefully fits Lanterns within HBO’s meticulously planned schedule.
The release window matters because Lanterns is being jointly produced by DC Studios and HBO, making it different from the typical standalone streaming rollouts, such as Peacemaker Season 2. HBO Originals usually occupy premium Sunday nights, and their slates are often mapped out long before airing to sidestep any scheduling clashes.
As Safran explained,
because it’s an important show for everybody, and the show is going to be great,
—Peter Safran, DC Studios co-CEO. With these words, he underscored the emphasis being placed on Lanterns, reinforcing the importance of slotting it at just the right moment.
HBO’s broader 2026 programming slate gives more context: the year launches with Industry Season 4 in January, includes A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and welcomes the return of Euphoria in April, followed by House of the Dragon Season 3 in early summer. Once those anchor series have secured their air dates, a clear window will emerge for Lanterns’ much-anticipated debut.
DC Studios Sets a Rapid-Fire Release Calendar
The late-summer release of Lanterns marks a new milestone for DC content, allowing three DCU projects to debut within one season. On June 26, Supergirl opens the slate, immediately raising expectations around actress Milly Alcock’s interpretation of Kara Zor-El—first glimpsed by fans in Superman. The Supergirl trailer spotlights Kryptonian superpowers, including high-speed flight, super strength in hand-to-hand battles, and intense heat vision, all designed to reignite fan enthusiasm.
Supergirl’s role is also commercially significant: it is the second theatrical DCU film launched under the creative direction of Gunn and Safran, and its box office performance will gauge audiences’ faith in the rebooted cinematic universe. Given that Superman earned $616 million globally, The Direct forecasts Supergirl could approach a similar figure, though the expectations remain cautious.
Lanterns: A Key Chapter in the 2026 Lineup
Lanterns was originally projected to be DC Studios’ flagship for 2026, so its shift to follow Supergirl signals a tactical adjustment rather than a setback. The revised order suggests that DC is willing to adapt timelines, ensuring every project receives proper attention and support—a lesson learned from the challenges of streaming-era competition.
Direct narrative links between Supergirl and Lanterns remain unconfirmed, but any connections—be they through story easter eggs or overlapping themes—could strengthen the continuity, especially since 2027’s Man of Tomorrow, also directed by Gunn, is expected to explore further crossovers.
Clayface Expands the Universe with a Darker Tone
After Lanterns, Clayface is set to close out the 2026 slate with its R-rated theatrical release scheduled for September 11. This film will spotlight Matt Hagan, a once-famous actor turned infamous Batman villain. With Tom Rhys Harries leading the cast, production moved quickly—just two months from start to finish—suggesting a leaner, more focused approach compared to the traditional superhero epic.
Clayface stands as a signal of DC’s willingness to experiment with darker and more nuanced character-driven narratives, breaking from the blockbuster-driven style of the earlier DCEU. A successful release could pave the way for similar projects, confirming that there’s demand for grounded, mature stories within the shared DCU framework.
Implications for DC Studios’ Future
The tightly clustered release of Supergirl, Lanterns, and Clayface in 2026 highlights DC Studios’ commitment to maintaining fan momentum and broadening the types of stories told within the James Gunn DCU fifth chapter. With Peter Safran and James Gunn strategically overseeing this rollout, the studio is balancing commercial ambitions with creative risks as it builds out a robust slate on both the big and small screens.
The success of these projects will not only shape the perception of the DCU but also influence decisions regarding future interconnected storylines, crossover potential, and the breadth of genres explored across the ever-expanding DC universe.
