The James Gunn Green Lantern series, expected to debut in 2026, is set to make its mark on HBO, replacing Greg Berlanti’s previously announced live-action Green Lantern project that was ultimately cancelled. While the DC audience prepares for this new chapter, actors and fans alike are reflecting on what could have been for Berlanti’s axed adaptation, which nearly launched with a different vision for the Green Lantern mythos.
Scrapped Green Lantern Series Left Cast Disappointed
Jeremy Irvine, originally cast as Alan Scott for Berlanti’s HBO Max show, recently shared the disappointment he experienced when the series was cancelled. In an interview with The Direct, Irvine explained the personal impact, stating,
was so gutted. I think I slept on my floor that night when I found out that it wasn’t going to happen. In this industry, I always like to say that you get one kick in the nuts every year as an actor.
— Jeremy Irvine, Actor
Irvine revealed how he had hoped to bring innovative ideas to the role, noting,
And that, I remember, that one being a hard one because I had some really good ideas for it, I thought.
— Jeremy Irvine, Actor
Despite the disappointment, he expressed hope for the future, saying,
But you know, there’ll be something else where we get to incorporate it.
— Jeremy Irvine, Actor
Irvine highlighted his appreciation for the story and scripts that were developed, adding,
it was just a really nice story; the way it was written was really cool. The scripts were great. And I hope one day it happens, and I hope whoever does it gets to have an amazing time.
— Jeremy Irvine, Actor
He also pointed to the strict confidentiality around the cancelled series, mentioning,
I think I probably signed more NDA’s for that than ever before in my life. So no, I’d rather not go to court with Mr. James Gunn. I’d quite like to work with him again.
— Jeremy Irvine, Actor
A Series Featuring Multiple Lanterns Was Planned
The scrapped Green Lantern series, produced by Greg Berlanti for HBO Max, was envisioned as a ten-episode arc featuring a lineup of Emerald Knights. Alongside Alan Scott, portrayed by Jeremy Irvine, Finn Wittrock had signed on as Guy Gardner. The series was expected to include characters like Simon Baz, Jessica Cruz, Kilowog, Sinestro, and Bree Jarta, introducing both well-known and original Green Lanterns from DC lore.
Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content at HBO Max, remarked at TCA 2020 that Berlanti’s adaptation
was going to span several decades on focus on two stories about Green Lanterns on Earth.
— Sarah Aubrey, HBO Max Head of Original Content
However, following continuous delays and showrunner Seth Grahame-Smith’s departure in late 2022, the show was then retooled to focus solely on John Stewart before ultimately being cancelled entirely in favor of a new creative direction for the DC franchise under James Gunn.
James Gunn Green Lantern Series to Launch New Era
The DC Universe, now helmed by James Gunn and DC Studios, has shifted its focus to a new series titled Lanterns, which is set to follow Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, and John Stewart, portrayed by Aaron Pierre. This new iteration will air on HBO, with further casting including Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry and Garret Dillahunt as William Macon. The series is anticipated to premiere in late summer, although HBO has not yet confirmed an exact release date.
The James Gunn Green Lantern series signals a committed effort to reshape the portrayal of DC’s heroes for television, prioritizing two of the most renowned Lanterns and taking the franchise in a fresh direction after years of development challenges and creative turnover at DC Studios.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of a New Lanterns Show
Fans of Green Lantern, as well as actors such as Jeremy Irvine and Finn Wittrock, await the outcome of this new approach to DC’s universe. With high-profile actors like Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre at the forefront and James Gunn steering this vision, the future of Green Lantern on-screen appears to hold renewed promise, despite earlier setbacks and years of anticipation for Berlanti’s original project.
Industry observers are now watching to see if Lanterns can meet the expectations set by its ambitious predecessor and reinvigorate the iconic property for HBO viewers worldwide.
