DC’s Green Lantern Show Trailer Sets Up Major Justice League Connection

Lanterns will release in 2026, and after learning new details about the upcoming DC Universe series, it seems like a Justice League connection might be on the way. While Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner was delightful as part of Superman‘s star-studded cast, I can’t wait to see the debuts of the two heroes who could be the main Green Lanterns of James Gunn’s DCU.

The cast of DC’s Lanterns is led by Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart and Kyle Gardner’s Hal Jordan, with the show focusing on a mystery that takes place on Earth. Lanterns‘ mysterious story is set to a dark and suspenseful tone that is similar to HBO’s True Detective, but it will still feature multiple DC characters from the franchise’s cosmic background, and we know more now.

The First Trailer For HBO’s Green Lantern Series Reveals A Twist

At an HBO Max Upfront event in Brazil (via Omelete), the first Lanterns trailer was screened. There is still no word on when the footage will be shared online to global audiences, but we got a description of what was in the trailer, and the teaser revealed an interesting twist. According to the outlet, Hal Jordan is not John Stewart’s original trainer.

Instead, the veteran Green Lantern is stepping in for someone else, though the Lanterns teaser does not name that Green Lantern. Given that Kilowog is widely known in the comics and other media as the Green Lantern Corps’ drill instructor, he could fulfill the role of Stewart’s original trainer. However, another character with a Justice League connection could also fit perfectly.

John Stewart’s Trainer Could Be A Justice League Character

In 2001’s Justice League animated series, the Green Lantern Katma Tui was responsible for training John Stewart. She was also in a relationship with the hero, though it ultimately fizzled out. In the comics, Katma Tui came from Korugar, Sinestro’s homeworld. Given that the Green Lantern villain will be in Lanterns, played by Ulrich Thomsen, that connection could be repeated in live-action.

Additionally, James Gunn has said on X that the animated Justice League universe is an inspiration for what he is doing with the DCU. When asked whether animated shows like Justice League Unlimited, which is a sequel to 2001’s Justice League, and Young Justice inspired Gunn as he planned the DCU, the DC Studios co-CEO said, “Definitely.”

Another point in Katma Tui’s favor to be John Stewart’s original trainer teased in the first Lanterns trailer, is that she was resurrected as a Black Lantern in DC Comics. While the show has yet to confirm whether Black Hand will appear in season 1, Garret Dillahunt is heavily rumored to be playing the villain (via @homeofdcu/X). Katma Tui fits Lanterns in many ways.