The season finale of HBO's <em>Lanterns</em> may not have shown John Stewart fully wielding his power ring or donning a suit, but it did offer a clear look at his distinctive new power battery. Series concept artist Ed Natividad shared renders on Instagram, revealing the object's official designation: the Dark Lantern. This name carries a foreboding tone, aligning with the show's narrative trajectory for Stewart.
The power battery was created by Sinestro on an alien world, forged with contaminated air and water that manifest as yellow streaks of concentrated fear. This symbolic element represents John's acceptance of his own fear, reframing it as a source of strength. In the comics, fear is the power source for the Sinestro Corps, leading to speculation that this could push John toward a less malevolent version of a yellow lantern. The name itself suggests a willingness to deviate from established norms, a sentiment echoed when John spoke to Guy Gardner.
There is speculation that Stewart might even adopt the "Dark Lantern" moniker for himself rather than the traditional Green Lantern title. Further revelations are expected with the release of James Gunn's <em>Man of Tomorrow</em> on July 9, 2027, which will feature Aaron Pierre reprising his role as John Stewart.
Future of Lanterns
As of now, there are no official plans for a second season of <em>Lanterns</em>. However, co-creator Damon Lindelof mentioned to Collider that the writing team is developing concepts for a potential season 2. Such a season could explore Sinestro's transformation into a yellow lantern.
The future of the series may also be impacted by the recent merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount, which could lead to significant programming changes. DC Studios has also canceled several previously announced television projects, leaving the status of <em>Lanterns</em> uncertain.
Currently, <em>Lanterns</em> is available for streaming on HBO Max and is reportedly the service's top-performing show.