A decision regarding a potential second season of the HBO series Lanterns is expected by the end of 2026, according to DC Studios boss Peter Safran. Speaking with IGN, Safran confirmed that a writer's room is currently developing ideas for the show's future.
Safran emphasized that television remains a crucial component of DC's strategy, serving as a platform for deeper storytelling and the introduction of characters who may later transition to films. He cited the example of John Stewart, who was introduced in Lanterns and will appear in the upcoming film Man of Tomorrow. "The episodic world is always going to be a really important part of our overall slate," Safran stated, "it's a great way to tell stories that need more real estate than a feature film can offer you, and it's a great way to introduce characters that we then bring into the feature world."
However, the greenlighting of Lanterns Season 2 hinges on the quality of the story developed. "We'll see what happens with Lanterns Season 2. If, I think, the collective group of HBO and DC and Chris Mundy and the team all feel like we've got something that is a worthy successor to quite a beloved first season of television, then I wouldn't be surprised to see more," he explained.
Safran also confirmed to Collider that the decision would be made by the end of the year. The fate of Lanterns Season 2 does not impact the presence of the Green Lantern Corps in the DC Universe. John Stewart is already confirmed for Man of Tomorrow, the sequel to James Gunn's Superman.
Lanterns Season 1 was noted for its compelling mystery, mature tone, and strong lead performances, drawing comparisons to True Detective. Its success has been seen as a positive indicator for the DC Universe, especially following the box office performance of Supergirl prior to its premiere. The series' popularity and critical reception suggest a desire for its continuation, though the final decision rests on the strength of the proposed story for a potential second season.