The latest trailer for Lanterns is significantly more exciting than the first teaser, which was already better received. It’s now obvious that James Gunn and the team are really pushing hard to promote the series, and a major reveal in this new trailer confirms it.
James Gunn recently announced that two DC Comics villains would appear in upcoming projects. The trailer for the new HBO Max series, Lanterns, has revealed the first one: Sinestro, a classic foe of the Green Lanterns.
The contrast between the inexperienced, military-trained John Stewart and the older, bolder Hal Jordan is immediately noticeable. This friction will escalate thanks to Sinestro, who pushes Jordan to confront the truth about why Stewart received a power ring.
Lanterns Officially Brings Sinestro to James Gunn’s DCU
From within his interstellar prison, the man questioned Hal Jordan, “You honestly think he’s just a backup, don’t you? Tell me what he actually is.”
This behavior is typical for Sinestro, a truly menacing villain in DC Comics history. Originally, he was a Green Lantern – one of the heroes – but his misuse of power led to his banishment. He ended up on the planet Oa, where he was given a yellow power ring by the Weaponers to fight the Green Lanterns, ultimately becoming their greatest foe.
Green Lantern rings are ineffective against the color yellow, which is why Sinestro sought a yellow ring of his own. This will cause significant trouble for Jordan and Stewart, not just physically, but also emotionally – especially for Jordan, who was once Sinestro’s protégé.
Also, the appearance of Sinestro wasn’t the only big surprise in the Lanterns trailer – there was plenty more happening if you were watching closely.
Martian Manhunter Reveal In the Works for Lanterns, DCU?
Besides the main villains, the HBO Max series will also feature the Manhunters – a dangerous alien race known for their shapeshifting abilities and relentless pursuit of violence. For Marvel fans, they’re similar to the Skrulls.
The appearance of these characters in Lanterns strongly suggests that Martian Manhunter, also known as J’onn J’onzz, will soon be joining the show – possibly with a quick appearance now, and a more significant role later on. It’s a big hint that one of the Justice League’s most powerful members is coming!
As a huge DC fan, I’m really hoping we see J’onn J’onzz – Martian Manhunter – show up soon! There’s talk he might even appear in Superman: Man of Tomorrow and meet the new Superman, David Corenswet. That would be an awesome way to start building a Justice League team. Especially with how critically acclaimed Absolute Martian Manhunter has been, it feels like the perfect moment for James Gunn’s DCU to embrace this character in a way the previous DCEU didn’t, and honestly, I think it’d be incredible.
Honestly, after watching the new Lanterns trailer, I’m getting really excited! It feels like James Gunn isn’t just testing the waters with his DCU – he’s ready to go big. Seeing Sinestro finally confirmed is huge, and everything points to Martian Manhunter showing up surprisingly soon, maybe even this August! It genuinely feels like we’re about to see the DCU really take off.
Lanterns will debut on HBO Max on August 16, 2026.
2026-07-25 01:08