Grant Morrison Criticizes Visuals of HBO's Lanterns Premiere

Grant Morrison Criticizes Visuals of HBO's Lanterns Premiere

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Bleeding Cool News reported that Grant Morrison praised the performances of Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in the first episode of HBO’s live-action series Lanterns, while criticizing its visual approach and budget constraints. IndieWire noted that Lanterns debuted on August 16, 2026, set in a small Nebraska town and blending sci-fi superhero elements with a crime-procedural tone. Forbes later reported that the series earned a 90 % fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 40 critics, making it one of the highest-rated DCU projects.

TVLine said the premiere ended with the death of veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan, sparking fan backlash. Gizmodo quoted showrunner Chris Mundy saying work on a second season is underway despite no official renewal, and earlier he indicated that John Stewart could appear in other DC projects.

Actors

Kyle Chandler Aaron Pierre HBO

Locations

Nebraska, United States London, United Kingdom

Articles

August 23, 2026
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Grant Morrison Comments on HBO/DC Studios' Lanterns Premiere
Grant Morrison Comments on HBO/DC Studios' Lanterns Premiere

Bleeding Cool News • 23 Aug 17:37

Grant Morrison reviewed the first episode of HBO and DC Studios' series Lanterns, praising some performances while criticizing its visual approach and budget choices.

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August 22, 2026
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HBO's "Lanterns" blends superhero lore with racial tension but shifts focus midseason
HBO's "Lanterns" blends superhero lore with racial tension but shifts focus midseason

NPR • 22 Aug 11:00

The new HBO series follows a Black Green Lantern trainee and his white mentor, highlighting their conflict amid an alien-related investigation, though later episodes pivot away from this central storyline.

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August 19, 2026
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Showrunner says work on Lanterns season two is underway despite no green light
Showrunner says work on Lanterns season two is underway despite no green light

Gizmodo • 19 Aug 21:00

Series creator Chris Mundy is six weeks into outlining a second season of HBO's Lanterns, though the renewal has not yet been confirmed.

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August 17, 2026
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HBO's 'Lanterns' premiere kills off Hal Jordan, sparking fan backlash
HBO's 'Lanterns' premiere kills off Hal Jordan, sparking fan backlash

TVLine • 17 Aug 20:01

The first episode of HBO's series 'Lanterns' ends with the death of Green Lantern Hal Jordan, prompting strong reactions from DC fans and prompting speculation about future plot twists.

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HBO's "Lanterns" debut introduces Green Lantern and trainee amid alien intrigue
HBO's "Lanterns" debut introduces Green Lantern and trainee amid alien intrigue

TVLine • 17 Aug 16:09

The first episode of HBO's series "Lanterns" follows veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan and his trainee John Stewart as they investigate a possible alien threat in a small Nebraska town, setting up a larger mystery for the season.

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August 16, 2026
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HBO launches gritty Green Lantern series "Lanterns" on Aug. 16
HBO launches gritty Green Lantern series "Lanterns" on Aug. 16

Space • 16 Aug 23:02

The eight-episode series "Lanterns," starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Hal Jordan and John Stewart, premieres on HBO and HBO Max on Aug. 16, 2026, and will air weekly through Oct. 4.

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August 15, 2026
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HBO Max's "Lanterns" Earns 90% Critics Score on Rotten Tomatoes
HBO Max's "Lanterns" Earns 90% Critics Score on Rotten Tomatoes

Forbes • 15 Aug 14:40

"Lanterns," the new Green Lantern series debuting on HBO Max, received a 90% fresh rating from 40 critics on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the highest-rated DCU projects.

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August 14, 2026
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HBO launches "Lanterns" starring Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler
HBO launches "Lanterns" starring Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler

IndieWire • 14 Aug 16:00

The new HBO series "Lanterns," which blends sci-fi superhero elements with a crime-procedural set in Nebraska, debuted on August 16 and will run weekly through October 4.

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Showrunner says 'Lanterns' will launch John Stewart into broader DC Universe
Showrunner says 'Lanterns' will launch John Stewart into broader DC Universe

Gizmodo • 14 Aug 12:00

The HBO series 'Lanterns' will focus on John Stewart succeeding Hal Jordan as Green Lantern, and its creator says the character could appear in other DC projects.

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August 13, 2026
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HBO's "Lanterns" Stars Discuss Their Green Lantern Roles and Series Approach
HBO's "Lanterns" Stars Discuss Their Green Lantern Roles and Series Approach

IndieWire • 13 Aug 13:00

Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre talk about portraying Hal Jordan and John Stewart in HBO's upcoming live-action series "Lanterns," describing the show's focus on character dynamics and a grounded, small-town setting.

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