•DC Studios co-chairman Peter Safran says
Lanterns season 2 will not move forward unless the creative team can develop a story worthy of following up the first season. A decision on whether the HBO series continues is expected by the end of 2026.
Safran confirmed the situation while speaking with IGN, noting that a writer’s room is currently developing ideas for the show’s future—but its continuation depends entirely on whether those efforts produce something compelling enough to justify another season. He said TV remains an important part of DC’s plans, but the studio wants to see if there is a story worth telling before approving a second season.
“The episodic world is always going to be a really important part of our overall slate,” Safran said. “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.” He pointed to Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart as an example, noting the character was introduced in Lanterns before appearing next summer in Man of Tomorrow.
“We’ll see what happens with Lanterns season 2,” Safran added. “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.”
Safran also confirmed to Collider that a decision on Lanterns’ future would be made by year’s end.
The character and the Lantern Corps will not disappear from the DCU even if season 2 is not picked up. John Stewart is already confirmed to appear in Man of Tomorrow, James Gunn’s sequel to Superman. Fans are also hoping Hal Jordan returns, though that remains uncertain.
writer’s room currently hashing out ideas for the future of Lanterns
Lanterns season 1 reportedly left the door open for more stories around Stewart and potentially Jordan. The series is among HBO’s most successful shows this year, which suggests the studio may be eager to continue it.
The show succeeded on its two leads, a more mature tone, and a compelling mystery, drawing comparisons to True Detective while distinguishing itself in a crowded comic-book genre. Its arrival came just two months after Supergirl underperformed at the box office, prompting some fans to worry about the DCU’s direction.
John Stewart is already confirmed to appear in Man of Tomorrow
The show’s success appears to counter those concerns, though whether it will return remains undecided. If DC and Warner Bros. decline to greenlight another season, Safran said fans should expect a strong reaction.
success of Lanterns seems to disprove that idea
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