Is the Green Lantern corps being set up for failure? DC Universe co-chair Peter Safran explains their decision to delay the Lanterns series.
One of the most disappointing pieces of nose to come out of the DC Universe in recent weeks was the reveal that Lanterns, which was originally set to debut early next year, would be pushed back to late summer of 2026. This doesn’t just create a massive dearth of DC content at the start of the year, but also likely pushes the Green Lantern series into the dangerously packed fall premiere season.
While many see this as a good sign for Lanterns, with the series likely being propped up as one of HBO’s biggest shows of the season, others aren’t quite so positive. Green Lantern already has a struggling perception with general audiences. And given the history of the character in connected versions of the DC Universe, there are worries that any lull in viewership could kneecap the corps’ chances of being a large part of the franchise going forward.
Why Was Lanterns Delayed?
DC Universe co-chair, Peter Safran, recently spoke to CBR about the decision to delay Lanterns. The executive explained that the choice to push the series back was simply because it’s what “made sense”. Safran also emphasized that the timing needs to right, especially given how important the Green Lantern series will be for so many parties.
“It was about when it made sense for it to be released, so (HBO Max) could get the right lead in, the right promotion. Because it’s an important show for everybody, and the show is going to be great. It was about the right timing, so it’s going to be… it’s late summer. But there’s a reason for it.”
It’ll be interesting to see what plans HBO has in mind for promoting Lanterns, especially as it’s the only series for the DC Universe (currently) set to debut next year. The Green Lantern Corps. have an uphill battle to gain market share with general audiences. Though, at the very least, it seems as though Peter Safran and the rest of the DC team are trying their hardest to make it a reality.
The Green Lantern series Lanterns is set to debut next summer on HBO. Stay tuned for the latest news regarding the future of the DC Universe!
