New Trailer for HBO’s Lanterns Unveils Its Alien Menace

If HBO’s *Lanterns* felt a bit too serious and lacking in vibrant energy for your liking, the latest trailer for this *True Detective*-inspired mystery series might just shift your perspective. Unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con, the final trailer takes the action beyond its small-town roots and into the cosmos. *Lanterns* is elevating the stakes by introducing a formidable new threat to the DC Universe: the Manhunters.

In the rich tapestry of DC Comics, the Manhunters are the original enforcers before the Green Lantern Corps came into existence. Designed by the Guardians of the Universe as an intergalactic police force, these robotic beings eventually gained self-awareness and developed a deep-seated resentment towards their creators, leading to a rebellion against the Oans. Although many Manhunters were destroyed during their uprising, some have managed to infiltrate various planets, masquerading as living beings to further their agenda. In response, the Guardians established the multi-species Green Lantern Corps, resulting in frequent clashes with the Manhunters.

*Lanterns* seems to dive headfirst into this cosmic conflict and alien intrigue, positioning the Manhunters as key suspects in the murders that Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) are investigating. Tension is palpable between the two Green Lanterns, with Stewart often being suggested as Jordan’s successor.

In an exciting twist, we also get a glimpse of another iconic Green Lantern: Sinestro, portrayed by Ulrich Thomsen, will make his debut in the DC Universe through *Lanterns*.

For fans eager to see Green Lanterns wielding their rings and manifesting constructs, there’s plenty to enjoy. We witness John Stewart struggling to fly, inadvertently creating a flying bird instead. Meanwhile, the more experienced Hal Jordan conjures force fields, tornadoes, and even a bottle opener, demonstrating the true potential of a Green Lantern to his trainee.

*Lanterns* features a talented cast including Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Laura Linney, Jason Ritter, Ulrich Thomsen, Nathan Fillion, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Jasmine Cephas Jones. The series is set to premiere on HBO on August 16 and will also be available for streaming on HBO Max.