HBO's 'Lanterns' teases shape-shifting Manhunters: 'The most dangerous beings to ever exist in the galaxy' (video)

HBO's 'Lanterns' teases shape-shifting Manhunters: 'The most dangerous beings to ever exist in the galaxy' (video) Trailers and teasers for HBO’s upcoming "Lanterns" series have been suspiciously devoid of much outer space footage for the intergalactic cops known as the Green Lanterns, but that's all history now with this exhilarating new preview. Beware the power of this illuminating peek that not only delivers generous doses of Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) mentoring his young apprentice, John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), but also tosses in cool shots above an alien planet, a prison world, and what could be barren Mars. And there's green galore via electrifying emerald constructs (including a beer opener) emanating from the cosmic peacekeepers' trusty power rings. Plus we're treated to a severe warning by the normally-wisecracking Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) as a serious but satisfying bonus. "Lanterns" is an 8-episode limited series arriving Aug. 16, 2026 courtesy of DC Studios and heralding from executive producers Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King. From this latest trailer it's apparent that weird shape-shifting Manhunters will be primary antagonists alongside the crimson-skinned criminal Sinestro (Ulrich Thomsen) and that has piqued our interest. It delivers a well-rounded depiction of the series' story arc and motivational beats that follow an older generation of Lanterns giving way to a younger law enforcement recruit. "Manhunters are the most dangerous beings to ever exist in the galaxy," Paul Ben-Victor's extraterrestrial truth-seeker, Antaan, explains. "And it can take the form of any species." This grounded, mystery-driven miniseries showcases one of DC Comics' most honored creations, the Green Lantern Corps, and their oath-reciting, ring-bearing brethren across the cosmos, here investigating odd murders in rural Nebraska. Landing from DC Studios, Warner Bros. Television, and HBO, "Lanterns" debuts Sunday, Aug. 16 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and later streaming on HBO Max. Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max are also available as a bundle that offers a significant discount over the cost of buying all three services individually. Bundle with ads: $19.99/month Bundle (no ads): $32.99/month You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Jeff Spry is an award-winning screenwriter and veteran freelance journalist covering TV, movies, video games, books, and comics. His work has appeared at SYFY Wire, Inverse, Collider, Bleeding Cool and elsewhere. Jeff lives in beautiful Bend, Oregon amid the ponderosa pines, classic muscle cars, a crypt of collector horror comics, and two loyal English Setters.