James Gunn Slams Fake AI-Generated Lanterns Show Images
New images from the highly anticipated DC series Lanterns have been making the rounds online, giving fans a supposed glimpse of John Stewart and Hal Jordan in action. But is what you're seeing real? DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has stepped in to set the record straight about the show's actual look.
The internet was buzzing recently as what appeared to be the first action shots from the upcoming DC series Lanterns surfaced online. The images, featuring actors Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler as John Stewart and Hal Jordan respectively, showed the heroes wielding their iconic power rings. Fans immediately began dissecting the visuals, but the excitement was short-lived as DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn personally stepped in to clear the air.
The AI Debunking
The seemingly authentic pictures quickly gained traction, fueling speculation about the shows visual style and tone. However, when a fan posted the images on the social media platform Threads, Gunn offered a blunt and definitive correction. In response to the circulating pictures, he simply wrote, "Nope, that's AI." His comment immediately put an end to the rumors, confirming that the supposed first look was nothing more than a sophisticated digital fabrication.
Official Glimpses and Core Themes
So far, the only official visual released to the public is a single promotional picture of John Stewart and Hal Jordan walking together down a street, offering little in the way of action. However, a select audience was treated to an exclusive trailer behind closed doors. Reports from the private screening described footage of Hal in mid-flight, scenes highlighting the bickering dynamic between the two leads, and even a fun reference to Ch'p, a more unusual member of the Green Lantern Corps. This sneak peek suggests the show will blend high-flying superheroics with grounded character interactions.
Showrunner Chris Mundy has shed more light on this dynamic, describing the project as "as much of a buddy cop show as a superhero show." The relationship between the two main characters will be the heart of the story. "Our show is in a lot of ways about replacement – when should someone step aside and when is it time for the next person to take the reins?" Mundy stated. He elaborated on the central conflict, explaining, "That push and pull between those two characters is really important. So much of the power that John has is by not taking the bait, understanding that you lose your power if you’re yelling and screaming." This points to a nuanced exploration of power, responsibility, and mentorship.
Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see this vision come to life, as Lanterns is slated for a summer 2026 release. Before that, the next major film in the new DC Universe will be Supergirl, which is scheduled to hit theaters on June 26, 2026.