Is ‘Lanterns’ Season 2 cancelled? Change at DC Studios threatens HBO show’s future
'Lanterns' left the world spellbound with its gritty take on the titular hero. According to Deadline, the superhero series was amongst the top five HBO series launches. Despite this resounding success, the show hasn't been renewed, leaving many fans concerned. These concerns were amplified when DC Studios co-chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran were let go. Since the show aired during Gunn and Safran's tenure, its future is now under the scanner. Will John Stewart's story continue, or will the new Chief take a new direction? According to Variety, the latter is the case.
An insider has told the outlet that despite the viewership, the studio isn't satisfied with the crime drama. According to the source, the show hasn't captured the "zeitgeist" the studio wanted. The disappointment is why the show hasn't been renewed. The finale aired on October 4, 2026, but no news has arrived about a second season. “People cannot wait to make another season of a hit show,” the source said. The insider claims 'Lanterns' is effectively dead.
Cosmic Book backed the update. Warner Bros. Discovery insiders told the outlet that incoming DC Studios boss Jeremy Latcham does not favor R-rated projects like 'Peacemaker' and 'Lanterns,' because of his Christian identity. “So, yeah, definitely a swing to more conservative values, which is consistent with (David) Ellison’s (new head of WBD) vision of movies reflecting mainstream,” the insider added. Another update from the same outlet stated that the only DC projects that will continue in the new regime are an HBO show (not Lanterns), 'Man of Tomorrow' and 'The Batman: Part II.'
Gunn and Safran remain involved creatively with multiple projects under DC. Variety insider claims everyone at WBD hopes Latcham will return to basics with DC and make it successful. “Jeremy is the kind of guy who would go to Comic-Con to get an autograph from someone,” said another source, “not someone who wants to be there signing autographs.” Latcham is set to take over from Gunn and Safran on December 1, 2026.
