DC Studios Head Explains the Delay Behind Its Biggest HBO Show of 2026

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Peter Safran, a co-CEO at DC Studios, explained the reason for pushing back the launch of the DCU and a major HBO Max show. 2025 was set to be a big year for James Gunn’s DCU, starting with the theatrical release of the new Superman film starring David Corenswet. The excitement was going to continue with the second season of Peacemaker on HBO Max, and build even more with the planned 2026 premiere of Lanterns. However, the Lanterns series, which focuses on Green Lantern, has been delayed from early next year to late summer.

DC Studios head Peter Safran told Comic Book Resources (CBR) that the delay of the Lanterns series – moving it from early 2026 to late summer – was to ensure HBO Max had enough time to properly prepare and promote the show as part of the new DC Universe.

The delay was all about finding the best time to launch the show, allowing HBO Max to build proper anticipation with marketing and promotion. It’s a significant show for everyone involved, and we’re confident it will be excellent. We wanted to get the timing right, and that means a late summer release – there was a specific reason behind the decision.

The reason Lanterns is delayed is understandable – DC Studios and HBO need a solid plan to promote the project and ensure it does well.

HBO has big plans for early 2026, with new seasons of popular shows like The Pitt, Industry, and Euphoria already scheduled. Launching a new series like Lanterns at the same time would have risked it getting lost in the shuffle. Delaying the show is a smart decision, giving it the dedicated attention and promotion it deserves as the DC Universe returns to television.

Even just saying “the show is going to be great” shows the head of DC Studios is confident about Lanterns, which should create excitement for the series.

Okay, so I’m really excited about this new series, Lanterns! It’s going to focus on the relationship between Hal Jordan and John Stewart – you know, the classic mentor and student vibe – while they try to solve this really complicated murder. The cast is amazing too – Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, even Nathan Fillion! And get this, Ulrich Thomsen is playing Sinestro! It’s supposed to come out sometime in late summer 2026, which feels like a long way off, but I’m already counting down the days.

Why Lanterns’ Delay Is A Good Thing for the DCU & Its Future 

The postponement of ‘Lanterns’ is actually a positive sign, not only for the show itself but for the future of the DC Universe. It shows that DC Studios is willing to delay projects to make sure they have the attention they need. According to Safran, this delay wasn’t due to problems with the show, but was a planned part of the larger strategy for the DCU.

Currently, Lanterns is scheduled to air after Supergirl. Delaying the show would give the *Milly Alcockled series the chance to generate excitement and build anticipation for the other DCU projects planned for 2026.

It’s unclear if Supergirl will tie into the world of the Lanterns, but if the movie includes a hint that affects the show, it would benefit both projects.

Even though Lanterns isn’t out for several months, HBO has shared a short trailer giving fans a first look at the show. Early reactions have been good, which is encouraging as the release date approaches.

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2025-12-16 22:08