Early character designs for the upcoming HBO series Lanterns have surfaced via merchandise leaks just before the show's trailer debut at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. The leaked figures provide the first concrete look at the visual direction for protagonists Hal Jordan and John Stewart, as well as the antagonist Sinestro.
Entertainment Earth's Funko POP! leak reveals the look of Hal Jordan and John Stewart
A new wave of tie-in Funko POP! figures released by Entertainment Earth has given fans an early glimpse into the aesthetic of the Lanterns series. According to the report, the figures for John Stewart and Hal Jordan confirm the presence of the two lead Green Lanterns. Hal Jordan's costume is described as a "murky green" color, a departure from the brighter hues often seen in previous iterations, though it remains consistent with other early previews of the production.
The inclusion of these figures ahead of the official traailer debut at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 suggests a coordinated marketing push by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television. By releasing merchandise through Entertainment Earth, the production is effeectively seeding the visual identity of the show before the first high-definition footage is screened for the public.
Sinestro's white uniform hints at a Sciencell imprisonment arc
The most revealing part of the leak is the appearance of Sinestro, who is depicted with his classic purple skin. More significantly, the figure shows the villain wearing a plain white uniform rather than his traditional yellow power ring attire. As reported by the source, this specific wardrobe choice mirrors two major comic book storylines: Green Lantern #26-28 from 2008 and War of the Green Lanterns: Aftermath #1-2 from 2011.
In those comic arcs, written by Geoff Johns and Tony Bedard respectively, the white outfit signifies that Sinestro is imprisoned within the Sciencells of the Guardians of the Universe. If the HBO series follows this trajectory, the narrative may begin with Sinestro as a captive,focusing on the psychological tension between the imprisoned villain and the active Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and John Stewart, rather than a standard cosmic battle.
The creative trifecta of Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King
The production of Lanterns is being steered by a high-profile creative team consisting of Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King. This collaboration brings together Lindelof's history with complex, mystery-driven narratives and Tom King's deep expertise in DC Comics storytelling. The partnership between DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television indicates that the series is intended to be a cornerstone of the new DC cinematic and televisual ecosystem.
By blending these three distinct creative voices, the series aims to balance the procedural elements of a "buddy cop" story in space with the heavy thematic weight of the Green Lantern mythos. The choice of Hal Jordan and John Stewart as the dual leads suggests a focus on the contrasting philosophies and backgrounds of the two most famous members of the Corps.
The countdown to the August 16, 2026 HBO premiere
While the Funko POP! figures provide a visual teaser, several key details remain unverified. It is currently unknown if the "murky green" suit for Hal Jordan is a permanent design choice or a specific costume for a particular episode. Furthermore, the source does not clarify if other members of the Green Lantern Corps or the Guardians of the Universe will appear in the initial season, leaving the scale of the cosmic cast an open question.
Fans will have to wait for the official trailer at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 to see if the show's tone matches the grit suggested by the merchandise. Once the trailer drops, the industry will be looking closely at the visual effects used to render the constructs of the power rings. The series is scheduled to premiere on August 16, 2026, streaming on HBO and Max.
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