Cancelled ‘Green Lantern’ Series Concept Art Shows What HBO Max Never Created
The cancelled ‘Green Lantern‘ series stands as one of the most intriguing what-ifs in recent DC history. This ambitious space saga was set to unfold before a single frame was ever shown to audiences. With ‘Lanterns’ now streaming on HBO Max following its August 16 premiere, fans are left wondering what the earlier version might have entailed.
Initially announced in 2019, the project was produced by Greg Berlanti and aimed to explore various Green Lanterns across multiple decades. Finn Wittrock and Jeremy Irvine were cast as Guy Gardner and Alan Scott, respectively, while showrunner Seth Grahame-Smith had crafted all eight episodes of the first season. Unfortunately, the entire project was ultimately scrapped.
Recently, the first concept art from this abandoned series has surfaced online, showcasing a surprising level of detail. According to widely circulated images from Screen Rant, the series would have spanned two distinct time periods, featuring Alan Scott in 1941 and Guy Gardner in 1984.
The artwork is visually striking. One image depicts a group of Lanterns, both human and alien, preparing for battle as glowing green constructs, including shields and blades, crackle around them. Another image features a Lantern in a sleek, armored suit with a glowing planet in the background, presenting a stark contrast to the costume from the 2011 film.
First concept art from the cancelled ‘GREEN LANTERN’ series.
• Would have took place in 2 time periods – Alan Scott in 1941 and Guy Gardner in 1984
• Jessica Cruz, Simon Baz, Kilowog & Sinestro would’ve been in the series + a new Lantern character Bree Jarta
• The Manhunters were planned to be the primary villains
• Seth Grahame-Smith was set to serve as showrunner with Marc Guggenheim in the writers room
(Source: https://t.co/z80f0pGcdc)— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 7, 2026
The character lineup described in the post is impressive. Jessica Cruz, Simon Baz, Kilowog, and Sinestro were all set to appear, along with a new Lantern named Bree Jarta. Earlier reports had already indicated that Cruz and Baz would be among the Lanterns featured in the show, with Bree Jarta rumored to join the roster.
The Manhunters were intended to serve as the primary antagonists. Grahame-Smith was slated to be the showrunner, with Marc Guggenheim contributing in the writers’ room. This cosmic ensemble was designed to navigate between wartime and the 1980s.
The project’s cancellation occurred amid significant upheaval. Changes in leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery, including the departure of executive Walter Hamada, opened the door for a reimagining centered around Hal Jordan and John Stewart. As a result, Grahame-Smith exited the project.
Guggenheim has since elaborated on the creative differences that led to the cancellation. In an interview with Popverse, he described their vision as “a multi-generational two-timeline space epic,” while HBO’s feedback leaned towards a darker, detective-style narrative.
He also noted that production designer Francois Audouy had developed designs for Oa, the Lanterns, and the constructs, aligning with the polished, cinematic aesthetic of the newly released images. Guggenheim mentioned that the team had secured stages, a director, and some cast members before the project was ultimately halted.
The cast felt the impact of the cancellation as well. Irvine, who was cast as Alan Scott, expressed his disappointment, stating he was “so gutted” upon learning the show would not proceed. He also expressed hope to collaborate with James Gunn in the future.
Interestingly, the villains originally intended for the lost series have made their way to the screen. ‘Lanterns’ follows Hal Jordan and new recruit John Stewart as they delve into a dark mystery while investigating a murder in the heartland of the U.S. The show’s trailer hinted at the Manhunters as the main villains and introduced Sinestro.
In the comics, the Guardians created the Manhunters to safeguard the galaxy before forming the Green Lantern Corps. This shared villain creates an intriguing connection between the two projects. However, the cancelled version’s two-timeline structure, extensive Lantern roster, and 1941 setting would have offered a distinctly different superhero experience.
Regardless of the final outcome of this unfulfilled vision, the initial look at the concept art suggests it would have been a visual spectacle. It also adds another chapter to the complex history of DC’s ambitions for the Lantern franchise on television.
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