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Lanterns Finale Sets John Stewart's Path to Man of Tomorrow

The series finale repositions John Stewart as an independent Green Lantern, directly leading into James Gunn's Superman sequel.

Priya RamanPublished · 2 min read
Image via HBO

**Spoilers for the Lanterns finale follow.**

The first season of Lanterns ends with a clear handoff. Hal Jordan's on-screen tenure as Green Lantern appears to conclude, while John Stewart takes over Earth's protection. Collider reports that John now operates as an independent agent, using a fear-infused power battery and a fully charged ring. He tells Guy Gardner he plans to handle Earth's defense from here.

The change comes after John finds Thaal Sinestro and claims the lantern built for Noah the Manhunter, a device charged with yellow fear energy. He rejects the Guardians' control and the expectations his parents placed on him, choosing to fight his programming. Collider describes his new status as an "independent contractor" with a power ring.

This version of John Stewart differs from his comic-book history, where he often worked closely with the Green Lantern Corps. Still, Collider notes that he has operated independently in past stories. In the series, he embodies Hal Jordan's rebellious streak, while Guy Gardner remains the Guardians' errand boy.

The finale also sets up John's role in James Gunn's upcoming Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow. Collider says Brainiac will be the main threat, and both John Stewart and Guy Gardner will appear alongside David Corenswet's Superman. Collider notes that details on John's participation are limited, but the show establishes him as a powerful hero who prioritizes protecting civilians. The episode recalls his architectural work designing fallout shelters after the 2016 Rushville disaster.

Lanterns is now streaming on HBO Max.

  • Aaron Pierre
  • DC Universe
  • HBO Max
  • James Gunn
  • John Stewart
  • Lanterns
  • Man of Tomorrow

About Priya Raman

Priya Raman is a staff writer at TV & Movies, where she writes Three Episodes In, the site's verdict on new series after their first three episodes. She spent four years as a writers' assistant on two network dramas and later read scripts for production companies in Chicago and Los Angeles. She has a BA in English from the University of Michigan and an MFA in screenwriting from DePaul University. She covers prestige drama, limited series and workplace comedies. Favorites: The Wire, Halt and Catch Fire, Abbott Elementary. She has opinions about cold opens and will share them if asked.

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