Lanterns showrunner was shocked to hear about James Gunn's DC departure and thinks a season 2 is now a "coin flip"
The departure of James Gunn and Peter Safran as co‑CEOs of DC Studios follows Skydance Media’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery earlier this year. Their exit triggered a leadership change, with former Marvel Studios executive Jeremy Latcham slated to assume the top DC role on Dec. 1. At a recent “Lanterns” press event, showrunner Chris Mundy admitted that the shake‑up turned what he thought was a settled production slate into a 50/50 gamble. Despite critical acclaim and strong viewership that rank it among HBO’s most successful new series, the series has yet to receive a formal season‑2 order. Variety reports that Skydance believes the show isn’t “capturing the zeitgeist,” a possible reason for the stall, yet Mundy has already assembled a writers’ room, signaling a willingness to press forward if green‑lit.
The uncertainty surrounding “Lanterns” mirrors a broader recalibration of the DC Universe. Gunn’s inaugural “Chapter One” rollout—beginning with the 2022 “Superman” film—was intended to unify movies and TV under a single narrative umbrella. Skydance’s stated intent to “dismantle” that structure suggests a pivot away from the interconnected model, potentially favoring stand‑alone projects or a new continuity overseen by Latcham. This contrasts sharply with Marvel’s tightly knit phases, where leadership continuity has kept franchise momentum steady. The fact that the “Superman” sequel has already wrapped and that Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart will reappear in the upcoming “Man of Tomorrow” indicates that not all DC properties are on the chopping block, but the fate of cross‑medium titles like “Lanterns” is now in flux.
Looking ahead, the primary risk is that “Lanterns” could be shelved despite its critical success, leaving its narrative arcs—particularly the John Stewart and Hal Jordan storylines—unfinished. Fans should monitor any statements from Skydance regarding Latcham’s vision for the DC slate, as well as internal HBO communications about renewal criteria. The existence of a writers’ room suggests that the creative team is prepared to deliver a second season quickly if approval arrives, making the timing of the decision crucial. Additionally, the performance of “Man of Tomorrow” and the upcoming “Superman” sequel will likely serve as barometers for Skydance’s appetite to retain or discard existing DC TV properties.
Key Takeaways
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s exit has turned “Lanterns” season‑2 renewal into a 50/50 gamble, according to showrunner Chris Mundy.
Skydance’s leadership, now headed by former Marvel exec Jeremy Latcham, reportedly views the series as failing to capture current cultural momentum.
Despite the lack of a formal order, a writers’ room is already in place, indicating the production team’s readiness to continue if approved.
The outcome for “Lanterns” will hinge on Skydance’s broader strategy for the DCU, especially the reception of “Man of Tomorrow” and the completed “Superman” sequel.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by GamesRadar. Here is a short excerpt for context:
Lanterns season 2 is not looking good, as Skydance reportedly thinks the wildly popular HBO show didn't capture the "zeitgeist"Read the original at GamesRadar
