Fact Check: Did James Gunn Really Say ‘Lanterns’ Is Not Canon to DCU?

Published 10/05/2026, 5:06 AM EDT

Credits: John Johnson/ HBO Max

Since taking over DC Studios, James Gunn has made plenty of bold moves, including closing the door on Henry Cavill's Superman, which drew backlash at the time. His work since then, led by Superman, has won many of those critics over, helped by his deep command of comic book detail. Now, a reported comment about Lanterns has fans talking again.

Starring Aaron Pierre, the Lanterns series has caught lightning in a bottle in terms of success. However, with its finale having been released, a fog regarding whether James Gunn considers it a DCU canon project or an Elseworlds project has contaminated the air.

Did James Gunn say Lanterns is an Elseworlds project?

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Since the release of Lanterns' finale, which aired on October 4, several accounts have been posting a screenshot of James Gunn's Threads account in which he claims that the Lanterns series is not canon to the DCU; only some of its characters are. However, the screenshot is fabricated, as James Gunn has not made any post of this kind.

James Gunn at the premiere of the feature film The Suicide Squad at Landmark Westwood Theatres Los Angeles, 02 08 2021. Foto:xD.xBedrosianx xFuturexImage

The claim can be traced down to a post by  @-Movie-Fans-account on X which already has several fans debunking the fake news in the comments. Moreover, the post claims that the finale resulted in mixed reactions, which as per the 8.5 rating on IMDb, seems far from true. The fact of the matter remains that Lanterns is part of the DCU's Gods and Monsters chapter, and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) is set to appear again in Man of Tomorrow in 2027.

Every 'Lanterns' Character Who Could Return in the DCU- And Where You’ll See Them Next

While the claim regarding the Lanterns not being DCU canon may not be true, there is some good news regarding the show making rounds, that may just be.

Will there be a Lanterns Season 2?

The finale of Lanterns leaves plenty to build on, from John's claim on Earth and the Guardians' likely reaction to Sinestro's fate and Kerry's unresolved Gotham past. However, the show has not yet been officially renewed for a season 2 by HBO.

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Credits: John Johnson/ HBO Max

Speaking to Collider, co-creator Damon Lindelof has been open about how the show was built to connect to the wider DCU, reiterating that John Stewart will be appearing in upcoming projects. However, Lindelof himself has chosen to not return in case of a season 2, which he revealed to be in early development. 

Who is Hannah Christine Shelter? Meet the Actor Playing Maggie on 'Lanterns'

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What do you think about the fake Lanterns claim? Let us know in the comments.

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Aliza Siddiqui

2023 articles

Aliza Siddiqui is an Entertainment Journalist and Primary Editor at Netflix Junkie. With over a thousand articles previously published at Otakukart, she brings a seasoned voice to pop culture storytelling—infused with her signature wit and editorial finesse. Her passion for cinema sparked with Anne Hathaway’s Princess Diaries and deepened through films like Don't Look Up and The Dictator, which shaped her appreciation for satire and subtext.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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