The future of the so-called “Snyderverse” remains largely in question despite continued fan demand, but the potential consequences of Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery could still bring unexpected developments. In the meantime, fans of films like Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will have to settle for the images director Zack Snyder occasionally shares on his Instagram profile. Today’s post is particularly special, featuring a character who never made it to the screen: Green Lantern.
Specifically, the image depicts John Stewart, who was envisioned for a future film to be played by actor Wayne T. Carr, known for his roles in the series ‘SWAT’ and the film ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ alongside Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand.
“Wayne T. Carr as John Stewart. A hero we planned to incorporate into the Justice League story. Some paths remain unexplored… but the green glow still lingers,” Snyder wrote in his Instagram post. Stewart was originally intended to have a brief cameo at the end of Snyder’s cut of Justice League, but the studio ultimately replaced him with Martian Manhunter.
Some fans speculate that Snyder timed the release of this image to coincide with the debut of the first trailer for ‘Lanterns,’ a new DC series that has drawn criticism for its perceived lack of cosmic and superheroic elements. The timing suggests a deliberate effort to remind audiences of Snyder’s vision for the character and the broader DC universe.
‘Lanterns’ Set to Premiere in August
In the upcoming HBO Max series ‘Lanterns,’ Aaron Pierre will portray John Stewart, while Kyle Chandler will take on the role of the veteran human Green Lantern, Hal Jordan. The series is described as a ‘True Detective’-style narrative with cosmic elements, though the initial trailer has been criticized for downplaying those aspects. Regardless of initial reactions, ‘Lanterns’ is now considered crucial to the future of James Gunn’s DC Universe (DCU), as Aaron Pierre is confirmed to appear in ‘Man of Tomorrow,’ the sequel to Superman.
‘Lanterns’ is scheduled to premiere on HBO in August.
The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount has fueled speculation about a possible revival of the Snyderverse. While reports initially suggested Paramount Skydance might be prepared to restore Snyder’s vision for DC, more recent reporting indicates a more cautious approach. According to Bloomberg, Paramount leadership intends to preserve much of Warner Bros.’ existing creative structure, including keeping James Gunn and Peter Safran as heads of DC Studios.
This suggests that a complete creative overhaul is unlikely, even if the merger goes through. However, the possibility of incorporating elements of the Snyderverse, or at least acknowledging its existence, hasn’t been entirely dismissed. Insiders suggest Snyder himself has been actively engaging with fans, sharing images and teasing potential storylines, potentially to maintain public interest in his vision.
The situation remains fluid, and the final outcome will depend on the details of the merger and the strategic decisions made by Paramount’s leadership. The release of Snyder’s Green Lantern image serves as a reminder of the untapped potential within his vision, and the continued fan support suggests there’s still an appetite for a return to that universe. The success of ‘Lanterns’ could also play a role, as its reception will likely influence future decisions regarding the direction of the DCU.
The acquisition process itself is ongoing. While Paramount initially made a larger offer, Netflix has emerged as the frontrunner, offering “greater value, certainty, and terms” than Paramount, according to reports from Bloomberg on December 17, 2025. Warner Bros. Discovery has formally rejected Paramount’s bid, signaling a likely path toward a deal with Netflix. However, the process is expected to take 12-18 months to complete due to extensive regulatory reviews.
The focus at Paramount, under CEO David Ellison, appears to be on broad appeal, recognizable intellectual property, and traditional heroic storytelling. This strategy could potentially accommodate a Snyder-led return featuring Ben Affleck’s Batman, Henry Cavill’s Superman, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, and Jason Momoa’s Aquaman, as those characters align with the desire for high-profile event films anchored by recognizable heroes. Snyder reportedly has new Justice League plans, building on storyboards previously shared online.
For now, fans will continue to follow developments closely, hoping for a resolution that allows for the continuation of the Snyderverse, or at least the incorporation of its elements into the broader DCU. The release of ‘Lanterns’ in August will be a key moment, and the coming months will undoubtedly bring further twists and turns in this evolving saga.
