HBO’s Lanterns may have just teased John Stewart’s most iconic romance from the animated series, and fans are losing it. The show’s latest episode dropped a subtle Easter egg that has DCU fans debating whether the Green Lantern and Hawkgirl should become a couple.
Lanterns fans debate if John Stewart and Hawkgirl should be a couple in DCU
Lanterns fans on X (formerly Twitter) are debating whether John Stewart and Hawkgirl should become a couple in the DCU. The discussion began after Lanterns Episode 3 explored John Stewart’s backstory on HBO. The episode also featured a “Midway City” Easter egg connecting to Hawkman and Hawkgirl’s corner of the DCU.
Some fans want the iconic animated series romance adapted for live action. One user wrote, “Someone said John likes birds. #Lanterns,” sharing images of the animated couple.
Another user said, “I can’t wait to see this iconic scene from the animated version brought to life in the live-action movie.”
However, many fans pushed back by pointing out a key distinction between versions. The DCU’s Hawkgirl, played by Isabela Merced in Superman (2025), is Kendra Saunders. The animated series romance featured a different character, Shayera Hol. One user responded, “Not even the right Hawkgirl can yall stop doing this omg.”
Another user added, “Not even the same Hawkgirl holy f**k.”
Several other users echoed this concern about confusing the two characters. One user stated, “Wrong hawkgirl by the way.”
Another user asked, “Yall know they not the same hawkgirl right.”
One user also noted, “DCU Hawkgirl is not Shayera, plus there is a huge age gap.”
Aaron Pierre stars as John Stewart in Lanterns and will also appear in Man of Tomorrow (2027). Merced’s Hawkgirl will return in that film as well.
Lanterns airs new episodes weekly on HBO through October 4.
