SDCC 26: HBO Max bringing Lanterns and more

Some big name activations are on tap for Comic Con later this month, from HBO Max. Fans can look for Lanterns, House of the Dragon, and more.

Lanterns lights the Gaslamp

We all know that, as goes San Diego Comic Con, the convention center itself is just part of the action. While it’s the hotbed for sure, the surrounding Gaslamp Quarter is a party unto itself. Every year, the whole of the Gaslamp plays home to multiple events, showcases, and activations. There are usually big names behind those too, and this year looks to be right in line.

HBO Max will be arriving in the Quarter with a pretty big footprint, and a number of special happenings. Those cover a trio of properties, starting with the brand new Stuart Fails to Save The Universe. If you’re unfamiliar with that, it’s the newest Big Bang Theory spinoff, set in the Pasadena comics shop from the original sitcom. A panel will be on tap as well, which will be at 2:25pm on Thursday, July 23rd. Look for that in the convention center’s famed Hall H.

Next up is Lanterns, the first television show based on DC Comics’ iconic Green Lantern. The TV show will star both Hal Jordan and John Stewart, and will figure into Comic Con with a “Lanterns Training Headquarters”, where fans can actually get a GL ring for themselves. Well, that and buy some merch. It’s also in addition to a panel, which will be in Hall H, on July 24th at 1:30pm. While we’re on the subject too, HBO Max says that fans who’d like to attend the Lanterns event should signup online ahead of time. Just something to keep in mind.

Rounding things out? That’d be House of the Dragon, as the Game of Thrones prequel series rolls back into town. There won’t be any activation in the Gaslamp for this one, but fantasy fans can watch for a “advance fan screening of Season 3, Episode 6”. Those who are attending the convention will find that happening on Saturday the 25th, at 10pm, in Room 6DE.

Want more info on any of the above? Check out the official rundown below.

Full Details for STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE: 

• Beginning Thursday, July 23 and open through Sunday, July 26, HBO Max will debut an immersive fan experience inspired by STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE, inviting fans to step inside the series’ expanding multiverse. The activation brings Stuart’s “The Comic Center of Pasadena” to life, transforming the familiar comic shop from THE BIG BANG THEORY universe into a portal‑hopping journey through multiple worlds tied to the show. Designed as an interactive, story driven experience, guests will move through a series of in‑world touchpoints – beginning with a portal walkthrough and culminating in a reveal that challenges fans to discover their hero archetypes, with each path connected to a character from the series. Along the way, fans will encounter interactive moments, photo‑ops with a replica machine from the show, plus exclusive merch and a personalized collectible takeaway

STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE | Sparks Gallery – 530 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA

• Thursday, July 23: 11:00am – 7:00pm
• Friday, July 24: 11:00am – 7:00pm
• Saturday, July 25: 11:00am – 7:00pm
• Sunday, July 26: 11:00am – 3:00pm
   
• On Thursday, July 23, HBO Max will host the STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE panel at the San Diego Convention Center in Hall H from 2:15pm – 3:15pm. The event will feature an exclusive advance screening of the highly anticipated Max Original spinoff of THE BIG BANG THEORY, followed by a must-see panel packed with surprises and featuring creators Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady, plus stars Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, John Ross Bowie, and Brian Posehn. Moderated by Felicia Day. Earlier in the day, the cast and creators will hit DC’s booth (#4544) for a signing session from 12:30pm – 1:00pm.

Full Details for LANTERNS: 

• From Thursday, July 23 through Saturday, July 25, HBO Max will invite fans to prove their fearlessness at the “Lanterns Training Headquarters” experience. Inspired by the setting of Rushville, Nebraska, the activation unfolds as a guided training journey where fans will receive a briefing from the Guardians and will be evaluated through a series of interactive challenges designed to reveal if they have what it takes to wear the ring. Along the way, guests will move through hands-on experiences including target practice, trust-based challenges, maze navigation, and escape‑room style mystery scenarios set within in‑world environments like a Sheriff’s office and dive bar. The experience culminates for trainees with a custom Green Lantern ring to take home, an opportunity to simulate using a Green Lantern ring on a Snapchat powered interactive mirror and the opportunity to purchase exclusive LANTERNS merch from Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products.
   
• Sign-ups for the “Lanterns Training Headquarters” activation will open on Monday, July 13 at 9:00am PT at hbomax.com/lanternstraininghq. Reservations are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. All guests must be 18 or older to attend. Follow @greenlantern on social media for more information and sign-up details.
   
• HBO Max will also partner with local businesses in the Gaslamp district for surprise swag giveaways in addition to a LANTERNS Recharge Station for fans to cool off and charge their phones using Lantern Batteries.

LANTERNS Training Headquarters | Venue 808 –808 J St,San Diego, CA

• Thursday, July 23: 9:00am – 6:00pm
• Friday, July 24: 11:00am – 9:00pm
• Saturday, July 25: 11:00am – 9:00pm 
• On Friday, July 24, HBO Max will host the LANTERNS panel at the San Diego Convention Center in Hall H from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Step into the world of the Green Lantern Corps as Kyle Chandler (Hal Jordan) and Aaron Pierre (John Stewart) unite with Garret Dillahunt (William Macon), Poorna Jagannathan (Zoe), and visionary co-creators Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King. Prepare for an epic deep dive into the highly anticipated new series with an exclusive first look with never‑before‑seen clips and behind‑the‑scenes insights.

Full Details for HOUSE OF THE DRAGON S3: 
HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Season 3 Fan Screening | San Diego Convention Center, Room 6DE

• On Saturday, July 25 from 10:00-11:15 p.m. in San Diego Convention Center Hall Room 6DE, HBO Max will host a special advance fan screening of Season 3, Episode 6 featuring an introduction from co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal.

HBO Max press release