# Lanterns Is DC’s Comeback Story: How the HBO Max Hit Could Offset Supergirl’s Box Office Flop

URL: https://technosports.co.in/lanterns-is-dcs-comeback-story-how/  
Published: 2026-10-02  
Updated: 2026-10-02  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

Just when the DCU needed a win, *Lanterns* showed up. After *Supergirl* disappointed in theaters, the HBO Max series has become DC Studios’ biggest streaming debut yet. Here’s the full story, from the DC desk at [Technosports](https://technosports.co.in/).

### Supergirl’s Stumble, Lanterns’ Surge

*Supergirl* arrived to weak reviews and became a major box office disappointment, reportedly barely passing $125 million. It followed the hit *Superman*, which made the dip feel sharper. Asked about the added pressure on *Lanterns*, showrunner Chris Mundy said every release carries pressure, and he gave it his best regardless. He added that on the business side, executives are probably more eager for *Lanterns* to succeed. That’s a candid admission, and it fits the situation.

### Lanterns: The Numbers Tell the Story

| Milestone | Viewership (per Variety) |
| --- | --- |
| First three days | 9.3 million |
| By Episode 3 | 10 million globally |
| By Episode 7 | 19 million per episode |

That makes it the biggest debut ever for a [DC Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_Studios) show, and it did so despite reported review-bombing. Critics have also been positive.

![Lanterns](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Lanterns-3.png)

### What’s Next for DC?

The next test is *Clayface*, a body-horror film reportedly made on a modest $40 million budget. Horror has been a hot genre, so even a Supergirl-sized gross could still earn a profit. It’s also expected to offer the DCU’s first real look at Gotham. If *Clayface* does well and *Man of Tomorrow* delivers in July 2027, confidence in DC’s long-term plan should grow.

Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav has said the company won’t change its long-term strategy, and rumors suggest Paramount plans to keep James Gunn and Peter Safran in charge. For more, browse our [DCU coverage](https://technosports.co.in/).

### FAQs

### **How popular is Lanterns on HBO Max?**

Viewership reportedly grew from 9.3 million in three days to 19 million per episode by Episode 7.

### **Will Supergirl’s flop affect the DCU?**

  
Not necessarily. Strong results from *Lanterns*, *Clayface* and *Man of Tomorrow* could make it a minor setback.