1 month ago

HBO Max has officially kicked off its presence in San Diego with the debut of two experiential activations for LANTERNS and STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE. Taking over locations throughout the Gaslamp District, the activations invite fans to step directly into the worlds of the series through interactive moments and series-themed storytelling, journey-driven challenges, photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise and takeaways, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Beginning yesterday on Thursday, July 23 and running through Saturday, July 25, “Lanterns Training Headquarters” recruits attendees into the Green Lantern Corps for an interactive journey inspired by LANTERNS. Set within the world of Rushville, Nebraska, the experience challenges visitors to prove their fearlessness through hands-on training exercises, uncover mysteries tied to the upcoming series, and compete for the opportunity to earn a custom Lantern ring. The activation transformed participants into aspiring Lanterns, placing them at the center of a story-driven adventure pulled directly from the universe of the show. Earlier today, cast members Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, alongside creators and writers Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, stopped by to take on the challenge themselves and find out if they are worthy of wearing the ring.

Running through Sunday, July 26, “The Comic Center of Pasadena” brings STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE to life through a multiverse-spanning adventure that transports fans inside Stuart Bloom’s iconic comic book store. Visitors journey through a series of alternate realities, discover their hero archetypes, explore immersive environments inspired by the series, and receive personalized collectible keepsakes along the way. The experience also features exclusive merchandise and shareable photo moments designed to celebrate the upcoming comedy event series. On Thursday, creators Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady, plus stars Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, John Ross Bowie, and Brian Posehn, stepped into the Stuart multiverse and experienced the adventure firsthand.

Beyond the activations, HBO Max also hosted must-see panels for both series. On Thursday, STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE treated attendees to an advance screening and conversation featuring creators Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady alongside series stars. LANTERNS followed on Friday with a Hall H panel featuring cast and creative talent, an exclusive first look at the series, and never-before-seen footage.

HBO Max’s Comic-Con celebration continues tomorrow as co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal will introduce a special advance screening of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Season 3, Episode 6, offering an exclusive early look at the next episode of the hit HBO Original series.

LANTERNS, from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television, premieres August 16 on HBO and HBO Max.

Max Original Comedy Series STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE, from Warner Bros. Television, premiered July 23 on HBO and HBO Max with new episodes debuting weekly Thursday’s at 9:00 p.m. ET.

The first 5 episodes of Season 3 of HBO Original Series HOUSE OF THE DRAGON are now streaming on HBO and HBO Max with new episodes debuting weekly Sunday’s at 9:00 p.m. ET.

A long-time fan and reveler of all things Geek, I am also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of GamingShogun.com