Damon Lindelof, one of the creators of the upcoming series Lanterns, made a joke about the DCU name change during a 2024 podcast. He said the show dropped the word green because “the green was stupid” and called the series simply Lanterns. The comment resurfaced when the Lanterns trailer launched and drew strong reactions from Green Lantern fans.
Grant Morrison calls out the joke
Scottish writer Grant Morrison, known for his work on Green Lantern comics, wrote a sharp response on Substack. He asked why the creators would alienate the very fans who care most about the Lanterns TV series. Morrison’s post added fuel to the growing backlash.
After the criticism piled up, Lindelof posted an apology on Instagram. He admitted that his words were sloppy and careless. He said he respects the legacy of Hal Jordan, John Stewart and the entire Green Lantern Corps. He promised to do better and let the show speak for itself.
Key points from the apology
- He acknowledged upsetting Grant Morrison and many comic writers.
- He expressed regret for hurting Green Lantern fans.
- He pledged to honor the oath of the Lanterns.
Who is behind Lanterns?
Lanterns is being produced by Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy and Tom King. The series stars Kyle Chandler as a veteran Green Lantern and Aaron Pierre as a new recruit. The two intergalactic cops investigate a murder in the American heartland, blending space drama with a grounded mystery.
When and where to watch
The series will premiere in August on HBO and HBO Max. Fans hope the show will deliver a fresh take on the Green Lantern mythos despite the early controversy.
Why the story matters
The Lanterns TV show controversy highlights how sensitive fans are about brand changes in the DC Universe. It also shows that creators must choose words carefully, especially when discussing beloved characters. The apology demonstrates a willingness to listen to the community and correct missteps before the series launches.
Source: Superhero Hype
