Lanterns: Grant Morrison Fires Back at DCU Show Creator Over ‘Stupid’ Comment

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Grant Morrison is reacting to comments made by Damon Lindelof regarding the new DC Universe show, Lanterns.

Later this year, HBO Max will launch “Lanterns,” a new series from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television. Created by Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, and Tom King, the show stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Nathan Fillion and Ulrich Thomsen will also appear as Guy Gardner and Sinestro, respectively, alongside other cast members.

There was a lot of initial buzz about the upcoming show, Lanterns, but the first trailer has left some viewers feeling uncertain. Green Lantern stories are usually known for being colorful and fantastical, but the trailer takes a much more realistic and serious approach. A key point of discussion is the costumes – or rather, the apparent lack of them – as it doesn’t look like the lead characters will be wearing their iconic Green Lantern suits very much.

What did Grant Morrison say about Lanterns show and Damon Lindelof?

In a 2024 podcast interview on Lovett or Leave It, Lindelof explained the show’s title, ‘Lanterns,’ saying they changed it from a previous version because they felt the original green-themed title was silly. This comment has recently been circulating online with the release of the show’s trailers.

Grant Morrison, a well-known comic book writer who’s worked on titles like Green Lantern and All-Star Superman, responded to comments made by Damon Lindelof. Lindelof had criticized the color green in ‘Green Lantern,’ calling it ‘stupid.’ Morrison questioned why a writer would take on a project they clearly dislike, asking, ‘If you think something is fundamentally ‘stupid,’ why work on it?’ He compared the situation to giving scripts to someone who disrespects the expertise involved, and suggested Lindelof should have simply declined the job if he wasn’t comfortable with the source material.

He’s financially secure and Lindelof has a track record of original thinking, so this dismissive attitude towards typical superhero stories doesn’t make sense. Is he trying to appear less of a ‘nerd’? That ship has sailed. It just seems pointless. Ultimately, the only people interested in the Green Lantern TV show are already fans, so why risk turning them off right away? It’s a strange and counterproductive move.

The title ‘Green Lanterns’ is far more impactful and interesting than simply ‘Lanterns’ – think of how much stronger ‘Raise the Red Lantern’ is as a movie title. If someone doesn’t understand that, they shouldn’t be working on superhero projects. While the show could be decent, it could be truly great if studios hired talented people who respect the source material, instead of relying on connections and watering it down. Hollywood’s tendency to stay within its own circles will ultimately be its downfall.

Lanterns premieres on HBO Max this August.

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2026-03-16 22:57