DC Comic Book Legend Grant Morrison Criticizes HBO's Lanterns Damon Lindelof, a celebrated television writer known for creating "Lost," "The Leftovers," and "Watchmen," has drawn criticism from comic book writer Grant Morrison for his approach to HBO’s upcoming series "Lanterns." Lindelof, who is co-creating the show with Tom King and Chris Mundy, faces backlash for what Morrison views as a dismissive attitude toward the Green Lantern franchise’s core elements. Morrison, a prominent figure in the comic book world, argues that Lindelof’s interpretation of the Green Lantern mythos risks alienating fans and undermining the property’s legacy. Lindelof’s career has been marked by both acclaim and controversy. While he has won multiple Emmys for his work on "Lost" and "Watchmen," his past projects have been scrutinized for workplace dynamics. According to Maureen Ryan’s book "Burn It All Down: Power, Complicity and a Call for Change in Hollywood," Lindelof and his collaborator Carlton Cruise faced allegations of fostering a toxic environment on "Lost." Cast and crew reportedly endured mentally abusive treatment, with Lindelof allegedly making racist remarks and dismissing concerns about his behavior. Though Lindelof has denied these claims, stating he does not recall making such statements, the controversy has lingered. Morrison’s criticism centers on Lindelof’s perceived dismissal of the Green Lantern’s symbolic significance. The writer argues that Lindelof’s approach risks trivializing the franchise’s identity, which is rooted in its iconic "Green" theme. Morrison expressed frustration that Lindelof seems to view the Green Lantern’s color as a joke, potentially alienating fans who hold the property in high regard.#hbo #damon_lindelof #green_lantern #james_gunn #grant_morrison
Damon Lindelof's Comments on Lanterns Spark Debate Among DC Franchise Fans The DC Universe has seen a strong start under James Gunn's leadership, but 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the franchise. Two major projects are set to debut: the upcoming Supergirl movie and the high-profile HBO Max series Lanterns, which marks the first major DC series to launch on the platform. The series has already sparked controversy due to its title and creative direction, drawing criticism from some within the comic book community. Lindelof, who co-created Lanterns, made a controversial remark during a recent interview. When asked about the show's title, he joked that the team had agreed the word "Green" was "stupid," leading to the choice of "Lanterns" instead. While Lindelof clarified that his show was a comedy-focused project, many fans and critics interpreted the comment as dismissive of the Green Lantern franchise. The lack of green in the Lanterns trailer further fueled speculation that Lindelof was not fully committed to the material, with some viewers seeing it as a marketing delay rather than a genuine issue. Comic writer Grant Morrison, a longtime critic of DC's creative direction, weighed in on the controversy. He argued that Lindelof’s comments reflected a lack of respect for the source material, comparing the situation to assigning a CSI script to a writer who mocks forensic experts. Morrison emphasized that Lindelof, with his track record of success on original projects, should not be given DC properties if he is not suited for the task. He questioned why the franchise would hire someone who appears to be "ashamed and in denial" about the comic book material they are tasked with developing.#hbo_max #damon_lindelof #green_lantern #grant_morrison #dc_universe
Green Lantern' Writer Criticizes Damon Lindelof for HBO's 'Lanterns' Green Lantern has long been a challenging character to adapt into live-action, with past attempts often falling short. A 2011 film starring Ryan Reynolds was widely panned, and Warner Bros. blocked Zack Snyder from introducing the character into the present day in Justice League. A planned DC Extended Universe film titled Green Lantern Corps was abandoned after multiple writers, including David S. Goyer and Christopher McQuarrie, struggled to craft a viable script. The character’s unique blend of space cops and magic rings made it difficult to translate into a believable story, leading to its association with animated series and theme parks rather than serious cinematic efforts. HBO’s Lanterns takes a grounded approach, aiming to bring the character into a more realistic setting. DC Studios co-chief James Gunn described the series as “a very grounded, real show,” emphasizing its effort to make the outlandish concept of Green Lantern feel authentic. The teaser trailer, however, faced criticism for appearing disconnected from the character’s usual traits. It focused on Hal Jordan and John Stewart investigating a murder in Nebraska, a departure from the cosmic adventures typically associated with the Green Lantern mythos. Fans noted the lack of green elements and the dour tone, comparing the series to True Detective rather than a superhero story. Damon Lindelof, one of the show’s co-creators, made a lighthearted comment about the title, joking on the Lovett or Leave It podcast that the show is called Lanterns because the “Green” part was deemed “stupid.” This remark drew backlash from a Green Lantern comic writer, who criticized Lindelof for diluting the source material.#nebraska #hbo #damon_lindelof #green_lantern #james_gunn
