DC Legend Slams Lanterns & Stokes Criticism of HBO Max Series

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HBO Max is launching a new Green Lantern series called Lanterns this year, but not everyone is thrilled with the approach. Created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof (known for HBO’s Watchmen), and Tom King (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow), the show is intentionally designed to feel more like the drama Yellowstone than a typical superhero story. James Gunn, overseeing DC’s TV and film projects, wants to avoid the formulaic superhero content he experienced during his time with Marvel. However, some fans are skeptical about turning Lanterns into what appears to be a low-key, small-town mystery.

Comic book legend Grant Morrison, known for both successful and sometimes controversial storylines, recently responded to comments made by Damon Lindelof while promoting his new series, Lanterns. Lindelof had jokingly called Green Lanterns “stupid,” which prompted Morrison to write a response on his Substack newsletter, Xanaduum. Morrison questioned why Lindelof would work on a project connected to something he apparently considered foolish, especially given that the core audience for the Lanterns show are fans of Green Lantern. He argued that alienating those fans at the outset seemed counterproductive and, frankly, “stupid.”

Grant Morrison Is Right About the Lanterns Title

I’ve always been impressed by Damon Lindelof’s creativity – look at what he achieved with Lost! But I was really puzzled when I heard he didn’t seem thrilled with the Green Lanterns title. It just struck me as odd – why take on the project if you weren’t excited about it? To me, Green Lanterns is such a strong, classic title – it really captures the spirit of those characters and I think it would have resonated so much more with fans than just Lanterns. It feels like a missed opportunity, honestly.

As a huge movie fan, it really frustrates me when Hollywood seems to prefer filmmakers who don’t get the source material – it feels like they’re intentionally stripping away what makes these stories special. Right now, I’m still really hyped about the Lanterns series, and having someone like Tom King involved definitely boosts my excitement. I loved the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic run – it was a brilliant reimagining of Kara – and the movie seems to be leaning into a really cool space western vibe, which is exactly what it needed. I’m hoping Lanterns focuses on John Stewart’s origin and starts small, with a contained adventure. That approach could be absolutely perfect.

The title Lanterns probably won’t bother fans already anticipating the show, especially those following James Gunn’s plans for the DC Universe. However, not using the name Green Lanterns means missing out on a big marketing advantage. Many comic book readers and those who grew up with the Green Lantern animated series and older Justice League cartoons will immediately recognize that name. While some, like Grant Morrison, see the change as disrespectful, Damon Lindelof likely didn’t intend it that way. They’re hoping fans won’t interpret the new title as a sign that they’re ashamed of the property.

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2026-03-15 23:10