Damon Lindelof's Lanterns Joke Sparks DC Fan Outrage

Damon Lindelof has issued a statement apologizing to DC Comics fans following backlash over a joke he made on a podcast last year. The "Lanterns" co-creator had quipped that the "Green" in the show's title was "stupid." This comment resurfaced after the "Lanterns" trailer debuted, with fans noting the absence of green visuals and worrying the HBO series might lean more towards a "True Detective" style than a superhero narrative.

Comic book writer Grant Morrison publicly addressed Lindelof's remark, stating that the "Green" in "Green Lantern" is not stupid and questioning the dismissal of superhero conventions. Lindelof, responding to Morrison and fan concerns, posted a photo in a Green Lantern shirt, acknowledging his joke was "dumb" and "sloppy." He clarified that "Green is not stupid" and is his favorite color, expressing his honor in working on "Lanterns."

The "Lanterns" series, set to premiere on HBO and HBO Max in August, will follow Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a murder in Nebraska. These intergalactic peacekeepers use powerful emerald rings to create green light constructs, tasked with uncovering a dark mystery that threatens them all. Lindelof stated he cares deeply about the characters and the Corps, promising to do better.