“Lanterns” co-creator Damon Lindelof has clarified his position on the color green, stating, “Green is f— awesome.” The television writer addressed a recent controversy stemming from a joke he made about the show’s title and its association with the Green Lantern franchise.
Backlash Over a ‘Dumb Joke’
Lindelof issued a lengthy apology on Instagram Monday, explaining that a comment he made on the “Lovett or Leave It” podcast in 2024 was “a dumb joke.” He had said the show was titled “Lanterns” as “we all agreed that the ‘Green’ was stupid.” The remark resurfaced after the release of the show’s first teaser earlier this month, which featured a noticeable absence of green.
The comment drew criticism from fans and prompted a response from acclaimed Green Lantern comic book writer Grant Morrison, who questioned Lindelof’s involvement with the project given his dismissive remark.
Lindelof acknowledged Morrison’s criticism and expressed his fondness for the Green Lantern character, Hal Jordan, recalling how the hero’s imagination-based powers resonated with him as a child. He stated that green is, in fact, his lifelong favorite color.
Lindelof emphasized his respect for the team working on “Lanterns” and stated he intends to let the series speak for itself. Support for Lindelof similarly came from “Superman” actor Nathan Fillion, who is cast as Guy Gardner in “Lanterns,” and DC Studios boss James Gunn.
What’s Next for ‘Lanterns’?
“Lanterns” will follow John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) as they investigate a murder. The series, co-created by Lindelof and Tom King, with Chris Mundy as showrunner, is set to premiere in August. It remains to be seen how the show will be received by fans, but Lindelof’s apology could potentially mitigate some of the initial negative reaction. A positive reception could lead to further seasons, even as a poor reception could impact future DC television projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Damon Lindelof’s apology?
Lindelof apologized for a joke he made on a podcast in 2024, where he said the “Green” in “Green Lantern” was “stupid.” The comment resurfaced after the release of the show’s teaser trailer, which lacked green imagery.
Who criticized Damon Lindelof’s comments?
Green Lantern comic book writer Grant Morrison publicly criticized Lindelof’s comments in a Substack post, questioning why he would take on the project if he felt the core concept was “stupid.”
When will “Lanterns” premiere?
“Lanterns” is scheduled to premiere in August. The series will follow John Stewart and Hal Jordan as they investigate a murder.
Will the show’s content ultimately align with the expectations of long-time Green Lantern fans?
