Damon Lindelof, the acclaimed screenwriter known for his work on series like *Lost* and *Watchmen*, recently took to Instagram to address backlash from Green Lantern fans. This comes in response to comments he made about his upcoming HBO series, *Lanterns*, which adapts the Green Lantern Corps comics for television.
Damon Lindelof’s ‘Lanterns’ Controversy Explained
The controversy began when Lindelof appeared on a podcast where he stated the title of the show was changed from *Green Lantern* to *Lanterns* because “the ‘Green’ was stupid.” This remark resurfaced following the release of the show’s teaser trailer, which noticeably lacked the color green in its palette, leading fans to question the fidelity of the adaptation.
Grant Morrison Weighs In
On Sunday, distinguished comic book writer Grant Morrison responded to Lindelof’s comments. He expressed his frustration on Substack, stating, “The ‘Green’ in ‘Green Lantern(s)’ is not ‘stupid.’ Why alienate fans?” This sparked further dialogue about the show’s direction and the importance of respecting its source material.
Damon Lindelof’s Apology
In light of the controversy and Morrison’s comments, Lindelof issued an open letter. He acknowledged that his joke was careless and stated, “I have upset Grant Morrison, which means I have now pissed off MOST of the brilliant British/Scottish comics writers that I grew up idolizing.” He emphasized his deep appreciation for the Green Lantern character, noting, “Green is not stupid; it is my lifelong favorite color.”
Commitment to Green Lantern Fandom
- Lindelof promises that *Lanterns* will include green and stay true to the character’s heritage.
- He acknowledges the importance of delivering a quality adaptation that honors the fandom.
- The show is set to premiere in August, with a new trailer expected that will rectify earlier concerns about the color palette.
Lindelof concluded with a commitment to improve and ensure he represents the Green Lantern community positively. He stated, “I can and will do better to be worthy of the oath… I can’t wait for you all to hear what it has to say.”
