Damon lindelof backtracks on 'green lantern' joke amidst dcu series buzz
Damon Lindelof has apologized for a past comment calling the color "green" in the upcoming DCU TV series "Green Lantern" "stupid," igniting a firestorm of debate among fans and comics creators. The controversy surfaced as the show, set to premiere on HBO this summer, has offered a surprisingly muted visual palette, prompting renewed scrutiny of the series' faithfulness to the source material.
Writer-director recants remarks after morrison's rebuke
The initial jab came during a 2022 podcast appearance where Lindelof explained the title change from "Green Lantern" to simply "Lanterns," stating the color felt “stupid.” The remark resurfaced this weekend when veteran comic writer Grant Morrison publicly questioned Lindelof’s dismissive attitude on his Substack. Morrison’s critique questioned the motivation behind such a dismissal, asking why a writer would engage with a narrative they deemed “fundamentally stupid.”
Lindelof responded to Morrison directly on Instagram, acknowledging the offense taken and apologizing to the writer and the broader fanbase. He admitted to a “dumb joke” made on the podcast and emphasized his lifelong affection for the color green, revealing a third-grade questionnaire as proof. He further elaborated on his deep appreciation for the Green Lantern mythos, stating that it would be a “betrayal” to suggest otherwise. Lindelof concluded by promising to let the show speak for itself.
The muted visuals of the trailers have fueled the controversy. Early glimpses of the series have been notably devoid of green and superheroic tropes, a stark contrast to the vibrant imagery typically associated with the Green Lantern franchise. This has led many to question whether the series will adequately capture the essence of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps.
“The very first time I appeared on a ComicCon panel was for the Lost pilot, back in the summer of 2004. I wore my favorite T-shirt as I had long grown out of my favorite underoos, those being the uniform of Hal Jordan, Green Lantern of Sector 2814,” Lindelof wrote. He added that green isn’t stupid, it is his lifelong favorite color.
The buzz around the upcoming series is intense. While Lindelof’s apology has been issued, the question remains: can "Lanterns" navigate this controversy and deliver a satisfying adaptation for both longtime fans and newcomers?