The backlash surrounding DC Studios’ Lanterns trailer continues to grow, and now an old clip involving Lanterns creator Damon Lindelof is making the rounds online.
Following the teaser release for the HBO series, fans dug up a past video where Lindelof jokingly mocked the “green” in Green Lantern.
The comment is now drawing renewed criticism from fans who already feel the show is missing key elements of the character.
Lindelof Joked About Removing The “Green”
In the resurfaced clip (watch below), Lindelof is seen speaking at an event about the Green Lantern property.
During the conversation, he jokes about removing the color entirely from the title.
“It’s called Lanterns because we all agreed that the green was stupid,” Lindelof says in the video. “Now it’s just Lanterns.”
The remark was intended as a joke, but notice something else when rewatching the clip: No one in the audience laughs.
Fans React After Lanterns Trailer Release
The video resurfaced shortly after the Lanterns teaser trailer debuted earlier this week.
Many fans criticized the trailer for lacking the vibrant green visuals typically associated with the Green Lantern mythology.
Instead of large constructs, bright suits, and cosmic action, the teaser focuses on a grounded murder mystery on Earth involving Hal Jordan and John Stewart.
Some viewers say the muted color palette and limited use of powers make the show feel more like a crime drama than a Green Lantern story.
Because of that, Lindelof’s old joke about removing the “green” has taken on a new meaning for critics of the show.
Even legendary comic book artist Alex Ross reacted, and not in the positive.
Zack Snyder also seemingly weighed in.
Fans Say The Joke Hits Differently Now
Across social media, fans say the clip now feels less like a harmless joke and more like confirmation of their concerns.
The Lanterns teaser has already been criticized for its lack of green visuals, with some viewers asking why a Green Lantern project would show so little of the signature color.
Others pointed out that the trailer contains almost no ring constructs or large-scale powers.
As a result, Lindelof’s remark about removing the “green” from Green Lantern is now being shared widely across fan discussions.
Lanterns is scheduled to premiere on HBO in August 2026.
