James Gunn Fires Back at DC Fans Saying Lanterns Isn’t for Comic Fans

Wed, September 23, 2026 at 3:13 AM UTC

James Gunn just shut down the idea that Lanterns wasn’t made for comic book fans. The DC Studios co-CEO responded to criticism on Threads, defending the show’s creative choices while hinting that not everything is as it seems.

James Gunn responds to people saying Lanterns isn’t for people who’ve read comics

DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn responded to fan criticism about Hal Jordan’s portrayal in Lanterns on Threads. A user commented that the show works for people who have never read Green Lantern comics. Gunn pushed back, defending the creative choices behind the DCU’s <a href="https://comicvibe.com/the-greatest-fighting-video-game-of-all-time-is-getting-a-movie-adaptation-next-month/” title=”The 'Greatest Fighting Video Game' of All Time Is Getting a Movie Adaptation Next Month”>adaptation of the character.

Gunn argued that comic readers understand how different universes reinterpret iconic characters. “Whether it’s the DCU or Earth 0 or the Absolute Universe, they all pay homage to these iconic characters, retelling their stories in different ways,” he wrote. He also pointed to Marvel’s approach as precedent for blending multiple continuities into one adaptation.

However, some fans argue the show actually rewards dedicated comic readers with deep-cut Easter eggs. These include references to Hal Jordan’s vulnerability to the black smoke entity, a detail rooted in Green Lantern lore. Such elements suggest the series caters to longtime fans despite its accessible surface.

One fan criticized Gunn for aging up Hal and effectively killing him off after a 15-year wait. Gunn responded directly, noting Hal appears in every episode and has received more live-action screen time than ever before. “We more than respect him. We love him, despite his imperfections,” Gunn said of the DCU’s version.

Gunn also hinted that Hal’s apparent death may not be permanent. “Us knowing the time of his death, if that’s exactly what that is, is absolutely not the same thing as killing him off right away,” he wrote. He added that Hal is a major reason the show resonates with fans and non-fans alike.

The final two episodes of Lanterns could still shift the narrative around Hal’s arc and quiet the backlash from disappointed readers.