Grant Morrison Praised HBO Series Lanterns
The acclaimed writer offered both praise for the show and critique regarding its portrayal of Sinestro.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Television
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Writer Grant Morrison has shared new thoughts on the HBO series Lanterns, which stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre. While Morrison offered praise for the production, they also expressed criticism regarding the characterization of Sinestro.
Why it matters
Morrison, who has a long history with the source material, provided these insights via their Substack newsletter, Xanaduum. Their perspective follows earlier critiques shared by the writer shortly after the show premiered.
The show, which is helmed by showrunners Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, consists of an eight-episode season. Five episodes have aired as of September 2026, leaving three episodes to be broadcast.
The players
Grant Morrison
They are a renowned comic book writer who publishes commentary on the Substack newsletter Xanaduum.
Kyle Chandler
He is a veteran actor who stars in the role of Hal Jordan in the series.
Aaron Pierre
He is an actor who portrays the character John Stewart in the production.
Ulrich Thomsen
He is an actor who features in the series as the character Sinestro.
The details
The series Lanterns features Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro, a character whose depiction prompted specific criticism from Morrison. This commentary was released on the Xanaduum Substack following the airing of the fifth episode.
Timeline
The series Lanterns premiered in August 2026.
The fifth episode of the season aired on September 20, 2026.
The final three episodes are scheduled to air after September 20, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This public critique highlights the ongoing tension between original creator visions and the adaptation of comic book properties in the streaming era. It follows the pattern of established writers engaging with high-budget franchise reboots as they unfold on major platforms.
Viewers can access the remaining three episodes of the eight-part season via their HBO subscription. The staggered release schedule means the show's conclusion will be available for streaming following the September 20, 2026 milestone.
The takeaway
Public discourse from influential creators can significantly shape how audiences perceive character adaptations in long-running franchises. Fans looking to form their own opinions may choose to weigh these critiques against the remaining episodes of the season.
Further reading
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