Lanterns showrunners defend decision to change Hal Jordan's origin

Adapting a comic book property is fraught with challenges, especially when it comes to altering established lore without causing uproar among fans. This was the predicament faced by Lanterns co-creators Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, and writer Tom King, who recently decided to not only kill off the iconic Green Lantern Hal Jordan but also to alter his origin story.

DC readers are well-versed in the tragic tale of Hal's father Martin's death, but the episode "The Jordan Boys Legacy" unveiled that the death was, in fact, a suicide. This revelation prompted the creators to rethink Jordan's transformation from a test pilot to the fearless Green Lantern he became. Damon Lindelof shared his thoughts with TheWrap, saying, "How do I expand upon the existing canon without completely and totally violating it?"

He aimed to "recontextualize" Hal's story without fundamentally changing it, likening it to the dilemmas faced by iconic characters like Batman and Superman. Despite the potential for controversy, Lanterns has garnered widespread praise from both fans and critics for its grounded and character-driven approach. Kyle Chandler, who plays Hal Jordan, commended the show for adding depth to the character, emphasizing its darker and more complex portrayal.

Chandler believes the series provides a richer history and backstory for Hal, revealing the painful journey that shaped the hero. Lanterns season finale airs on HBO this Sunday.