HBO’s upcoming series “Lanterns” has drawn sharp criticism from Breitbart Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow, who says the show’s focus on race marks a return of “woke” themes to the network’s superhero slate.
During Wednesday’s episode of “The Alex Marlow Show,” Marlow took aim at the DC comics adaptation, which appears to center on a Black Green Lantern inheriting a legacy role. “He’s passing the ring to a black Green Lantern. And so it’s all about race,” Marlow said on the Salem Radio Network program.
The comments highlight growing conservative backlash against recent Hollywood productions that foreground diversity and inclusion. “Lanterns,” part of HBO’s broader DC universe, has not yet aired, but early promotional materials and casting reports have fueled debate among fans and pundits about the show’s creative direction.
Marlow’s Broader Critique of DEI in Entertainment
Marlow’s remarks come amid a recurring pattern of criticism from Breitbart and other right-leaning outlets about what they see as forced diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in major studio projects. The host framed “Lanterns” as a prime example of storytelling where identity politics overshadow plot and character development.
The phrase “Return of Woke” in the show’s promotional clip suggests Marlow sees this as part of a larger trend, rather than an isolated case. He did not specify which particular scene or plot point in “Lanterns” triggered his reaction, but the reference to passing the ring invokes a common superhero trope of legacy and succession.
Neither HBO nor Warner Bros. Discovery has responded to Marlow’s comments. The network has previously positioned “Lanterns” as a grounded, character-driven take on the Green Lantern mythology, with an emphasis on mystery and partnership.
Political Fault Lines Over Superhero Casting
The debate over “Lanterns” echoes similar controversies around other franchise reboots and recasting decisions. Critics of DEI initiatives argue that studios prioritize checklists over storytelling, while supporters contend that diverse representation broadens appeal and reflects contemporary audiences.
Marlow, who leads Breitbart News, has frequently used his platform to critique corporate and cultural shifts he views as left-leaning. His comments on “Lanterns” are likely to resonate with his audience, many of whom have expressed skepticism about recent superhero films and shows that introduce race or gender themes.
The show is scheduled to debut on HBO later this year, though exact release dates have not been confirmed. The series is expected to follow two Green Lanterns—one of whom is a Black officer—as they investigate a mystery on Earth, a setup that Marlow suggests prioritizes race over narrative.
As the premiere approaches, more commentary from both sides of the political spectrum is expected. Marlow’s dismissal of the plot as “all about race” is likely to become a rallying point for conservatives who feel alienated by modern superhero entertainment.
For now, “The Alex Marlow Show” continues to air weekdays from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern on Salem Radio Network stations, with a podcast version released later in the day on multiple platforms.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/09/05/return-of-woke-1-hbos-dei-lanterns-is-all-about-race/