The creators of Lanterns knew that episode 1's big plot twist would be the 'most controversial idea we had' for the new HBO Max show — and they didn't expect DC Studios to agree to it

The creators of Lanterns always knew that its premiere's shock ending would divide fans.

In fact, they didn't expect DC Studios' overlords to approve the idea in the first place.

With the DC Universe (DCU) show finally debuting on August 16/17, Green Lantern fans, comic book diehards, and casual viewers alike have tuned in to watch the TV series' first episode.

Suffice to say, many have reacted with shock, anger, or both following the ending of the DCU Chapter One show's inaugural chapter, too.

Be advised, full spoilers immediately follow for Lanterns episode 1, titled 'Pilot'.

If you haven't seen it yet, go and do so.

Then, check out my Lanterns episode 1 ending explained article for additional context on its final minutes.

Once you're done, you're safe to continue reading this piece.

Rest in peace, Hal (Image credit: John Johnson/HBO Max) Speaking as part of behind-the-scenes look at Lanterns episode 1's development , co-creator Damon Lindelof said of its twist ending: "The death of Hal Jordan is probably the most controversial idea that we had." You can say that again, Mister Lindelof — but, that's not the only thing that he and his fellow co-creators Chris Mundy and Tom King wanted to address about Jordan's demise.

Expanding on the decision to kill off one of the show's two leads, Mundy said on episode 1 of Lanterns: The Official Podcast : "I didn't think they [DCU overseers James Gunn and Peter Safran] would let us do it.

I think it was your idea [pointing at Lindelof], and I remember thinking 'Oh, it would be really cool and... be a good way to invest in what that mystery is'.

"We've got to be digging at something that, eventually, is meaningful to us," Mundy continued.

"So, we floated it to them and they're like, 'Great'.

And then we were like, 'Oh, s**t, now we've got to write it in a way that is meaningful, respectful of the canon, and respectful of Hal as a character." "It started from the spirit of 'what can we do that nobody expects?,'" Lindelof said.