HBO's 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,' a multiversal dark comedy spinoff of 'The Big Bang Theory,' was forced to alter its planned cameo by the Green Lantern due to a conflict with HBO's own series, 'Lanterns.' Series co-creator Zak Penn revealed to Deadline that the production was explicitly told they could not feature the Green Lantern due to the existence of the new DC Comics show.
Instead of the emerald guardian, the show incorporated the Flash. Penn stated that DC was amenable to providing another hero after the Green Lantern was ruled out. The Golden Age iteration of the Flash appealed to the show's creative team and ultimately served as a suitable replacement. "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" has already been renewed by HBO, and Penn indicated that future seasons are likely to include more references to the DC universe.
Meanwhile, HBO's 'Lanterns' is nearing the conclusion of its current season, with only three episodes remaining. The series is set to revisit the episode one cliffhanger involving the apparent death of Hal Jordan. With John Stewart having returned Jordan's ring to the Guardians and declined to assume the Lantern mantle himself, the narrative is poised for a murder mystery storyline. The mid-season trailer also previewed further appearances by Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, and confirmed that Nathan Fillion will reprise his role as Guy Gardner from 'Superman' in at least one upcoming episode.