HBO Just Revealed a New Look at Sinestro in ‘Lanterns,’ and He Looks Ready to Betray the Corps

DC Studios has spent the past few years methodically building out its rebooted universe, and few corners of that world have generated as much anticipation as its take on the Green Lantern mythos. ‘Lanterns‘ has positioned itself less as a traditional superhero spectacle and more as a slow-burn detective story, pairing seasoned actors with a mystery rooted firmly in the American heartland.

That tonal shift has been a major talking point since casting began, with names like Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre signaling a show built on tension and dialogue rather than pure action. As the series has rolled out trailers and character reveals throughout the year, one figure has loomed largest in fan speculation: the villain destined to turn everything upside down.

Now that villain finally has his own spotlight moment. HBO has released the first official poster for Sinestro in ‘Lanterns,’ giving fans their clearest look yet at the classic Green Lantern antagonist ahead of the show’s continued rollout.

Sinestro is played by Danish actor Ulrich Thomsen in a recurring role for the season, marking his entry into a DC universe long associated with the character. Created by John Broome and Gil Kane, Sinestro first appeared in the comics in 1961 as a former Green Lantern who turned rogue after his abusive teaching methods within the Corps were exposed.

The character’s defining trait has always been his complicated relationship with Hal Jordan, his former protégé. Sinestro is described as ruthless yet undeniably charming, with a manipulative nature that fuels his enduring obsession with the Lantern he once mentored, eventually pushing him to become the first Yellow Lantern and form his own fear-powered Sinestro Corps.

Thomsen brings a résumé built largely around prestige television and international cinema to the role. He’s best known stateside for playing Kai Proctor on Cinemax’s ‘Banshee,’ along with recurring roles on ‘The Blacklist,’ ‘Counterpart,’ and ‘The New Pope.’ His film credits include the James Bond entry ‘The World Is Not Enough’ and ‘The International,’ alongside the acclaimed Danish film ‘Festen.’

This isn’t the character’s first live-action appearance, either. Mark Strong previously played Sinestro in 2011’s ‘Green Lantern’ film, and the character has been voiced by multiple actors across various animated projects over the years, including Ron Perlman in the short-lived ‘Green Lantern: The Animated Series.’

‘Lanterns’ follows John Stewart, played by Pierre, and Hal Jordan, played by Chandler, as two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery while investigating a murder in rural Nebraska. The series’ ensemble also includes Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry, Garret Dillahunt as modern-day cowboy William Macon, and Poorna Jagannathan as Zoe, rounding out a cast built more for grounded tension than typical superhero bombast.

Behind the scenes, ‘Lanterns’ comes from the writing team of Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, with James Hawes directing the first two episodes. The eight-episode series is part of DC Studios’ larger Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate, sitting alongside other rebooted properties like ‘Superman’ and the upcoming ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.’

With Sinestro’s presence now confirmed visually and the show already airing on HBO, fans have plenty to dissect about how deep his betrayal of Hal Jordan might run this season.

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