Lanterns: Villain Sinestro has been cast for HBO's DC series

The series adaptation of the "Green Lantern" comic series has found its antagonist. According to the industry portal "Deadline", Ulrich Thomsen will play the villain Sinestro in the DCU series "Lanterns".

DC villain Sinestro

Sinestro is a former Green Lantern turned villain. The character is both charming and ruthless and is obsessed with his former mentee Hal Jordan. The character first appeared in the DC comics in the 60s.

Ulrich Thomsen has played several villainous roles in his career. The Dane gained fame through his role in the US series "Banshee", among others. Thomsen also appeared in several episodes of "The Blacklist".

Green Lantern

The "Green Lantern" comics were adapted for a film back in 2011 - but with moderate success. At the time, Sinestro was played by Mark Strong alongside "Deadpool" star Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan.

In the HBO series, Hal Jordan is now played by Kyle Chandler, who is also known for his leading role in the Netflix series "Bloodline". Another role will be played by "Boardwalk Empire" actress Kelly Macdonald.

Plot of the series

The series adaptation centers on Hal Jordan and new recruit John Stewart, played by "Rebel Ridge" lead actor Aaron Pierre. The two intergalactic cops become embroiled in a mystery while investigating a murder case.

The tone of "Lanters" is said to be based on the crime series "True Detective". Fittingly, Chris Mundy, who worked as a writer on "True Detective" and "Ozark", is one of the people behind the series. Damon Lindelof, a well-known name from the TV world, is also involved in the project. The creator and showrunner of "Lost" already adapted a comic as a series for HBO in 2019 with "Watchmen".

It is already known that the first season will contain eight episodes. The series does not yet have an official start date. As the central roles of the series now seem to have been cast, there are hopes for a start in 2026.

DC shows

"Lanterns" will be far from the first series adaptation of DC Comics. The world of superheroes has undergone an impressive expansion in recent years, not only on the big screen but also in the series sector. DC Comics, known for iconic characters such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern, has managed to establish its own universe on the small screen. With a variety of series based on different concepts and narrative styles, DC television series have found their place in pop culture.

The beginnings: Smallville and the first successes

The first major DC series on modern television was "Smallville", which portrayed the teenage years of Clark Kent (Tom Welling) and his first steps as Superman in a more down-to-earth, dramatic narrative style. The series laid the foundation for DC's successful television by combining superhero mythology with personal conflicts and teenage drama. "Smallville" was a huge success and shaped the development of other series.

Arrowverse: A gigantic TV universe

"Arrow" opened a completely new chapter in the DC television universe. The series followed billionaire Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell), who fought crime in Star City. The success of Arrow led to a proper series universe - the so-called "Arrowverse" - which spawned several interconnected series.

These include "The Flash", "Supergirl" and "Legends of Tomorrow". These series are intertwined and offer fans exciting crossovers and events where different superheroes come together to save the world.

The Arrowverse is known for its mix of action, humor and personal conflict. "The Flash" focuses on the adventures of Barry Allen, who fights various threats with the ability to run faster than light. "Legends of Tomorrow", on the other hand, plays with time travel and a team of eccentrics who save the multiverse.

Dark shows: Gotham and Titans

Not all DC series follow the same light and heroic tone as the Arrowverse. Series like "Gotham" and "Titans" have a darker approach that highlights the less idealized sides of the DC world.

"Gotham" tells the story of James Gordon (Ben McKenzie), the future police commissioner of Gotham City, and his encounters with familiar Batman villains such as the Joker, Penguin and Riddler, long before Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. The series explores the emergence of Gotham's crime and the development of the villains who would later shape the Batman saga.

"Titans" follows a group of young superheroes, including Robin (Brenton Thwaites), Raven (Teagan Croft) and Beast Boy (Ryan Potter). The series explores the challenges that come with superpowers and the darker side of life as teenage heroes.

More recent developments: The Penguin and Peacemaker

Most recently, "The Penguin", a spin-off of Matt Reeves "The Batman", was also released. The series focuses on the rise of Oswald Cobblepot (the Penguin) in the criminal underground of Gotham City. "Peacemaker" also enjoyed great popularity. The series follows the chaotic anti-hero Peacemaker, played by John Cena. Action, humor and dark themes are combined in "Peacemaker".

One thing is certain: DC will continue to play a central role in the superhero landscape on the small screen. The eagerly awaited Green Lantern series is set to further expand the DC universe.