The upcoming HBO series “Lanterns” has cast a major DC villain.
Variety has confirmed that Ulrich Thomsen has joined the Green Lanterns series in the recurring role of Sinestro. He will appear alongside previously announced leads Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in the series, as well as cast members Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, and Poorna Jagannathan.
Per the official logline, the show follows “new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and Lantern legend Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler), two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
Sinestro is a longtime figure in the Green Lantern world. The character was formerly a member of the Green Lantern Corps before he was kicked out for abusing his power. He originally debuted in 1961 in the comic books. He was previously portrayed by Mark Strong in the 2011 “Green Lantern” film and has been voiced by numerous actors in various animated projects over the years.
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The official description of the character states, “Ruthless yet undeniably charming, Sinestro is a former Green Lantern who turned rogue. Sinestro’s manipulative nature drives his enduring obsession with his former mentee, Hal Jordan.”
Thomsen has primarily appeared in Danish productions during his career, but has previously starred in American series like “Banshee” at Cinemax and has appeared in other shows like “The Blacklist,” “Counterpart,” and “The New Pope.” His American film roles include the James Bond film “The World Is Not Enough” and “The International.” He is also well known for starring in the Danish film “Festen” (“The Celebration”).
He is repped by Greene Talent, Link Entertainment, and Accelerate
“Lanterns” is produced by HBO in association with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios. It was picked up for eight episodes at HBO in June 2024. Originally intended as a Max original, the show shifted to HBO as part of a new content delineation plan.
“Lanterns” is co-written by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King. All three serve as executive producers along with James Hawes, with Hawes also directing the first two episodes. Ron Schmidt is also an executive producer. HBO produces in association with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios.
Deadline first reported Thomsen’s casting.