‘Lanterns’ Finale Teases Cliffhanger According to Sinestro Actor Ulrich Thomsen
The run of ‘Lanterns’ on HBO has been unexpectedly successful, showcasing a grounded approach to the Green Lantern mythos crafted by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King. Premiering on August 16, the series follows new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) alongside Lantern legend Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) as they delve into a murder mystery set in the American heartland. The season finale, titled “Dirt and Stars,” is set to air on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.
Both critics and audiences have embraced the show, which boasts a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its premiere attracted 9.3 million viewers, marking the largest DC Studios debut in HBO Max’s history. The central mystery revolves around the identity of Hal Jordan’s killer, and the finale is anticipated to provide answers.
Sinestro has emerged as a pivotal character in the series. Ulrich Thomsen, known for his role in ‘Banshee’, made his first appearance in a cliffhanger during episode 2 as a disgraced former Green Lantern held captive on Oa. Kyle Chandler has described Sinestro as a father figure to Hal. Episode 6 revealed that someone had orchestrated his escape from prison, while episode 7 concluded with John and the Hal-ogram discovering him on Antaan’s devastated homeworld, obscured by a hooded disguise.
In a recent interview with BlackTree TV, Thomsen hinted at what viewers can expect next, stating that the finale will surely deliver “a great cliffhanger.”
The finale has a lot to clarify. Episode 7 left viewers without answers regarding who liberated Sinestro or how he arrived on the planet. It also raised questions about why Hal maintained a private portal to his hideout prior to his demise.
The trailer for the season finale focuses on Sinestro, showcasing a confrontation between John, the Hal-ogram, and Sinestro. A structure on the island appears to be releasing toxic gas into the atmosphere. Sinestro also seems to possess knowledge that Hal lacked regarding the Manhunters and the Guardians’ concealed transgressions.
Critics have noted that Sinestro has been underutilized throughout the season, with The Hollywood Reporter highlighting his limited screen time. The finale, penned by Mundy, Lindelof, and King, is designed to change that narrative.
A cliffhanger carries more weight when the future remains uncertain. ‘Lanterns’ has not yet received an official renewal for a second season. However, a writers’ room has been developing potential storylines, with Mundy returning as showrunner alongside Christopher Cantwell as co-showrunner.
According to The Ankler, HBO executives are keen to continue the series but are awaiting pitches from the writers’ room. James Gunn has confirmed that “Dirt and Stars” is the season finale, not the series’ final episode. Variety reported that the series averages nearly 19 million viewers globally, making a renewal seem promising.
If Sinestro evolves into a primary antagonist, the comics provide a clear trajectory. He eventually establishes the Sinestro Corps, which wields the yellow power of fear to challenge the Green Lanterns. This would align well with a show that has consistently explored fear as a recurring theme for both Hal and John.
The finale’s cast includes Aaron Pierre, Kyle Chandler, and Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry Kane, along with Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner and Ulrich Thomsen. Jason Ritter, Nicole Ari Parker, and Laura Linney are also part of the ensemble. The episode is expected to run for approximately an hour.
This role is significant for Thomsen, especially since Mark Strong portrayed Sinestro in the 2011 ‘Green Lantern’ film. This presents an opportunity for the character to receive a proper showcase on television. A cliffhanger would provide a compelling starting point for the next chapter.
The trailer for the final episode of ‘LANTERNS’ has arrived!
Premieres October 4 on HBO Max. https://t.co/N9zTdjrQnY— DC Film News (@DCFilmNews) September 28, 2026
For now, fans will have to wait for the episode to uncover what Thomsen is hinting at.