Paul Ben-Victor Could Be the Secret Atrocitus in HBO’s ‘Lanterns’!

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Veteran character actor Paul Ben-Victor has signed on for the upcoming HBO series titled “Lanterns,” where he could potentially portray a beloved DC Comics villain in secret. The filming of “Lanterns” is underway, with a projected release date in 2026 that may precede the premiere of “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.” Despite being billed as an Earth-bound mystery centered around Hal Jordan (portrayed by Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), it’s possible that cosmic perils could still be woven into the storyline.

According to Deadline, actor Paul Ben-Victor has joined the cast of DCU’s Lanterns, taking on a recurring role. Known for his appearances in hit series like The Wire, Entourage, and Nobody Wants This, as well as a notable role in the 2003 film Daredevil, Ben-Victor will portray an alien character named Antaan. Antaan is described as being fiercely committed to revealing the truth and seeking retribution against those who harmed his people. He’s consumed by a relentless anger towards the law and aims to mete out justice according to his own rules. Given this description, many fans believe that Antaan might be a disguise for Ben-Victor’s character before the show’s 2026 premiere, with some suggesting that he could actually be playing Atrocitus, a significant enemy of the Green Lanterns who bears a resemblance to Antaan in terms of his original story.

Is Paul Ben-Victor Actually Playing Atrocitus in the DCU?

As a fervent fan, I can’t help but draw a striking parallel between an intriguing concept – an extraterrestrial seeking justice against those who harmed his kin, driven by bitter enmity – and the captivating Green Lantern villain, Atrocitus, the formidable Red Lanterns’ leader. This character was masterfully crafted by writer Geoff Johns and artist Ethan Van Sciver, making his debut in Green Lantern vol. 4 #25 in January 2008. Since then, Atrocitus has grown to be one of the most beloved DC villains. His backstory is heart-wrenching; he saw his family brutally killed by the Manhunters, an alien law enforcement force used by the Guardians of the Universe prior to the Green Lanterns. This tragic event ignited a burning desire for vengeance within him, leading him to establish the Red Lantern Corps, a formidable group that wields the power of unbridled rage.

It appears quite possible that the character Antaan, played by Paul Ben-Victor, might be a pseudonym or cover identity for Atrocitus. Intriguingly, Atros, Atrocitus’s pre-Lantern name, shares some resemblance with Antaan. Moreover, Atrocitus aligns well with the terrestrial narrative of the Lanterns given his role in “Green Lantern: Secret Origins,” a storyline that integrated him into Hal Jordan’s origin tale. Furthermore, it’s been confirmed that Ulrich Thomsen will portray Sinestro, Green Lantern’s most recognized adversary, which suggests that other prominent cosmic perils might soon surface on Earth.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast and comic book fan, I can’t help but speculate that since Paul Ben-Victor is taking on the role of Atrocitus, we might be witnessing the introduction of additional Lantern Corps or even the adaptation of “Blackest Night” – a monumental crossover event in which the sinister Black Lantern Corps made their mark. Although Ben-Victor’s character could very well be an original creation for this film, having such a skilled and talented actor portray one of DC Comics’ most captivating modern villains would undeniably elevate the experience for fans like myself.

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2025-04-23 22:32