Green Lantern fans are buzzing after Episode 2 of “Lanterns” dropped some serious hints that a major, potentially iconic villain might be lurking just beneath the surface. While Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) is busy trying to solve a bizarre mystery in Rushville, Nebraska, John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) finds himself embroiled in a situation far more complex than he initially anticipated.
The Manhunter Mystery and a Familiar Backstory
During his mission, John encounters Paul Ben-Victor’s character, Antaan, the leader of an alien group seeking to expose a Manhunter hiding in Rushville. Antaan claims the Manhunters were responsible for wiping out his people, projecting vivid images of the atrocity into John’s mind. This backstory has sparked intense speculation among fans, with many drawing parallels to Atrocitus, the powerful and rage-fueled leader of the Red Lantern Corps.
The connection lies in the fact that past incarnations of the Red Lanterns have also suffered at the hands of the Manhunters. Given Antaan’s vague description and his intense desire for vengeance, many believe he could be more than meets the eye. Could Paul Ben-Victor be playing a disguised Atrocitus, waiting to unleash his fury on the Green Lantern Corps?
When Deadline first reported that Ben-Victor would join the show, his character was described as “an extraterrestrial devoted to exposing the truth and exacting vengeance against those who wronged his people. Consumed by a deep and unrelenting hatred for the law, he is determined to deliver justice on his own terms.” That certainly sounds like Atrocitus!
The theory gains even more weight when you consider that “Lanterns” has already established its world as one populated by aliens who can conceal their identities. It’s entirely plausible that Antaan is wearing a mask, both literally and figuratively.
This isn’t the first time Atrocitus theories have surfaced online. Last week, user “I_warisha,” drew connections between major events happening in years ending with the number six and Sector 666. While initially dismissed as a long shot, it’s now seen as a potential Easter egg hinting at future plot developments.
“Probably Atrocitus and the massacre he referred to was probably the Massacre of Sector 666,” one fan suggested. “There’s just no way Paul Ben-Victor’s character isn’t Atrocitus.” Another theorized, “In the comics the manhunters are the ones who wiped out Atrocitus’ planet including his family. The way he’s speaking about it here perfectly lines up with that, and like he was there to see it, too.”
As “Lanterns” continues its run, it remains to be seen how many fan-favorite characters will make an appearance in the first season. For now, viewers know that Hal Jordan is destined for a tragic end before all eight episodes conclude. John Stewart, on the other hand, seems poised for a bright future within the DCU, with Aaron Pierre set to reprise his role in the “Superman” sequel, “Man of Tomorrow.”
While we eagerly await Episode 3 this Sunday, you can catch IGN’s review and recap for Episode 2, and hear what showrunner Chris Mundy had to say about it. For more insights into the evolving DCU, be sure to read how DC Studios co-CEO defended the evolving tone of the DCU.
Source: IGN
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