- Primary Subject: Lanterns Episode 4
- Key Update: Episode 4 teases a major classic antagonist from DC Comics lore, but the series quickly subverts viewer expectations through an unexpected identity twist.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: September 7, 2026
- Quick Answer: Episode 4 references a major comic book antagonist during the investigation, but subverts expectations by revealing the character is not who they appear to be.
Lanterns has already aired half of its episodes, with Episode 4, “The Weenie,” introducing a major Green Lantern villain to the DC Universe – but in a very unexpected way.
So far, the HBO series has introduced Sinestro (Ulrich Thomsen) as the series’ villain, alongside a mysterious Manhunter whom Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) are searching for.
But as they continue their investigation, they encounter a familiar name that DC fans will surely recognize.
WARNING: MAJOR LANTERNS EPISODE 4 SPOILERS AHEAD. DON’T READ IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE NEW EPISODE YET.
Who Is the New DC Villain in Lanterns?
Hal and John continue their search for the Manhunter in Lanterns, but things turn for the worse after they discover major details about the strange little town of Rushville.
The mysterious enemy manages to cover their tracks by using a large number of people, making them even more difficult to find.
However, during their search, Hal and John encounter a familiar name: Hector Hammond, an iconic DC villain.
It all started when Zoe Macon (Poorna Jagannathan) was assumed to be dead after a strange laser from space fired at her car and blew it up.
Hal quickly flew into the atmosphere and grabbed the satellite from which the laser originated. Sheriff Kane (Kelly Macdonald) later identified it as belonging to Atlas Inc., which she discovered was founded by Hector.
Longtime Green Lantern fans probably know who Hector is, as he has long been one of the group’s most notorious antagonists.
He is famous for his oversized head, but the Hector in the series appears with a normal-sized one and does his best to intimidate both Hal and John.
However, Hal being Hal, he sees right through Hector. After Hal unleashes his intimidating growl, Hector eventually reveals his true identity and tells the Lanterns the truth: his real name is Hector Gutierrez, and he has been working for the Manhunter for decades.
Does Lanterns Introduce a Different Hector Hammond?
Just when fans thought Hector Hammond had made his way to the DCU, Lanterns changed his name to Hector Gutierrez.
This may only serve as an Easter egg until the right time comes when a real version of him will be introduced in the franchise in the future.
However, given that the show has set Hector’s history, there may be no way that the character will show up again.
Despite being a veteran Green Lantern, Hal evidently has no idea who Hector is. The show also uses the name as a throwaway gag, so the use of a Hammond in the future may not carry any weight.
Knowing Lanterns also has its main villain, Sinestro, whose character will be more villainous, and the series itself is centered around alien and intergalactic threats, the likes of Hector, The Puppeteer, Major Disaster, and Tattooed Man may not appear in the series.
So while Hector’s origins indeed deal with alien-adjacent threats, the Green Lanterns may face bigger enemies than he is.
Lanterns Episodes 1 to 4 are available to stream on HBO Max, while new episodes drop every Sunday.
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