The DCU has just sent a clear message: do not get attached. Lanterns, the HBO series still airing new episodes, killed three major characters in a single episode, and one of its leads had already died in the first. Here is what happened and what it could mean for the DCU’s future.
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Who Died in Lanterns Episode 5?
| Character | Actor | Killed by | Why it mattered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoe Macon | Poorna Jagannathan | John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) | Revealed as the last Manhunter |
| Will Macon | Not named in source | Antaan | Died protecting Zoe |
| Antaan | Not named in source | Self-destruction | Spent his arc hunting the Manhunters |
Zoe Macon: The Last Manhunter
Zoe was built up across four episodes as an important player, which made her death in “Lights Out” hit harder. John Stewart killed her after discovering she was the last Manhunter, one of the shapeshifting androids created by the Guardians of the Universe. The Manhunters were responsible for multiple genocides, and Zoe herself killed Abin Sur, the Green Lantern whose ring later chose Hal Jordan. The twist was surprising on its own, but the death was even more so because it came from John, someone she had a romantic history with. Some fans even expected a redemption arc, since the show hinted she could go beyond her programming.
Will Macon: A Sacrifice
Zoe’s husband was killed by Antaan, who believed Will was the Manhunter after Hal Jordan tricked him. Will played along to protect Zoe, and Antaan pulled out his heart to test whether he was human. His death mattered less to the larger DCU than Zoe’s did, although some fans had guessed he might become Black Hand.
Antaan: A Hunt Ends
Antaan once loved Zoe before she committed genocide on his planet, and he devoted himself to revenge on the Manhunters. After killing Will, he tried to kill Hal Jordan by self-destructing, but Hal sent him flying into the air. He still exploded, though Hal protected himself and everyone else. Many fans had theorised Antaan would become Atrocitus, so his exit was a shock.
Hal Jordan Died First
These deaths follow another big one: Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan was killed in the very first episode. The show runs in two timelines, so Hal still appears in one where he is alive, but it is unclear if he is gone for good.
Who Could Die Next?
The source notes the DCU appears willing to avoid fake-out deaths and kill characters when the story needs it. It speculates about future projects, though none of this is confirmed.
| Project | Possible casualty (speculation) |
|---|---|
| Creature Commandos Season 2 | At least a couple of ensemble members, with Bride of Frankenstein described as most likely |
| Man of Tomorrow | Lex Luthor, Lois Lane or even Superman himself |
What This Means?
Higher stakes make for better stories, as shows like Game of Thrones proved, but the DCU is still young, and these deaths will matter only if the payoff is worth it. To learn more about the franchise, see the DC Universe franchise page on Wikipedia.
For more DC updates, visit Technosports and check our latest Hollywood and OTT news for more Lanterns coverage.
FAQs
Q1. Who died in Lanterns Episode 5?
Zoe Macon, Will Macon and Antaan all died in the episode.
Q2. Who killed Zoe Macon in Lanterns?
John Stewart killed her after learning she was the last Manhunter.
