“Lanterns” Shocker: Poorna Jagannathan Reacts to Zoe’s ‘Huge Surprise’ (Exclusive)

**Poorna Jagannathan Reflects on Shocking Twist in ‘Lanterns’**

Actress Poorna Jagannathan has recently expressed her astonishment over a major plot twist in the HBO Max series “Lanterns,” which has captivated audiences with its unexpected revelations. In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Jagannathan shared her thoughts on her character, Zoe Macon, who was revealed to have a hidden agenda that transforms her into a central antagonist within the series.

The highly anticipated twist unfolded in the sixth episode of the show, airing on September 6. Viewers witnessed a dramatic climax involving the Green Lantern heroes, John Stewart and Hal Jordan, as they found themselves in a precarious situation, caught amidst an explosion triggered by revelations surrounding Zoe’s character. In a chilling moment, Hal confronts Zoe, suggesting she has unwittingly become “bait,” only for John to emerge, confronting her with a sniper rifle.

Reflecting on her initial reaction to Zoe’s character development, Jagannathan admitted she was completely caught off guard. “I did not see it coming, so I think it’s going to be a huge surprise in general,” she remarked, highlighting her initial assumptions about the character’s direction. “I always thought the Manhunter would be a man, probably a White man too. I never thought it would be me.”

As the series progresses, viewers come to understand Zoe more deeply, revealing the complexity behind her choices. “I think she’s the villain for many different reasons, but when you actually meet her and get to know her, you understand where she’s coming from and why she has to do what she does,” Jagannathan explained. She elaborated on Zoe’s motivations, stating that her will to survive outweighs all other considerations.

Jagannathan noted that Zoe’s actions stem from a dire need for self-preservation, explaining, “Her need for survival supersedes anything. Her making contracts of protection with everyone is so that they will protect her when the time comes. She is the last one of her species, and she will do anything to survive.” This makes her a profoundly layered character, navigating a world where her decisions are driven by both her identity and the realities of her existence.

The series’ creator, Chris Mundy, played a pivotal role in guiding Jagannathan’s portrayal of Zoe after the character’s secret was revealed. She recounted how Mundy advised her to maintain Zoe’s human essence despite her underlying truths. “Chris Mundy is like, ‘No, she’s on this Earth. She has become human. She has chosen to live in a very human form with human emotions,’” she noted, underscoring the depth of her character.

Jagannathan also mentioned that the relationships Zoe has forged are rooted in mutual need, revealing how those around her, including her husband William, are tied to her in ways that complicate their interactions. “What is interesting is that Zoe has never met a person who has broken that contract,” she shared. “She did save William’s life. She saved Kerry’s life. She saved John’s life. But no person has broken that contract, and John is the first person who acts with the utmost integrity.”

The tension culminates in a poignant moment in Zoe’s final scene, where she unexpectedly smiles in the face of danger. “In that moment when she sees him with a gun pointed at her, she smiles because she got outnumbered for the first time in her many lifetimes,” Jagannathan revealed, shedding light on Zoe’s unique perspective and the dramatic weight of her character’s narrative.

As “Lanterns” continues to air new episodes every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, viewers can anticipate further revelations and emotional developments as the series delves deeper into the characters’ intricacies and conflicts. Poorna Jagannathan’s portrayal of Zoe Macon has already left a lasting impression on fans, showcasing her ability to navigate the complex moral landscape of the series, and her insights promise to enrich viewers’ understanding of the unfolding drama.