Kelly Macdonald returns to HBO in 'Lanterns' after her acclaimed role in 'Boardwalk Empire', showcasing her evolution as an actress.
Kelly Macdonald has officially joined the cast of the upcoming HBO series 'Lanterns' as Sheriff Kerry Kane. This announcement came via TVLine on September 11, 2026. Macdonald's return to HBO marks a significant transition from her previous role on the network, where she gained widespread acclaim. Her casting in a superhero series reflects her versatility and the growing trend of integrating drama and superhero narratives.
Before 'Lanterns', Macdonald was best known for her role as Margaret Thompson in the HBO series 'Boardwalk Empire', which aired from 2010 to 2014. In this critically acclaimed show, she portrayed the wife of Steve Buscemi's character, Nucky Thompson, navigating a complex world of politics and crime during the Prohibition era. Macdonald's performance as Margaret earned her an Emmy nomination in 2011, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotional arcs and contributing to the series' overall success, which included 20 Emmy wins. This dramatic shift from historical crime drama to a contemporary superhero theme underlines the breadth of her acting talent.
Macdonald's character, Margaret, evolved significantly throughout 'Boardwalk Empire'. She started as an Irish immigrant who found herself entangled in Nucky's world after her abusive husband was killed. Over five seasons, viewers witnessed her transformation from a lowly widow to a financially independent woman, navigating the moral complexities presented by her husband's criminal life. Critics praised her portrayal for bringing depth and nuance to the role, highlighting her exceptional ability to balance vulnerability and strength, which is likely to influence her new character in 'Lanterns'.
Macdonald's move to 'Lanterns' offers a nostalgic return for fans of 'Boardwalk Empire' who were captivated by her previous work. Her duality as a character striving for goodness, often through devious means, is a testament to her range as an actress. This new role is expected to attract attention from both returning fans and new viewers who appreciate strong, multi-dimensional characters in dramatic series. HBO's legacy of compelling storytelling, especially in character-driven narratives, makes Macdonald's return particularly exciting.
In addition to her journey on 'Boardwalk Empire', Macdonald's recent role offers an opportunity to reinvigorate interest in HBO's storytelling capabilities, particularly in the superhero genre with 'Lanterns', which is part of the DC Universe. Given the success of her earlier performance, audiences may be eager to see how her character in 'Lanterns' compares to her portrayal of Margaret and how she adapts her approach to a different genre.
The announcement of Kelly Macdonald's casting in 'Lanterns' not only marks her return to HBO but also serves as a reminder of her impactful career, particularly her notable achievements in 'Boardwalk Empire'. Fans of both series may find the transition of this beloved actress to a new role an exciting development in contemporary television. The anticipation around 'Lanterns' could further enhance HBO's standing as a network that continues to cultivate remarkable talent, especially as it seeks to expand its offerings within superhero narratives, capitalizing on the growing popularity of this genre.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: TVLine. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
