HBO's Lanterns is still a month away from its August release date, but there's already a major spoiler from the first episode. As of now, the source of the leak is unclear, but it seems that the first four episodes of the long-awaited superhero series have been screened for select members of the press. But for now, the ending of the first episode has already been spoiled.The leak also confirms that the main villain of the series might be the Manhunters, extraterrestrial robots that the Guardians of the Universe created before the Green Lantern Corps. However, this leak should be taken skeptically, as we will learn more about Lanterns at the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) Hall H panel scheduled on Friday, July 24, 2026.Spoiler Warning - This portion discusses a possible death of a major character. Don't go ahead if you don't want to be spoiled.The latest Lanterns leak spoils the death of a hero: Lanterns spoilers by u/SpideyForever245 in LeaksAndRumors The leak suggests that the first episode ends with Hal Jordan's murder and that the central villain of the series is none other than the Manhunters. Ever since Entertainment Weekly revealed that the HBO show will juggle two timelines, 2016 and 2026, many have been theorizing that Kyle Chandler's Hal Jordan will not survive the events of Lanterns. If Hal dies in the premiere episode, we will see the legendary Green Lantern only in flashbacks.The involvement of the Manhunters might also subtly confirm the real identity of Paul Ben-Victor's alien character Antaan. Many believe that "Antaan" might not be the character's real name; instead, it might be Atrocitus. In the Green Lantern comics, Atrocitus belongs to an alien species whose people were exterminated by the Manhunters. An irate Atrocitus swears vengeance on the Guardians of the Universe, as they were the ones who created the Manhunters.His enmity with the Guardians is why Atrocitus frequently comes in conflict with the Green Lantern Corps members. If the leak is true, Hal Jorrdan might come in contact with "Antaan" in the 2016 portion of the HBO series.The HBO series will have a presence at SDCC. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostDC confirmed that the HBO series will have a panel at SDCC, much like Peacemaker Season 2 last year. This is the second attempt at a live-action adaptation featuring Hal Jordan, after the much-maligned 2011 movie that Ryan Reynolds headlined. However, unlike that movie, the show promises to be a grounded take on the characters.Gunn had cited True Detective as an influence for the superhero show when it was announced. The trailer does reflect the acclaimed HBO crime drama's influence in this DCU series. Therefore, it wouldn't be surprising if Hal Jordan does die in the series. Also, if Hal Jordan does die, it would mean that much like the DCAU (DC Animated Universe), John Stewart would be the only Green Lantern.Moreover, Aaron Pierre has already been confirmed to be a part of Man of Tomorrow, the follow-up to last year's Superman. Therefore, Lanterns might set up John Stewart's role in Man of Tomorrow.Lanterns will premiere on HBO from August 16, 2026. Are you excited?