DC Studios' upcoming HBO series "Lanterns" has confirmed that the Manhunters, a race of shapeshifting robotic villains from Green Lantern comic lore, will make their live-action debut in the show. The reveal came via a new trailer shown at San Diego Comic-Con, which marks a notable improvement in fan reception after earlier teasers were criticised for downplaying the franchise's cosmic elements. The trailer instead emphasises the Green Lantern ring's power and the relationship between Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), with Stewart directly referencing the Manhunters in dialogue.

In the comics, the Manhunters were created by the Guardians of the Universe to police the universe before the Green Lantern Corps existed, but they later turned against their creators after gaining self-awareness. Their shapeshifting abilities, which allow them to disguise themselves, feature prominently in the new footage and are expected to drive the series' mystery elements. The Manhunters also have ties to other DC characters, including the origins of the Red Lantern Atrocitus and links to the Martian Manhunter, though it remains unclear whether "Lanterns" will explore these wider connections.