Netflix's The Umbrella Academy season 4 trailer sparks frenzy as biggest mystery addressed

Since its inception in 2019, The Umbrella Academy has had Netflix subscribers scratching their heads over the mysterious demise of Ben Hargreeves (portrayed by Justin H. Min). The internet went into meltdown mode as the hit superhero series dropped its explosive season 4 trailer yesterday.

Featuring My Chemical Romance's haunting track The End, sung by the band's lead vocalist and the show's creator Gerard Way, the preview serves as a poignant homage to the series' concluding chapter.

Ben, who previously played a more subdued role, is thrust into the limelight in the upcoming season, with his death becoming a pivotal plot point. In the gripping footage, Ben is referred to as "the key to understanding all the timelines".

A curious moment unfolds when Five (played by Aidan Gallagher) probes the other siblings with the question: "Can any one of you remember how Ben actually died?" While they collectively recall that Ben's passing was a result of their failure as a team, the finer details seem to elude them.

The release of the trailer saw fans flocking to social media to share their anticipation and sorrow.

An ardent fan commented on YouTube: "I have been a fan since 2019 and I am not yet ready to say goodbye to this great series." (sic)

Another exclaimed: "IM NOT READY FOR THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY TO END!" (sic)

Others rejoiced at Ben's enhanced role, with a fan proclaiming: "BEN IS FINALLY GETTING TO BE MAIN CHARACTER! ! ! ! !" (sic)

"I can't wait to see how umbrella Ben actually died," an eager viewer posted, while another emotionally charged fan expressed: "This season will probably be focusing on Ben and I know I will cry A LOT." (sic)

One jubilant follower exclaimed: "Finally, The Jennifer Incident, for every meme about how the only answer we needed was The Jennifer Incident, we have been rewarded!" (sic)

What is the Jennifer Incident?

In The Umbrella Academy's story arc, Ben Hargreeaves meets his untimely death before the series even kicks off, with a sombre remembrance in season 2 that transports the viewers back to 2006, indicating his passing.

The words of Sir Reginald (played by Colm Feore) during a eulogy allude to the fact that Ben's demise was the result of some disastrous mission, triggering a flood of speculation when considering the wording on Ben's commemorative statue that could hint he died by suicide.

Up until the third season's big unveilings, Ben's character only graces the screen as a spiritual presence seen by Klaus (portrayed by Robert Sheehan).

Come season 3, flashbacks tease the audience with hints at the notorious yet cryptic "The Jennifer Incident", particularly during an intimate conversation where Luther (Tom Hopper) reminds Sparrow Ben, another version of the original from a parallel universe, "You died too soon. The Jennifer incident..."

Klaus also drops mentions of the incident in subsequent dialogue. Paving the way for the most penetrating reveal, Viktor (performance by Elliot Page) stumbles upon a room belonging to Ben laden with sketches and portraits obsessively titled "Jennifer".

Questions are now emerging over the identity of Jennifer and the exact nature of her relationship with Ben - and it seems like viewers won't be left in the dark for much longer.

The Umbrella Academy season 4 airs on August 8, exclusively on Netflix.