The highly anticipated fifth season of “The Boys” is set to bring back fan-favorite Soldier Boy, portrayed by Jensen Ackles, as part of an intricate assassination plot that has been teased throughout the series. Showrunner Eric Kripke has confirmed that Soldier Boy will play a significant role in the upcoming season, which is also the final installment of the flagship series.
Kripke has been vocal about his excitement for the character’s return, stating that there is a wealth of emotional depth to explore, particularly in the relationship between Soldier Boy and Homelander. The dynamic between these two characters has been hinted at in previous seasons, and Kripke is eager to delve into the father-son emotions that have yet to be fully explored.
In addition to Soldier Boy’s return, the announcement of a new spinoff series titled “Vought Rising” has fans buzzing. Kripke describes the prequel as “‘L.A. Confidential’ with superheroes,” indicating a darker, more noir-inspired tone. The spinoff will feature both Soldier Boy and Stormfront, played by Aya Cash, and is set to explore the origins of Vought International and the world of superheroes in a way that has not been seen before.
Kripke revealed that the idea for “Vought Rising” has been in the works for quite some time. When he initially pitched spinoffs to Amazon, he presented both “Gen V” and “Vought Rising.” The success of “Gen V” paved the way for this new project, which Kripke believes will be a thrilling addition to the “Boys” universe.
As the fifth season approaches, fans are also curious about the potential for other familiar faces from the “Supernatural” universe to make appearances. Kripke has been in talks with Jared Padalecki about a possible role in Season 5, although details remain under wraps. The showrunner has expressed his desire to work with actors he has a history with, and Padalecki is at the top of that list.
The fourth season finale, which aired recently, was particularly poignant, especially given its timing with real-world events. The episode, originally titled “Assassination Run,” had to be renamed due to its sensitive content, which coincided with an assassination attempt on a former U.S. president. Kripke emphasized that while “The Boys” tackles political themes, it is ultimately a fictional superhero show that does not condone real-world violence.
One of the standout moments from the Season 4 finale was Kimiko’s first spoken words outside of a dream sequence. This development raises questions about her character’s evolution in Season 5. Kripke has hinted that while Kimiko will speak more, her unique voice will still set her apart from the other characters.
As the series gears up for its final season, Kripke is savoring the experience, even as he grapples with the reality of its conclusion. He has a clear vision for how the story will wrap up, and he is committed to delivering a satisfying conclusion for the characters that fans have come to love.
In the meantime, Ackles has been busy filming a cameo for “Gen V,” the college-set spinoff that follows a new generation of superheroes. His appearance in the series has been described as heavily improvised, showcasing the chemistry between Ackles and Kripke.
“Gen V” is set to premiere soon, and it will introduce a host of new characters, including Marie Moreau, a supe with the ability to manipulate blood. The series promises to explore the lives of young superheroes as they navigate their powers and the competitive environment of Godolkin University.
As the world of “The Boys” continues to expand, fans can look forward to the return of Soldier Boy in Season 5, the launch of “Vought Rising,” and the ongoing adventures in “Gen V.” With Kripke at the helm, the final season is poised to deliver the same thrilling and thought-provoking content that has made “The Boys” a standout series.
Source: Variety, Entertainment Weekly
