The following article contains spoilers for The Boys season 4.
Summary
The Boysshowrunner Eric Kripke sheds light on the return of Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy following that surprise season 4 cameo. The Emmy-nominated Prime Video show concluded with arguably its most impactful episode in years, with significant character deaths and the fate of several protagonists hanging in the balance. But one of its biggest surprises was kept to a quick post-credits scene, with Antony Starr’sHomelander paying a visit to see Soldier Boy, who is in a sort of controlled coma after the events of season 3.
In a bonus content video posted by Prime Video, which dove into theseason 4 finale, Kripke teased what’s next for Soldier Boy and confirmed that the character will be back forThe Boysseason 5. The showrunner also discussed that Soldier Boy has become a fan favorite, and why it was the right time to bring him back. Read the quote below:
Soldier Boy Is a fan favourite. So it made perfect sense that once HL has control of the government, he would learn that his father is on ice. And this won’t be the last we see of him.
What Does Soldier Boy’s Return Mean For The Boys Season 5?
It Could Go In A Few Different Ways.
But it’s just about guaranteed that Soldier Boy’s presence means the series will ramp up the familial drama between Homelander, Soldier Boy, and Ryan (Cameron Crovetti).
The return of Ackles is both somewhat expected and still a bit surprising. From a narrative standpoint, it made sense thatThe Boysseason 4 finalewould have to close the loop on Ackles' character. However, the actor himself is attached to a few different projects. He’s leading the crime thrillerCountdown, also on Prime Video, and is confirmed to reprise his guest-starring role inTrackerseason 2. Because of this,it’s unclear how involved the character will be in the final episodesof the popular comic book adaptation.
It could be that Soldier Boy dies fairly early on inThe Boysseason 5to further demonstrate the strength of Butcher (Karl Urban) or Homelander. But it’s just about guaranteed that Soldier Boy’s presence means the series will ramp up the familial drama between Homelander, Soldier Boy, and Ryan (Cameron Crovetti). That is an interesting approach because it’s an important question as to what the show will prioritize in its final episodes.
Will Soldier Boy be a friend or foe in The Boys season 5?
The Boys season 4 finale finally revealed that Jensen Ackles' Soldier Boy was still being kept in cryosleep by the government after the season 3 finale, with Homelander now acquiring him after his successful rise to power within the government. With Soldier Boy likely to play a major role in season 5, the question becomes whether he’ll be a friend or a foe for The Boys, and it seems likely the former will be the case. Though he may take issue with Butcher and the team, it seems more likely he’ll want to stop Homelander for good.
The one possibility that does not seem likely, at least based on what’s been seen of Soldier Boy, is that he’ll work with the good guys. However, the series has always enjoyed storylines of strange alliances and temporary friendships. So, at this point, anything is possible asThe Boysprepares to sign off for its last episodes.
The Boys
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The Boys is a gritty and subversive take on the superhero genre, focusing on a group of vigilantes who confront powerful superheroes abusing their abilities, exploring themes of corruption and moral ambiguity in a world where heroes are not always what they seem.
