The boys’ universe expands: A deep dive into ‘Vought Rising’ and beyond

A new chapter in the superhero saga

The world of The Boys is set to grow even larger with the announcement of a new spinoff series, Vought Rising. Described as a blend of L.A. Confidential and superhero drama, this prequel promises to delve into the gritty, noir-esque origins of the universe we’ve come to love. Showrunner Eric Kripke has been nurturing this idea for quite some time, and it’s finally coming to fruition.

“We’ve actually had this idea in our pocket for a really long time,” Kripke shared during a recent interview. “When I pitched spinoffs to Amazon, I came with two: Gen V and Vought Rising. They decided to start with Gen V, and now it’s time for Rising.”

The allure of noir with a superhero twist

Kripke’s vision for Vought Rising is tantalizing. Imagine the classic elements of film noir—fedoras, trench coats, and salacious intrigue—infused with the superhuman antics that The Boys is known for. This prequel will be led by Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy and Aya Cash’s Stormfront, two characters who have already left a significant mark on the series.

“To really do it classically with like fedoras and trench coats and salacious stuff, and like L.A. Confidential with superheroes, is just going to be super fun,” Kripke enthused. “And Jensen and Aya, they’re superstars. They’re gonna blow the doors off.”

For those eager to get a taste of what’s to come, check out the Vought Rising trailer.

Soldier Boy’s return and the final season

In addition to the new spinoff, fans were thrilled to learn that Jensen Ackles will reprise his role as Soldier Boy in the fifth and final season of The Boys. This was hinted at in a mid-credits scene during the Season 4 finale, and Kripke confirmed that Soldier Boy will play a significant role in the upcoming season.

“He’s going to be in Season 5 quite a lot,” Kripke revealed. “We want him to be a big character. There’s a lot of good father-son emotion between him and Homelander that we never really got a chance to play that we’re really interested in.”

The potential return of Jared Padalecki

Kripke has also been in talks with Jared Padalecki about joining the cast of The Boys. While nothing is set in stone, the possibility of another Supernatural alum joining the series is exciting for fans.

“I have been talking to Jared, we’ve been texting back and forth,” Kripke said. “I don’t know yet if it’ll be a one-episode guest spot or something bigger. We’re still trying to figure out what would be the best role for him.”

Navigating real-world parallels

The release of the Season 4 finale came at a sensitive time, just days after an assassination attempt on a former U.S. president. The episode, originally titled Assassination Run, was renamed to simply Season Four Finale and included a viewer discretion warning.

“We are a superhero TV show. We’re fictional,” Kripke emphasized. “Obviously, it’s a political show with a point of view so there’s gonna be some horrible coincidences. But anything real world we condemn and are against in the strongest possible terms. We’re just making our superhero show.”

Emotional moments and character development

One of the most poignant scenes in the Season 4 finale was when Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) spoke for the first time outside of a dream sequence. This moment of desperation added a new layer to her character, and fans are curious about what this means for her in Season 5.

“I don’t think she’s gonna be a chatterbox,” Kripke said. “I think we have to find a way that she’s still special and interesting and she shouldn’t just talk like everyone. So frankly, we’re figuring it out. We’re figuring out what the rhythm and cadence of her dialogue will be. But she will be talking!”

Reflecting on the journey

As the series approaches its final season, Kripke is taking a moment to savor the journey.

“We have a whole season to write,” Kripke said. “I have a lot of work to do to push it all off. But when we’re up there shooting and when we really wrap for that last time, that’s gonna be a mess.”

For fans of The Boys, the upcoming season and the new spinoff series promise to deliver more of the intense, thought-provoking content that has made the show a standout. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a newcomer, there’s never been a better time to dive into this complex and captivating universe.

For more on The Boys, check out the Season 4 Finale and stay tuned for updates on Vought Rising.