The Boys is not just wrapping up; it’s expanding its universe with a new spinoff series, Vought Rising. Since its premiere in 2019, The Boys, under the creative direction of showrunner Eric Kripke, has captivated audiences on Prime Video. As we approach season 5, the series is poised for a climactic finale, where Butcher and his team confront Homelander and his formidable army for one last showdown.
While the fifth season signifies the end of the main narrative, it paves the way for an array of exciting spinoff projects designed to keep the franchise alive. Currently, there are three spinoff series in the works: Gen V Season 2, The Boys: Mexico, and Vought Rising. Among these, Vought Rising stands out as a prequel that delves into the origins of iconic characters like Soldier Boy and Stormfront, as well as the early history of the Vought Corporation. Yet, one can’t help but wonder: what if we could see Homelander’s backstory in a dedicated prequel?
A Young Homelander Prequel Would Be Just As Fascinating As Vought Rising
Vought Rising Will Explore The Early Days of The Supe Company
Although specific details are still under wraps, it’s confirmed that Jensen Ackles will reprise his role as Soldier Boy, alongside Aya Cash‘s return as Stormfront in Vought Rising. Set in the 1950s, the show aims to uncover a murder mystery intertwined with Vought’s formative years, shedding light on the corporation’s shadowy past. Kripke has shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming scripts, praising the creativity of the new super suits being designed. Still, while the potential of a prequel focusing on Vought’s operations is intriguing, a series centered around a young Homelander could be equally—if not more—compelling.
As arguably the most layered character in The Boys, Homelander was engineered from infancy by Vought to become the ultimate superhero, especially following Soldier Boy’s fall from grace. With season 5 setting the stage for a violent confrontation against Homelander’s army under martial law, the narrative might not allow much character development for him. This limitation, however, does not diminish the rich potential for exploring his character in a prequel format.
The Boys Presents: Diabolical’s Only Canon Episode Already Showed What A Homelander Prequel Would Look Like
Homelander Struggles In His Canonical First Mission
Interestingly, we have already glimpsed what a Homelander prequel could entail through the spinoff The Boys Presents: Diabolical. This anthology series showcased different storylines and animation styles, but it also included a crucial episode that provides insight into Homelander’s past. In 2022, Kripke confirmed that the season finale, episode 8 titled “One Plus One Equals Two,”holds canonical significance within the main storyline and gives a glimpse into Homelander’s dark beginnings.
“The finale is canon, yeah. I thought [Simon Racioppa] did such a good job with it. I don’t think we had any specific plans going in for it to for sure be canon. But he just did such a good job writing and directing it, that watching it, I was like, ‘This is for sure what happened.’
There is a certain amount of background setup of really understanding the relationship between Homelander and Black Noir and giving us a deeper understanding before Season 3.”
This pivotal episode delves into Homelander’s introduction, revealing his struggles with jealousy toward Black Noir, who steals the spotlight from him. During Homelander’s first mission—a hostage situation at a chemical plant—a triggering flashback sends him into a violent rampage, showcasing his troubled psyche. Even without current plans for a standalone show, extrapolating from Diabolical’s flashbacks indicates a fascinating and dark storyline that explores Homelander’s formative years.
The Boys Has Been Teasing Bits Of Homelander’s Backstory For Years
“Wisdom of the Ages” Revealed A Lot About Homelander
Homelander’s backstory has also been a recurring theme explored in The Boys series itself. Even during Madelyn Stillwell’s tenure, audiences glimpsed his complicated origins. For instance, a poignant moment in season 1 has him reflect on his fabricated childhood, struggling with authenticity as he recounted his love for baseball. These scattered revelations contribute to a greater understanding of his character, but his backstory gained new depth in season 4.
The unsettling episode titled “Wisdom of the Ages” allowed Homelander to reconnect with the very scientists who manipulated him during his upbringing. This haunting visit unveiled the brutal challenges he faced and illustrated how Vought conditioned his psyche to seek validation. With detailed flashbacks, the episode provided a backdrop that clarified his complex personality. Still, a dedicated Homelander prequel series could further enrich the narrative by laying bare his journey from creation to the formidable antagonist he becomes.
Sources: Variety