Soldier Boy is set to be a major part of The Boys season 5’s story, but bringing him back poses a huge risk. Jensen Ackles was a massive highlight in the show’s third season and delivered a memorable performance as the secondary antagonist. Despite having a fairly short stint on the series, Soldier Boy made a massive impression, but The Boys season 3’s ending saw the villain face defeat and return to incarceration. Although fans were slightly disappointed at the character’s departure, Screen Rant learned that the villain would be returning for the final installment during San Diego Comic-Con.
While viewers will be delighted to see one of their favorite characters back in action, Soldier Boy’s long list of enemies made his upcoming role unclear. Thankfully, Eric Kripke confirmed why Soldier Boy is returning in season 5 in an interview with Games Radar, but it isn’t good news for Billy Butcher. Kripke claimed that “Soldier Boy is really driven to kill Butcher”, meaning Billy will have plenty of powerful supes to overcome in the final season, and while seeing two of the franchise’s most iconic characters facing off sounds appealing, it does pose one huge risk.
The Boys Season 5’s Soldier Boy Plans Are Risky After Season 4’s Ending
Soldier Boy’s Season 5 Story Risks Taking Away From Homelander & Butcher’s Showdown
The return of Soldier Boy will undoubtedly play a significant part in season 5, but after The Boys season 4’s ending, it could prove to be an extremely risky decision. Kripke seemed to suggest the antagonist will have a big role in the story and could even team up with Homelander, but this plan may detract from the main plot. Considering Homelander and Butcher’s battle has been on the cards since the show premiered in 2019, throwing Soldier Boy in the mix means there will be less time to focus on this key showdown.
Now that Butcher has powers in The Boys, a fight with Soldier Boy would be great, but it would take at least a few episodes to get there, meaning the war with Homelander would take a back seat. Although there will be other major aspects in the final season, Butcher vs Homelander is arguably the most highly anticipated moment in the entire show, and it can’t afford to be overshadowed. While Butcher and Soldier Boy’s feud can still work, The Boys will have to be very careful about how it goes about it, otherwise it could hurt its bigger storylines.
The Boys’ Final Season Needs To Focus On Resolving Its Current Storylines
The Boys Has Plenty Of Ongoing Stories That Have To Be Conclude
Despite the value Soldier Boy adds to season 5, The Boys must prioritize its other ongoing storylines. Outside Homelander vs Butcher, there is a whole host of narratives going on that need to be wrapped up before the show concludes for good. With The Boys foreshadowing a villainous role for Butcher, his eventual clash with his former allies will become an integral part of season 5’s plot and requires the right amount of time to be resolved. In addition, each member of The Boys has their own ongoing stories that can’t be ignored or sidelined.
Frenchie and Kimiko also spent much of season 4 overcoming personal demons and falling in love, but they didn’t get a real chance to be together after the finale separated them.
Hughie’s story with his mother doesn’t seem completely settled, nor does Annie’s battle with Firecracker. Frenchie and Kimiko also spent much of season 4 overcoming personal demons and falling in love, but they didn’t get a real chance to be together after the finale separated them. Additionally, MM deserves some closure with his family, while Zoe and Stan Edgar may want revenge for Victoria’s death. Ashley still has new powers to deal with, and plenty of other supporting characters need to have a proper end to their journeys, proving The Boys has way more to focus on than Soldier Boy.
Naturally, Soldier Boy is still an important character and his season 3 ending didn’t quite finish his story. However, bringing him back shouldn’t take precedence over any of The Boys‘ central storylines, showing how difficult it will be to include such a big personality without robbing everyone else of screen time.
Soldier Boy Doesn’t Need Such A Large Role In The Boys
Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy Is Already Getting A Spinoff
It’s hard to imagine many viewers complaining about Soldier Boy playing a big part in The Boys‘ final season, but the truth is, he doesn’t need a large role. Not only did he already have a major arc in season 3, but Soldier Boy also appeared in Gen V as part of a dream sequence. Having the character show up for a cameo gave fans more time with the villain, even if it wasn’t crucial for the spinoff’s plot. He has clearly been given a huge spotlight because of his popularity, and the franchise is doubling down on this.
The Boys has done a great job in the past of balancing so many characters in the past, meaning Soldier Boy should still work in season 5.
Alongside being confirmed for season 5, Soldier Boy will star in Vought Rising – a prequel to The Boys. Once again, this will give the antagonist a critical role while making the absolute most out of Jensen Ackles’ stellar performance, and given he will have his own project away from the main show, a pivotal role in the final season feels unnecessary since it risks becoming overkill. Thankfully, The Boys has done a great job in the past of balancing so many characters, meaning season 5 should still find a way to fit Soldier Boy into the plot.
