Discover the Surprising Condition Jensen Ackles Demanded for His Unforgettable Gen V Cameo

Highlights

Jensen Ackles reprised his role as Soldier Boy in Gen V and requested that his character be funnier, which led to a memorable performance.

Gen V is set in The Boys' universe, depicting characters in their pre-corrupted state due to greed. Several characters have already tapped into their powers.

In Gen V, we catch a brief yet unforgettable glimpse of Soldier Boy. He is seen inappropriately revealing his thoughts and subsequently gets unexpectedly struck by lightning while inside Cate's mindscape. Fans were delighted by Ackles' highly anticipated return.

Jensen Ackles's portrayal of Soldier Boy in The Boys left a lasting impression on audiences, so when he returned to play the character in Gen V, he was determined to make it equally unforgettable.

Set in the same universe as The Boys, where super-powered individuals are exploited for profit, Gen V follows a group of characters before they are corrupted. The story unfolds at Godolkin University, a prestigious college for supes, where Marie Moreau (played by Jaz Sinclair) discovers her blood-bending abilities and aspires to join The Seven. However, like in The Boys, not all is as it appears in Gen V. Despite their innocence, some characters are already being exploited for their unique gifts.

In episode 6 of Gen V, titled "Jumanji," the consequences of this are felt by the characters as they venture into Cate's (Maddie Phillips) mind guided by an imaginary Soldier Boy. Ackles' return to the stage is a delight for fans of the series. However, when reprising his role, the actor had a specific request for the production team. "His only request was, 'It needs to be funnier,'" shared showrunner Erik Kripke with The Nerdist. "I completely agreed and happened to be in Toronto at the time as well. So, I offered to be present on set, standing next to the camera, and together we would improvise until he was satisfied."

Kripke and Ackles have a longstanding collaboration. Prior to his role in The Boys, Ackles initially connected with the showrunner while working on a lesser-known series called Supernatural. Despite Kripke relinquishing creative control of the show well before its conclusion, the two have maintained their enduring creative partnership. Ackles' portrayal of Soldier Boy diverges greatly from his previous character, Dean Winchester, a distinction that was further emphasized when he returned in Gen V.

Soldier Boy's appearance in The Boys spin-off is brief yet impactful. Upon being transported into Cate's mindscape, Soldier Boy unexpectedly and inappropriately opens up to the college students. Delving into explicit details about Cate's early sexual experiences, his revelation is met with a dramatic occurrence — he is struck by lightning. This event serves as the only viable method for Soldier Boy to make a reappearance. In the current timeline of The Boys, Soldier Boy is being held captive due to his unbridled villainous actions. However, Ackles remains a beloved figure, particularly within Kripke's realm, making his return a source of immense delight for fans. Even though his presence is limited to just one episode, Ackles' performance could not have been any better.

The Boys seasons 1-3 and Gen V season 1 are streaming on Amazon Prime.

Source: The Nerdist