The Boys' Next Hero: Soldier Boy's Epic Comeback
Jensen Ackles can flawlessly reprise his role as Soldier Boy in The Boys, leaving fans thrilled and eager for his return
Jensen Ackles had the opportunity to reunite with Eric Kripke, the showrunner of Supernatural, when he appeared on Kripke's newer series The Boys. In The Boys, Ackles portrayed Soldier Boy, a highly acclaimed hero in the show's universe. This portrayal of Soldier Boy differs significantly from the character in Garth Ennis' comic of the same name. Although Soldier Boy's story concludes in the third season of the show, fans should not dismiss the possibility of his return in future seasons, possibly even the upcoming fourth season.
Given that Jensen Ackles' Soldier Boy essentially ends up in the same position where Butcher and MM find him at the beginning of the season, fans may wonder how the show plans to reintroduce him without repeating plot points from season three. The writers have cleverly created an opportunity for Soldier Boy's comeback, aligning with the show's tendency to take creative liberties throughout its three seasons.
Who is Soldier Boy?
There are distinct differences between the comic book and live-action versions of Soldier Boy, both designed to be the Captain America of The Boys universe. Unlike Steve Rogers, Soldier Boy is a degenerate, as shown in the show's third season. He was a hero during World War II, predating Homelander, and possessed invulnerability, super strength, and superhuman speed. Despite reports of his death in a nuclear meltdown in 1984, classified documents revealed that he was actually killed by a mysterious weapon. However, Butcher and his team discovered Soldier Boy cryogenically frozen in a secret storage facility, which presented a surprising solution to their problems. Upon his awakening, Soldier Boy demonstrated a new ability – an energy blast from his chest, even more powerful than Homelander. He appeared to be the answer to the Homelander predicament.
What Happened to Soldier Boy?
: The television series takes a surprising twist by unveiling Soldier Boy as Homelander's biological father. This version of the character significantly differs from his portrayal in the comic books, yet it undeniably adds a compelling dynamic to the narrative. In fact, Eric Kripke's masterful creation of the universe in The Boys enhances the impact of this revelation.
Unfortunately, things hardly ever go Billy's way when it concerns Homelander. Consequently, Soldier Boy was unable to fulfill his end of the bargain. Oh yes, Butcher struck a deal with Soldier Boy to eliminate Homelander. It all started smoothly with Maeve, Butcher, and Soldier Boy united against Homelander. However, the situation became more complex when Homelander introduced his biological son, Ryan. This development only added confusion to the entire situation. Butcher's relationship with Ryan is complicated due to the fact that he is the child of his late girlfriend, Becca.
Soldier Boy manages to pin Homelander down and prepares to deliver a fatal blow, but Ryan intervenes, driven by a misguided compassion for Homelander. Unfazed by the obstruction, Soldier Boy forcefully pushes Ryan aside, much to Butcher's displeasure. Unexpectedly, the situation takes a dramatic turn as Soldier Boy finds himself outnumbered by the three remaining individuals.
As events unfold rapidly, Maeve chooses to dive out of the skyscraper window alongside Soldier Boy, who was charging up an energy blast. In the midst of their descent, Soldier Boy inadvertently releases a powerful radiation blast. Although Queen Maeve survives the fall, the public falsely believes she perishes. However, the radiation blast completely eradicates any traces of Compound V from her body, effectively restoring her to a normal human. Meanwhile, Soldier Boy is apprehended and sedated for his actions.
The Best Way for Soldier Boy to Return
Homelander's level of danger remains consistent in both the comics and the TV series, highlighting the need for a fail-safe. Unbeknownst to readers, Black Noir was created as a clone of Homelander, intended to eliminate him should he become uncontrollable. Interestingly, Black Noir used manipulative tactics to control Homelander, proving to be even more perilous than his on-screen counterpart. The comic book version of Homelander went as far as plotting to seize control of America.
Initially, fans of the TV show believed that the storyline would unfold similarly. However, in season three, Homelander fatally eliminates Black Noir because he failed to disclose the fact that Soldier Boy is Homelander's father. This development appeared to halt the potential for Noir to eventually assassinate Homelander. However, Eric Kripke, the creator, clarified that Black Noir will reappear as a new character, enabling the same actor to portray him beneath the iconic suit.
A new Black Noir can pave the way for the return of Soldier Boy, aligning with the show's pattern of adapting comic elements with slight modifications (such as the show's adjustment of Herogasm). Instead of a Homelander replica concealed by the mask, it would be Homelander's actual father.
Considering that Maeve successfully placed the World War II veteran back into cryogenic slumber, and it is evident from the final scene that Homelander is untouchable in the eyes of the public, there is a strong possibility that the authorities would strike a deal with Soldier Boy. They might persuade him to postpone any vengeful actions he may desire, or alternatively offer him certain incentives in exchange for his adoption of the Black Noir persona. Jensen Ackles would not need to assume the role until the show chooses to reveal the true identity beneath the mask, and it is apparent that Soldier Boy does not seek fame and attention in the same manner as Homelander does. It would not be challenging for him to bide his time. As far as the audience is concerned, without Soldier Boy, there exists no weapon on Earth capable of restraining an unleashed Homelander.
