Why Soldier Boy is Scarier Than Homelander in The Boys

The Boys Season 3: Soldier Boy's Dominance

One scene from The Boys season 3 proves that Soldier Boy is worse than Homelander. After dropping only a few references to Soldier Boy in its initial seasons, The Boys finally introduced him in season 3 when Butcher and the boys break into the Russian military facility where he was held captive. Although the boys released him with the hope that he would help them kill Homelander, Soldier Boy had a mission of his own: serve justice to the ones who wronged him.

Soldier Boy looking sternly at Homelander in The Boys season 3

To ensure that Soldier Boy helped them with their plan, Butcher and the boys helped him with his mission of killing the former members of his supe team, Payback. Soldier Boy, too, promised to keep his word of killing Homelander. Not everything eventually went as planned in The Boys season 3, and the boys had to formulate a new plan to put Soldier Boy back to sleep. However, in all these moments of action and shocking revelations surrounding Soldier Boy's story arc, one The Boys season 3 scene established that Soldier Boy is scarier than Homelander.

Antony Starr as Homelander looking at Jensen Ackles Soldier Boy in The Boys season 3 finale

Soldier Boy's Reaction to Homelander

Soldier Boy nearly kills Homelander in The Boys season 3's Herogasm fight. However, instead of being infuriated by his defeat, Homelander has a change of heart towards Soldier Boy when he learns that he is his biological father. After committing several ruthless acts of violence throughout the season, Homelander suddenly drops his guard and puts up an emotionally vulnerable demeanor. Despite proudly calling himself Soldier Boy's upgrade before the Herogasm fight, Homelander asks him to join forces with him. He sheds a tear or two and even introduces him to his grandson, Ryan. However, to his dismay, Soldier Boy remains unaffected.

Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy in The Boys looking serious

Instead of succumbing to his emotions, Soldier Boy walks up to Homelander and tells him exactly what his own father would often say to him: 'You are a f**king disappointment.' The fact that Soldier Boy refuses to be emotionally swayed by his newfound familial connection and does not think twice before rejecting Homelander's offer proves that he is far more intimidating than Homelander. While Homelander struggles to grapple with the harsh reality of his relationship with Soldier Boy and buries his hate for his biological father, Soldier Boy remains steadfast in his principles, scarily exposing Homelander's vulnerabilities and establishing his dominance over him.

Antony Starr as Homelander and Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy in The Boys

Soldier Boy's Superiority Over Homelander

Considering how Soldier Boy had to team up with Butcher and Hughie to take down Homelander in The Boys season 3, Homelander is likely stronger than him. When it comes to durability, however, Soldier Boy may be levels above Homelander, given how he is immune to everything from radiation poisoning to psychic mind control. Speaking of radiation, his radiation beams could likely kill Homelander. However, he takes a little too long to charge them, giving Homelander enough time to defend himself. Overall, when it comes to their powers, Homelander has a clear advantage because he can fly. However, season 3 proves Soldier Boy has already won the mental battle.

Soldier Boy and Homelander in The Boys

Soldier Boy can always return to giving Homelander the familial affection he craves just to get in his head. Once Homelander is weak and vulnerable enough to fall for Soldier Boy's mind games, Soldier Boy can use it to his advantage. This gives Soldier Boy a significant edge over Homelander, proving he can defeat him. Even if Homelander initially refuses to give in to Soldier Boy's psychological warfare in a one-on-one showdown, Soldier Boy's durability will allow him to stand his ground and eventually convince Homelander that he wants to accept his season 3 offer. Just when Homelander becomes hesitant, Soldier Boy can exploit his emotional instability to kill him.

Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy in Gen V

Soldier Boy in The Boys Season 4

Homelander's ability to have empathy towards his family proves that he is not devoid of humanity. He tipped off too far into the dark side in The Boys season 3 and will further descend into immorality in season 4. However, his affection for Ryan and his emotional fragility in season 3 affirm that he can still be convinced or manipulated into changing his ways. Soldier Boy, in contrast, emerges as an unyielding figure in The Boys season 3 whose beliefs and decisions cannot be influenced by any external forces. Therefore, if Soldier Boy returns in The Boys season 4, he will likely be an even darker and scarier villain than Homelander.