The Boysshowrunner Eric Kripke discusses his fears regarding the expansion of the show’s universe. The satirical superhero series has had four seasons so far, and will soon go into production in its final season. This is far from the end ofThe Boysuniverse, however, which has already had a spinoff series withGen V, which has already had one season.Gen Vseason 2andThe Boysseason 5 have been confirmed, as well as the development of a prequel series,Vought Rising.
Speaking withCollider,Kripke addresses his fears concerning the expansion ofThe Boysuniverse. When it comes to expandingThe Boysuniverse, the creator’s biggest fear is “becoming the thing [they’ve] been satirizing for five years.” He describesThe Boysas being “punk rock,” and he also cites this as a reason for the show to try not to sell out. He is determined to use the spinoff series to “tell fresh stories” and wants to ensure that “they maintain a consistent level of quality.” Check out the full quote from Kripke below:
We’re gonna look at the chips we have on the table right now. I live in absolute terror of becoming the thing we’ve been satirizing for five years. The thing aboutThe Boysis that it’s punk rock, and it hurts extra hard when punk rockers sell out. I’m really working hard to not sell out.
We do these shows because we really care about them and we’re passionate about them, and they can tell fresh stories that we can’t tell inThe Boysand not just be about rapid expansion but be very careful and mindful about the choices we’re making and being able to defend why we’re making them. I worry about that every single day. I just want people to say, maybe it’s for them and maybe it isn’t for them, but gotta hand it to them, they maintain a consistent level of quality.
What This Means For Spinoffs Of The Boys
The Boys Has Already Lost Some Quality In Viewers' Eyes
Kripke’s TV universe is situated in a precarious position afterThe Boysseason 4. Though the critics still enjoyed the series, the most recent season was the lowest-rated in terms of audience score, and by a wide margin. It is the only season in the entire series to get a rotten Popcornmeter, sitting at 54%. This shows a general disillusionment with the series, as audiences do not see the “consistent level of quality” for which Kripke hopes. Because of this trend, viewers may go into futureThe Boysspinoffs with more skepticism.
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Gen Vhas, at least, already developed a strong foundation within the universe, withseason 1 getting a 97% Tomatometerand a still-high 76% approval among audiences. It isVought Uprisingthat is more of a question mark, as it is still in the development phase and has not yet released any content. While the show will still have to win back the hearts of some disheartenedThe Boysviewers,Vought Uprisingis at least working off of existing characters Stormfront and Soldier Boy, and is more likely to draw in an audience.
Our Take On The Boys Spinoff Universe
The Boys' Main Conceit Could Be In Jeopardy
WhileThe Boysmay be in a tough position overall, one of the biggest challenges might actually be maintaining the so-called punk rock-ness in the current area. I’m assuming Kripke is partially referring to the relentless violence and nudity that the show puts on screen.The Boysactorssuch as Jack Quaid have previously expressed a desire to cut back on how much nudity they show. It will be interesting to see howThe Boysseason 5,Gen Vseason 2, andVought Uprisingseason 1 will take this into account when deciding what to show on screen.
The Boys
Cast
The Boys is a gritty and subversive take on the superhero genre, focusing on a group of vigilantes who confront powerful superheroes abusing their abilities, exploring themes of corruption and moral ambiguity in a world where heroes are not always what they seem.
