Incomplete Scripts for The Boys Season 5 Despite Filming Commencement

The Boys creator Eric Kripke recently shed light on the script status for the show’s fifth and final season, despite filming having already commenced. Since its debut on Prime Video in 2019, this beloved series has painted a provocative picture of a world where superheroes exploit their immense powers. The ensemble cast features talents such as Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, and Erin Moriarty. The show’s fourth season aired last summer, spotlighting Billy Butcher’s (played by Urban) escalating conflict with Homelander (Starr). As production for season 5 began in November 2024, fans are eagerly anticipating its release.

In a recent discussion with Forbes, Kripke explained that the scripts for season 5 are still under development. He emphasized that this is not an uncommon situation; script alterations often reflect ongoing current events to maintain the relevance and immediacy of the show. During the interview, he addressed how the outcomes of the November U.S. elections might influence the narrative.

Yeah, I mean, they’re not all written, by the way. They’re about half-written. I mean, look – things adjust all the time. That happened in season one when like the “Me Too”movement broke in the middle of the season and we had to go back and rethink a lot of things. So, we’re sort of used to this organic movement of the scripts always transforming a little bit, based on what’s happening in the world.

So, that doesn’t really scare us. That’s pretty par for the course. You’re always rewriting these things right up until the day before they shoot, and sometimes, the day they shoot. So, we’re used to changing things as the world changes – but yes, we definitely adjust scripts as new events come to light.

As Kripke elaborated, the integration of current events into the narrative does not derail the planned character arcs. The overarching storyline remains intact, particularly important as the series approaches its conclusion. Instead, contemporary issues are incorporated primarily to enrich specific scenes and dialogues:

No, we have in terms of the big picture of the story, like it stays the same. I mean, especially in the final season when every character has to reach their climax – like we’ve had those in our back pocket for a while and this season is mostly just figuring out how to get there, you know? So, it’s more like the stuff that the characters talk about that’s happening in society and some of the joke targets we’re taking, and some of that stuff changes, but the main bones of it stays pretty similar.

Implications of Kripke’s Comments for Season 5

The Controversy Surrounding Season 4

Billy Butcher squinting at something off-screen in The Boys Season 4 Finale

Critically, season 4 of The Boys received generally favorable reviews; however, it faced backlash for its increasingly explicit political satire. While the show has always had a certain political edge, many viewers found fault with its overt jabs at prominent figures and ideologies within American politics. This criticism culminated in the season being review-bombed, resulting in a low Popcornmeter score of 54% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Boys Seasons Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Season	RT Critics’ Score	RT Audience Score
1	85%	91%
2	97%	84%
3	98%	75%
4	92%	54%

From Kripke’s remarks, it appears that audiences should not anticipate a shift in the show’s direction for season 5. This suggests that even with high anticipation following the season 4 finale, the upcoming season may once again find itself entwined in controversy. There’s a significant likelihood that it will experience review-bombing in a similar vein as its predecessor, especially if it critiques the results of the recent U.S. presidential election.

Our Perspective on Kripke’s Insights for Season 5

Evaluating Season 4: A Mixed Experience

Erin Moriarty about to use her powers as Starlight in The Boys season 3

Season 4 of The Boys has been viewed by some as weaker in terms of storytelling than earlier installments. It is indeed fair to critique this season for its more blatant political slant, as many seek entertainment for escapism. However, it can be argued that The Boys has always engaged with political themes, which is a fundamental aspect of its appeal. The show’s unique blend of social commentary distinguishes it from more family-friendly superhero narratives, such as those found in the MCU, alongside its notorious elements of violence, profanity, and mature themes.

Fortunately, it seems that the character arcs for key figures like Butcher, Hughie, Starlight, and Homelander remain unchanged despite current events influencing some minor aspects of the dialogue. Fans can only hope that the final season not only serves its purpose as a biting satire but also delivers a fittingly emotional conclusion for the characters audiences have come to know over four seasons.

Source: Forbes

Source & Images