The Boys is soaring back onto Amazon Prime Video next week, boldly unpacking a massive storyline that’s more timely than ever. Are we ready for another season teetering with anticipation, as the series showrunner, Eric Kripke, recently weighed in on some of the intense discussion?
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kripke responded to criticism that the show has become “woke” in its most recent seasons. Fans have criticized The Boys for having political overtones, and Kripke addressed this, particularly in light of Homelander’s similarities to former US President Donald Trump.
Remaining unrepentant about the show’s premise and themes, Kripke seemed to enjoy annoying the critics. He encouraged viewers to “go watch something else” and said that it was okay for anyone to label the show as “woke” or whatever.
The Boys Showrunner is Addressing ‘Woke’ Complaints and Viewer Reactions
As The Boys makes its highly anticipated return next week, showrunner Eric Kripke is ready to dive headfirst into the world of politics and current events like never before. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he revealed that season four of the hit superhero satire series will tackle some timely themes, including an imperiled presidential election and the rise of “authoritarianism” in America.
He noted that he had initially pitched The Boys with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg back in 2016, when “[Donald] Trump was the ‘He is not really getting the nomination, is he?’ guy.” For Kripke, weaving real-life politics into the fabric of The Boys has always been a natural fit. He explained:
When he got elected, we had a metaphor that said more about the current world. Suddenly, we were telling a story about the intersection of celebrity and authoritarianism and how social media and entertainment are used to sell fascism. We’re right in the eye of the storm. And once we realized that, I just felt an obligation to run in that direction as far as we could.
Of course, not everyone in the viewing public may be on board with the series’ new direction. But Kripke is unapologetic about his perspective and the themes he explores in the show. Continuing, he said:
Anyone who wants to call the show ‘woke’ or whatever, that’s OK. Go watch something else. But I’m certainly not going to pull punches or apologize for what we’re doing.
Furthermore, Kripke not only addressed fans who accused the show of being ‘woke’, but also confronted Homelander’s supporters.
The Boys: Eric Kripke Delivers a Reality Check on Homelander’s Heroic Image
Since the premiere of The Boys in 2019, Eric Kripke has made nearly every effort to portray Homelander / John Gillman (Antony Starr) as a villain to viewers. Nevertheless, the character remains a hero to some fans. Kripke is unsure of how to alter the perception of Homelander among its fan base as The Boys prepares for its fourth season.
During the same interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kripke talks about Homelander’s obsessed fans:
Some people who watch it think Homelander is the hero. What do you say to that? The show’s many things. Subtle isn’t one of them. So if that’s the message you’re getting from it, I just throw up my hands.
Homelander, portrayed by Starr with a devilish thirst and impeccable timing, parodies the worst traits of heroes to give viewers an idea of what it would be like to truly have unrestricted power. Fans of The Boys, however, are unable to get enough of him. Indeed, at times, they have confused his character archetype as an ethically dubious antihero.
Amazon Prime Video’s official description of the fourth season hints at the stakes being higher than ever for our group of superheroes, as they must band together to save the world from impending doom. With fan-favorite characters returning and new faces joining the fray, the stage is set for another wild and unpredictable season of The Boys.
The Boys Season 4 will be released on Amazon Prime Video on June 13.
All three seasons of The Boys are available on Amazon Prime Video.
