The main story of The Boys is set to conclude with its fifth and final season in 2026, but the universe it created is far from over. Showrunner Eric Kripke has confirmed plans for multiple spin-offs, though their future depends entirely on strong viewership from the audience. The franchise is poised to expand with new stories set in the chaotic world left behind after the events of the final season.
The Planned Future of the Franchise
With the central conflict between Billy Butcher and Homelander coming to an end, the expanding world of “The Boys” will live on through its spin-offs. Kripke has revealed specific plans for the future, contingent on fan support.
He confirmed there is a detailed plan for a third season of the college-set spin-off, Gen V, which would explore the new state of the world. Kripke described the universe after the finale of The Boys as a “wild west” where “f*king anything goes,” making it a compelling setting for new stories about the Gen V characters.
The in-development prequel, Vought Rising, which follows young Supes like Soldier Boy and Stormfront in the 1960s, is also part of the long-term plan. Kripke noted that the team has ideas for a second season of that show as well. However, he was clear that these projects are not automatic, stating that the studio has been supportive, “But it’s a business and we also have to deliver. So hopefully the audience shows up.”
The Final Season: An Apocalyptic Conclusion
Eric Kripke has stated that the fifth season was always envisioned as the natural conclusion to the story that began in 2019. He explained that the show is a serialized narrative about Butcher and Homelander heading for a collision, and that conflict cannot be stretched out indefinitely. “You have to let them smash into each other,” he said.
The creator has teased that the final season will be the “show’s version of the apocalypse.” He has also been vocal about the high stakes, warning fans that “anyone who dies in season five will richly deserve it” and that “there’s no guarantee who’s gonna survive.” This freedom allows the writers to create a dramatic and bloody conclusion, with Kripke hinting, “there will probably be lots of deaths.”
Kripke has admitted to feeling pressure to deliver a satisfying series finale, acknowledging that many great shows have struggled to stick the landing. He confirmed that he knows the final destination for the characters and has a clear idea for the series’ last scenes.
New and Returning Faces in the Final Season
The fifth season will see the return of Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy, with the character set to appear “quite a lot.” Kripke explained that the final season will delve deeper into the unresolved father-son dynamic between Soldier Boy and Homelander, a relationship he felt was not fully explored in earlier seasons.
Additionally, Jared Padalecki, who previously starred in Kripke’s series Supernatural, is confirmed to join the cast. His specific role has not yet been revealed. The main cast, including Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, and Antony Starr, is expected to return for the grand finale.
How to Keep the Universe Expanding
The direct power to shape the future of this universe lies with the audience. Kripke’s message to fans is straightforward: watch the spin-off shows as they are released. The renewal of Gen V for a third season and Vought Rising for a second depends directly on strong viewing numbers for their current and first seasons, respectively.
“We have a plan for ‘Gen V’ Season 3, and we’re psyched about it, but we need enough viewers to watch Season 2 to justify Season 3,” Kripke said. “Now’s the time that they’re paying attention to the numbers. So don’t watch even a year from now. Turn on Prime [Video] and watch it now.”
The upcoming final season of The Boys is expected to premiere on Amazon Prime Video in 2026.
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