Fans of Gen V are being introduced to the dark history of Godolkin University in Season 2, and a new face is bringing the school’s infamous founder to life. The character of Thomas Godolkin, the behavioral scientist who started it all, is portrayed by actor and singer Ethan Slater. The casting adds a new layer to the expanding story of The Boys universe.
Who is Thomas Godolkin in the Story?
Thomas Godolkin is a pivotal character in the lore of Gen V. He was a behavioral scientist for Vought-American who shared a close friendship and white-supremacist beliefs with Frederick Vought. Together, they founded Godolkin University in 1965 as a front to conduct extensive research on Supes and learn how to control them.
One of his most significant projects was Project Odessa, a dangerous research initiative. In a flashback scene in the episode “New Year, New U,” Thomas rushes to stop his colleagues from injecting themselves with an unstable serum. He arrives too late and witnesses the experiment go horribly wrong, resulting in a deadly fire that destroyed the lab. For a long time, it was believed that Thomas died in that fire.
However, a major reveal in Season 2 shows that Thomas Godolkin survived. Dean Cipher has been keeping the severely burned Thomas alive in a hyperbaric chamber, using his knowledge to advance his own plans. As showrunner Michele Fazekas explained, this discovery ties directly into the larger plot, with characters hoping that saving Godolkin could help them stop Cipher.
“Among the top revelations during The Boys crossover cameo were: Thomas Godolkin is actually the elderly burn victim in the hyperbaric chamber that God U dean Cipher has been caring for.”
The Actor Behind the Founder: Ethan Slater
The role of Thomas Godolkin is played by Ethan Samuel Slater, an American actor born on June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C. Slater is not new to high-profile projects, but his part in Gen V introduces him to a new audience.
Slater is a versatile performer known for his work on stage and screen. He gained significant recognition for his starring role in The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage! His performance earned him a Tony Award nomination, cementing his status as a talented stage actor.
More recently, he has been featured in high-profile film projects. Moviegoers might recognize him as Boq Woodsman from the movie Wicked, a role he also plays in the upcoming second installment of the film.
His other television credits include appearances on shows like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Murphy Brown, and Instinct. His casting in Gen V was officially announced in July 2025, alongside the news that other stars from The Boys would be appearing in the spin-off.
Ethan Slater’s Other Notable Projects
While Gen V is Slater’s latest television work, his career is built on a strong foundation in musical theater. Beyond his breakthrough in SpongeBob SquarePants, he has starred in acclaimed stage productions like Assassins, Camelot, Good Night, Oscar, and Gutenberg! The Musical!
His ability to shift between stage and screen highlights his versatility as a performer. His role in Gen V is a departure from his musical characters, showing his range as he steps into the dark and satirical world of The Boys.
Also Read: Gen V Season 2 Episode 6: Marie’s Shocking Connection to Homelander Revealed
Credits: Variety, The Boys Wiki
