The Boys Season 5 release date, plot updates and more

Prime Video's satirical superhero drama, The Boys Season 5, is expected to release in 2026. Ahead of the series' finale, creator Eric Kripke teased some filming and plot updates.

Prime Video's satirical superhero drama, The Boys Season 5 is expected to release in 2026. Ahead of the series' finale, creator Eric Kripke has been teasing some filming and plot updates. In a January 2025 Forbes interview, Eric Kripke revealed that filming for the fifth season is now underway, and the scripts are being constantly upgraded to match real-world events.

In a recent interview with TV Insider, The Boys' creator chose to revisit and explain some important moments of The Boys Season 4 in addition to some tidbits about the upcoming season. He drew close comparisons between two major characters of The Boys- Karl Urban's Billy Butcher and Antony Starr's Homelander,

"I feel like I put them on almost the same emotional journey this year to see how they would react differently," Kripke explained, putting Butcher and Homelander on almost the same emotional journey.

The Boys Season 4 finale wrapped up with shocking twists, betrayals, and unexpected deaths, but left some pivotal questions unanswered. For the upcoming season, the viewers will get to witness intense face-offs, chaos, and tensions that might escalate between the ageing and terminally ill Butcher and power-hungry Homelander. Over the four seasons, one thing has become quite clear that both the characters are complex and are driven by revenge and personal loss. Though they are enemies, they often act in similar ways, making it hard to point out who is right or wrong!

The Boys fans have been teasing Butcher and Homelander's similarities since Season 3

The Boys creator Eric Kripke might have teased the similarities between Butcher and Homelander, but fans have noticed it way back. In a Reddit thread, by u/FURY_Serialis while discussing Season 3, the user questioned whether the show was trying to portray Homelander and Butcher identically. The post read:

"Is it just me, or is the show really trying to make Homelander and Butcher appear nearly identical in their actions and motivations this season? Like, aside from the obvious difference in powers and allegiances, they're making choices that seem to stem from very similar emotional places (loss, anger, desperation). It's certainly making for interesting character arcs, but it's also making me question the show's message about good vs. evil, especially with how gray the characters' actions are appearing."

Several comments agreed with this post. For instance, u/Bright_Swordfish4820, wrote,

"I think it's a deliberate attempt by the show to blur the lines between good and evil and show that even in the face of overwhelming power, people can still choose to do the right thing. In a way, both Homelander and Butcher are driven by a need for control and a fear of losing what matters most. Homelander uses his powers to manipulate and intimidate, while Butcher is willing to go to any lengths to get revenge on those who wronged him. Both characters are capable of great cruelty, but they also show flashes of tenderness and vulnerability."

While u/Uncanny_Doom wrote,

"Yeah, I agree. It's interesting how the show is putting both characters on a similar emotional journey, yet they're arriving at very different destinations. Homelander is becoming increasingly tyrannical and unhinged, while Butcher seems to be growing more weary and cynical. It's almost like they're converging at a point of no return."

Another user, u/Low-External8845 agreed and wrote:

"I think the show is trying to show that even though they're on opposite sides, they're both capable of great good and great evil. It's up to the viewer to decide which character they relate to more and which one they think is ultimately in the right."

While u/Idoled_Out wrote,

"I feel like both characters are becoming more unhinged with each passing episode. They're both making rash decisions that have far-reaching consequences. It'll be interesting to see how their emotional state affects their actions in the upcoming season."

The Boys is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Also read: The Boys Showrunner reveals what to expect from the final Season of the show