The Boys show creator Eric Kripke confirms that Jensen Ackles will return in season 5 while at San Diego Comic-Con.

This comes after the actor briefly reprised his role of Soldier Boy in The Boys season 4 finale’s mid-credits scene, where Homelander visits the sedated supe who is kept inside a chamber. Soldier Boy was previously introduced in season 3, in which he played an important role, and had a cameo in the spinoff series Gen V through Cate Dunlap’s powers.

Screen Rant attended The Boys panel at San Diego Comic-Con, where Kripke confirmed that Ackles was returning as Soldier Boy in season 5. In addition, he confirmed that Ackles will once again be a series regular in the show’s final season before the actor eventually joined the remaining cast. This follows through on the promise of The Boys‘ season 4 finale’s mid-credits scene and confirms that Soldier Boy will play a prominent part in the show’s final season. Check out the photos and quote below:

“He’ll be a regular in season 5.”

What Role Will Soldier Boy Play In The Boys Season 5?

He May Determine Homelander’s Fate.

“Soldier Boy is unlikely to be moved, as his toxic masculinity will still have him seeing Homelander as pathetic, and he can only see his son as the inferior supe Vought replaced him with all those years ago.”

Confirmation of Soldier Boy being a series regular in The Boys season 5 means he will not just be limited to a cameo this time and will likely have a significant impact on how the series culminates. Homelander has eliminated many individuals who opposed or doubted him, but as Homelander’s father, Soldier Boy has a unique stranglehold over the powerful supe. Killing Soldier Boy is not enough, as that will not change the disgust and disappointment he feels towards Homelander.

Homelander may still be desperate to earn his father’s approval and try to please and impress him. Soldier Boy is unlikely to be moved, as his toxic masculinity will still have him seeing Homelander as pathetic, and he can only see his son as the inferior supe Vought replaced him with all those years ago. Homelander’s fixation on Soldier Boy may be useful for the Boys, as it can keep Homelander occupied while the Boys find a way to defeat their archenemy.

Another intriguing possibility for season 5 is that Soldier Boy will rob Homelander of his superpowers. Season 3 showed that Soldier Boy now has this ability as he radiated energy blasts that took away the powers of Kimiko and Maeve when they were hit by them. A fitting end for Homelander could be for him to lose his powers and become normal like everyone else, with his own biological father being the cause of his fall from an all-powerful supe to a regular human in The Boys season 5.