Fans are wondering if Karl Urban has left The Boys. Many also want to know why his character Billy Butcher leaves the team. In Urban’s case, it is likely because of the actor’s recent noticeable absence from promotional events, including the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) event, which his co-stars are confirmed to attend. In Butcher’s case, it is due to the final scenes of The Boys Season 4 finale. The finale saw him simply depart the team and go on his own path of vengeance against all Supes.

So has Karl Urban left The Boys? Why did Billy Butcher leave The Boys? Here are both questions answered.

Has Karl Urban left The Boys after Season 4?

No, Karl Urban has not left The Boys after Season 4.

Karl Urban will reprise his role of Billy Butcher in Season 5. The actor also revealed when fans can expect to see Season 5, confirming its anticipated 2026 release timeframe via Instagram. Here he also expressed his wish that the fifth and final season came out sooner.

Eric Kripke revealed to Variety that The Boys Season 5 will begin filming in November 2024 and continue until mid-2025.

Why Karl Urban’s Billy Butcher leaves The Boys?

Karl Urban’s Billy Butcher leaves The Boys to use the Supe virus and possibly carry out his sinister plan of Supe genocide.

The Boys Season 4 finale sees Butcher finally snap and succumb to the sinister influence of the parasitic tumor in his brain. This parasitic tumor manifested itself as an evil hallucination of Butcher’s deceased former comrade Joe Kessler. Butcher snapped after witnessing Ryan’s cold-blooded and impulsive murder of Grace Mallory.

After giving in to the tumor’s evil influence, he gains control of his new tentacle abilities. He then uses these abilities to 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 Victoria Neuman, despite Hughie’s anguished pleas, since she recently agreed to help them stop Homelander. Butcher then takes the virus from The Boys’ hands. He then parts ways with The Boys, but not before indirectly warning them to go on the run. Butcher then rides off to an unknown location to enact his plan of Supe genocide.

Thus, fans can expect Season 5 to feature a fully villainous Butcher who will likely not only go up against Homelander but also The Boys.