In universe marketing for The Boys continues with Vought International releasing Super Bowl LIX propaganda for Homelander as season 4 finale suggests Billy Butcher's powers are not permanent. As Super Bowl LIX approached Vought International promoted Homelander (Antony Starr) as national protector. This marketing tactic coincided with discussions around The Boys season 4 finale and Billy Butcher's (Karl Urban) use of Temp V.
Vought International's social media released a message portraying Homelander as dedicated to American safety instead of the football game . The message read "There's one team Americans can always get behind – Homelander's. Instead of watching the game today our superhero-in-chief is flying like an eagle over this great country keeping it safe from Starlighter thugs." The post concluded with a sales pitch "Honor him by bidding on this non-fungible JPEG!" Showrunner Eric Kripke also shared insights into the show's direction and Butcher's storyline.
In a conversation with Forbes earlier this year Kripke talked about The Boys being political and how current events shape writing. Kripke stated "Look I think 'The Boys' probably for better or worse is a political show at this point. I think season four was political. I think the world has sort of grown to resemble the show more and more in a way that's not great. And so we just sort of lean into it. I mean the show is about why and how you should question your leaders. You should question anyone who stands in front of you." He further added "You should question anyone who is pitching you simple answers to complicated problems and who is saying that they're the only ones who can save you – like those are dangerous people. Obviously we're not shy about saying that but I take a little bit of pride in that for our bananas superhero show we're one of the most current shows on TV in terms of like reflecting exactly what's happening in the world at this moment and that's great."
ScreenRant analysis of The Boys season 4 finale post-credit scene suggests Butcher's new powers from Temp V might be short-lived. The scene revealed Homelander finding Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles). Soldier Boy possesses power-draining abilities which pose a threat to Butcher. This sets up potential conflict where Butcher could lose his powers when facing Soldier Boy. ScreenRant noted "Soldier Boy has the unique ability to drain other supes of their powers when he is near them. This means that even Butcher’s tentacles seemingly created by his persistent abuse of Temp V wouldn’t stand a chance against Soldier Boy. As such the super-powered Butcher is unlikely to ever get a one-on-one face-off with Homelander before Soldier Boy saps him of his powers."
What Vought's PR and Butcher's Powers Fate Mean For The Boys
Vought International Continues Its Propaganda While Butcher Faces Setback
Vought's Super Bowl marketing aligns with The Boys' satire on corporate propaganda and superhero worship. The show frequently uses Vought's public relations to comment on real-world issues. Kripke's remarks about questioning leaders are reflected in the show's narrative. Simultaneously the possibility of Butcher losing his powers impacts his character arc. Butcher's reliance on Temp V has been self-destructive and Soldier Boy's return could remove his powers potentially saving him but also changing his approach against Homelander.
Our Take On Vought's Marketing and Butcher's Future
The Boys Season 5 Could Explore Power Dynamics and Butcher's Redemption
Vought's ongoing PR stunts will likely remain a satirical element in The Boys season 5. The focus might shift to the power struggle between Homelander and Butcher especially with Soldier Boy's involvement. Butcher losing his powers could lead to a more strategic and less brute-force approach in his fight against Vought. This could also provide a chance for Butcher's character to evolve beyond his rage and self-destructive tendencies. The final season may explore if Butcher can find a way to defeat Homelander without relying on powers and whether he can achieve a form of redemption. The confrontation with Soldier Boy may be a turning point for Butcher's fate in The Boys final season.
Sources: bleedingcool.com, screenrant.com, Forbes, X