Jensen Ackles Teases the 2 Different Sides of Soldier Boy Audiences Will Meet in ‘The Boys’ Season 5 and ‘Vought Rising’

During his lengthy and fruitful career in the industry, Jensen Ackles has shown off different sides of his acting chops. But in Season 5 of The Boys and Season 1 of its prequel series, Vought Rising, Ackles is the first to admit that his character, Soldier Boy, will be showing a few different sides. Audiences first met the overly confident and globally loved superhero in the third season of The Boys until he was put back on ice in the finale, only to be reintroduced later in the Season 4 finale. We know that he’ll be part of whatever chaos goes on in the fifth and final season, but what is that character going to be like compared to who we meet when Vought Rising eventually graces our screens in the future?

According to a recent interview, the man who we meet in Season 5 might have different desires and focuses than the one who we left behind in Season 3, with Ackles explaining,

“Obviously, they’re the same guy, but certainly there’s a lot of life that Soldier Boy has lived when we see him in The Boys and when we see him in Season 5 — how he’s relating to people, the things that are important to him, the things that he’s willing to just slough off, his idea of the life he wants to lead.”

And, if you think that a year or so in a cryogenic situation can change a person, just wait until that timeline is numerous decades.

“And then going back 70-odd years to see him when he was really starting to get going, I’m able now to deal with the struggles that made him who he became, and you start to see him before he has necessarily the swagger and the gravitas and the life lived of 75 years of being the top dog.”

‘Vought Rising’ Will Show Audiences a New, Softer Side of Soldier Boy

Because Vought Rising will take us back to the early days of Soldier Boy’s career (and that of Aya Cash’s Stormfront), we’re going to catch a different glimpse of the character. Staying true to the core of the character, Ackles says that Soldier Boy won’t be overly humble and soft, but that there will be glimpses of the uncertainty that comes when you’re on your way to the top.

“I’m trying to show a little bit more of an early version of it — not necessarily an innocence to it, but there’s certainly scenes, relationships and character traits that predate how we see him in modern day, and that’s fun to play with. Now, that’s not to say he’s going to be a completely different character and he’s not going to be the tough guy that I think we know and love. That’s there, and we’ll get there quickly, but it is fun to show the origin of how this guy became who he is, and what were the little tricks and little ticks that crafted him into where we see him now.”

What makes Ackles’ interpretation so fascinating is the balance he strikes between raw power and vulnerability. In The Boys, Soldier Boy is a destructive force, often portrayed as arrogant and reckless. Yet, with Vought Rising, viewers will see the shaping of that personality, understanding how insecurities and external pressures forged him into the figure we later encounter. This dual perspective adds not only depth to Soldier Boy as a character but also provides Ackles with an opportunity to showcase his range as an actor.

Another exciting element lies in the connection between Soldier Boy and the broader narrative of Vought International. By peeling back the layers of Vought’s manipulative rise to dominance, the prequel will likely explore the corporation’s influence in molding superheroes. Soldier Boy’s story, therefore, is not just about one man’s journey but also about how power structures manipulate and define those within their grasp. Ackles’ hints suggest that we may see the darker seeds of propaganda, control, and branding that would ultimately shape the version of Soldier Boy we see decades later.

Fans of The Boys are particularly eager to see Ackles return because of how well he integrated into the already star-studded ensemble cast. His on-screen presence in Season 3 revitalized the show, bringing fresh energy while staying consistent with its gritty, satirical tone. With his return in Season 5, Ackles will likely once again serve as a wild card — a character whose loyalties and motivations are unpredictable. This element of surprise makes Soldier Boy both dangerous and compelling, ensuring that audiences remain on edge every time he appears on screen.

The timeline contrast between the two series also promises a rewarding experience for viewers who enjoy piecing together character arcs. Vought Rising may provide subtle nods and foreshadowing that pay off in The Boys’ final season. Ackles himself has teased that this layered storytelling is what excites him most as a performer. For long-time fans, this creates a sense of continuity and depth, rewarding those who have followed the series from the beginning.

Moreover, Ackles’ involvement has proven to be a significant asset for Amazon Prime Video. His established fan base from shows like Supernatural has followed him into this new universe, boosting the show’s popularity. This crossover appeal not only benefits The Boys but also increases anticipation for Vought Rising. The studios are well aware of the cultural pull that Ackles brings, making his expanded role both a creative and strategic decision.

Ultimately, Ackles’ Soldier Boy is more than just another superhero parody. He represents a complex examination of masculinity, power, and trauma in a satirical world that critiques society’s obsession with superheroes. As audiences prepare for the final season of The Boys and the launch of Vought Rising, they can expect Jensen Ackles to deliver performances that are layered, nuanced, and memorable — ensuring Soldier Boy remains one of the standout characters of this universe.

Season 5 of The Boys and Season 1 of Vought Rising have yet to set release dates, but stay tuned to Vocal.Media