The Boys creator teases "darker", "more confident" Gen V season 2, says it'll give us our "first solid peak" at how Homelander has changed the world

We're still over a year away from seeing The Boys season 5 wrap up one of the best superhero shows running, but creator Eric Kripke says fans will get some answers before the final season drops, in Gen V season 2.

"Coming off of the season four finale of The Boys, Gen V is our first real, solid peek into how Homelander has changed the world, referencing just what is happening out there in the world, ever since he took over the country. And also where Starlight is, and what's going on with the Starlighters, and what's going on in media," says Kripke in the new issue of SFX magazine, which features Predator: Badlands on the cover and hits newsstands on Wednesday, September 10.

The Boys season 4 ended with Homelander firmly in the Oval Office after his fellow antagonist, Steven Calhoun, was elected as president. Homelander and Calhoun declare martial law, putting supes in positions of power. Soon after, all of The Boys, apart from Butcher and Starlight, are captured. With events from The Boys season 4 directly impacting Gen V and students at Godolkin University, the two shows are now more intertwined than ever.

The Boys season 5 and Gen V season 2 are closely connected, Eric Kripke says: "There's a lot in Gen V that really helps set up the climax of this final confrontation"

Gen V season 2 trailer introduces Godolkin University's founder, and teases a supe more powerful than Homelander

Gen V season 2: Jaz Sinclair as Marie in the TV series Gen V.

Gen V season 2: Release date, trailer, cast, plot speculation, and everything else we know so far

"I love that each show is its own show – they each have their own story – but because they all exist in the same world, you can really spread consistent and interesting details throughout them," adds Kripke. "You just have that much more room to let the world evolve, which is really exciting. So the world [in Gen V season two] is kinda fucked, but then again, so is our world. So it all checks out."

However, just becasue The Boys is approaching its final season, that dosen't mean the main show will overshadow spin-off Gen V. "Season two has higher stakes. It's a little bit of a darker show. The characterisations are a little bit more complicated," says Kripke, "Season two is just a lot more confident, and it knows what it is and it takes some bigger swings."

Welcoming back Jaz Sinclair as Marie Moreau, Lizze Broadway as Emma Meyer, and London Thor and Derek Luh as Jordan Li, Gen V season 2 follows the students of Godlkin as they embark on their sophomore year under Homelander's new US. All the while, there is a war brewing between humans and Supes.

Gen V season 2 releases on September 17. Read more in the latest issue of Vocal Media, which is available 24/7.

For many fans, the merging of The Boys and Gen V represents one of the most ambitious expansions of a TV universe. While spin-offs often struggle to find their footing, Gen V has been praised for its ability to stand independently while still feeding directly into the larger story. Season two’s promise of higher stakes and darker themes indicates that it won’t simply be a side project, but a vital component of the franchise’s conclusion.

This interconnection also creates unique storytelling opportunities. With The Boys moving towards its final chapter, Gen V is positioned to fill in narrative gaps, reveal hidden truths, and provide character perspectives that the main series doesn’t have the bandwidth to explore. For instance, exploring the younger generation of Supes allows audiences to see the consequences of Homelander’s rule through fresh eyes.

Another intriguing element is how Gen V season 2 introduces a supe potentially more powerful than Homelander. This twist not only adds suspense but could also reshape the hierarchy of power within the franchise. Homelander’s dominance has been central to the story, but the introduction of an equal—or even superior—force might be the key to the eventual resolution of The Boys season 5.

The emphasis on darker tones and more complex characterization also suggests that Gen V season 2 won’t shy away from moral ambiguity. The students at Godolkin, already caught between ambition and manipulation, now find themselves in a world dominated by Supes in government. Their choices could mirror the larger conflict between humanity and superpowered authority, offering sharp social commentary that echoes the political undertones of The Boys.

For longtime viewers, the parallel storytelling also builds anticipation. The wait for The Boys season 5 may feel long, but Gen V season 2 ensures that fans will remain engaged in the narrative universe. By weaving these threads together, Kripke and his team are creating a layered experience where both shows enhance one another rather than compete. This careful balance might be one of the reasons why The Boys has maintained its reputation as one of the best superhero shows of our time.

Looking ahead, fans are speculating about whether Gen V will continue beyond The Boys finale. With the groundwork being laid for broader conflicts and new characters gaining prominence, it seems likely that Gen V could carry the torch forward, keeping the universe alive even after The Boys reaches its conclusion. Whether this happens or not, season two already promises.

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The Boys

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Gen V

Gen V season 2

Voght Rising

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