As ‘The Boys’ gears up for one final, explosive end, fans cannot help but speculate about the path the series will choose for its conclusion. It was established long ago that the show was never meant to be a completely faithful adaptation of the comic, and it took many creative liberties along the way. This is why the ending remains so elusive.
Many wondered whether the series would eventually circle back to the comic book twist. However, that theory has been debunked, as Erik Kripke never had any intention of adapting the comic ending for ‘The Boys’ show.
‘The Boys’ Is Deliberately Avoiding The Comic Book Ending
‘The Boys‘ comics fans got a shocking revelation at the end: Black Noir was actually a clone of Homelander all along. He was the real perpetrator behind all the horrible atrocities attributed to Homelander. This storyline was a major twist that remained controversial.
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During the early episodes of Season 5, we sensed that something felt off about Noir’s presence. It naturally sparked the question of whether the show was building towards the same revelation. But with all seven episodes now out, it’s clear the series has something different in mind. In fact, it was revealed that new Black Noir replacement was just sneaking out to participate in theater productions.
Kripke himself addressed this, stating that he never felt drawn to the comic’s twist or the idea of a clone as it was in the comic. He said, “It’s a tremendous plot twist. But it leaves you like, ‘wait, isn’t the villain I’ve been following really the villain?’ Opinions vary, and surely the fans are angry because I don’t go that way, but that didn’t seem so satisfying to me.”
For him, the idea felt too excessive. Over the years, the series has carefully built Homelander as one of television’s most hated villains. This anti-climactic ending would have felt deeply unsatisfying to the viewers.
‘The Boys’ Is Right To Avoid Homelander Clone Ending
While the Homelander clone twist worked fine within ‘The Boys‘ comic books, it would not fit the story of Prime Video. The show has moved too far away from that version of events. So, forcing the same climax into season 5 would’ve weakened the series’ emotional impact.
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The biggest reason is Homelander himself. The show has never treated him as a villain whose evil depends on one hidden explanation. He knows exactly how much power he has, and he enjoys using it to bend people, institutions, and even the public mood around him. Internally, he is insecure, and a man who grew up without love, only to crave worship, even if it’s driven by fear.
Over the seasons, the series has shown how Homelander’s need for control has grown. And, a clone reveal would shrink that larger idea.
So, it’s ideal for ‘The Boys‘ to end with a final showdown between Butcher and Homelander. Homelander must be held fully accountable for all his crimes, with an ending that feels intensely cathartic.
Eric Kripke’s deliberate decision to avoid the comic book ending only points towards this direction, which only further heightens the anticipation for ‘The Boys’ finale.
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