Amazon Prime Video’s ‘The Boys’ has never shied away from shocking audiences, but star Karl Urban suggests that the upcoming fifth and final season is about to push the emotional boundaries further than ever before. As the universe of corrupt superheroes, political manipulation, and explosive violence approaches its end, the creative team appears to be bent on ensuring that the viewers experience every hit.
In a panel at Fan Expo (via SR), Urban, who portrays Billy Butcher, gave a chilling preview of what will happen in the first hour of Season 5. And in case his tone was any clue, fans should make sure their hearts are fully padded before pressing play.
Karl Urban Sets The Tone For ‘The Boys’ Season 5
Karl Urban didn’t mince words. When asked what audiences can expect from the beginning of the final season, the actor gave the kind of answer that makes fans nervous in the best and worst possible way. “I think we throw you in the deep end, but in a good way, because the stakes are as high as they can possibly be,” Urban said. It’s a classic Boys move: no setup, no warm-up, just immediate chaos.
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Urban didn’t stop there. He increased the emotional stakes further by teasing what’s to come. “The real thing to look out for in season 5, on an emotional level… there’s going to be some big hits early on, in the very first episode.” That caution, given with the gravity of a man who has read scripts in metaphorical (and literal) blood, sent fans into a frenzy. ‘The Boys’ has killed key characters with a degree of violence that only a few shows would even think of trying. However, in the final season? No one is safe.
Not Butcher, not Hughie, not even characters who are too important to lose. Urban finalized his teaser with one last punch. “That’s probably what is going to make you realize, ‘Oh, this s*** is for real.’ The stakes couldn’t be higher, and anybody’s fair game.” It’s a haunting thought. If a major death is happening in the first episode, only time will tell what the other seven episodes will carry. In fact, this may be the most merciless season yet, fitting for a story centered around the dangers of unchecked power.
‘The Boys’ Universe Will Not End With Season 5
Although Season 5 will conclude the main plot, the world of ‘The Boys’ is not going to vanish anytime soon. The series began shooting in June 2025, and it is scheduled to premiere in 2026. And with the help of ‘Gen V’, ‘Vought Rising’, and long-term plans of its creator, Eric Kripke, the universe continues to expand even as its center is closing. Jack Quaid, who has played Hughie Campbell since the very first episode of the show, has recently discussed his character’s development.
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“The first season, he’s like a baby,” Quaid said. “In the second season, he’s like a kid learning about everything… in the third, he’s a teenager rebelling. And in the fourth, he’s really maturing because a huge thing happens to him. And this is the season where he’s a full-blown man.” Quaid’s words provide the audience with something positive to anticipate within all the heartbreak that is to come.
Hughie, who was weak and disoriented, is entering Season 5 with confidence, clarity, and emotional strength. This could be very vital as he confronts threats that are deadlier than ever. Still, Kripke has made it clear that increased confidence does not equal increased safety. He further clarified that although the central storyline will end, the universe is just beginning. “We have a plan for Gen V Season 3. Same for Vought Rising Season 1, we already have Season 2 ideas,” Kripke stated. “As long as there’s an interesting story to tell, I’m in.”
