Actor Jensen Ackles will return as Soldier Boy in the upcoming prequel series "Vought Rising" [1].
The announcement marks a significant expansion of the franchise's lore, shifting the focus from the current conflict to the origins of the Vought universe. By exploring the history of its most powerful figures, the series aims to provide deeper context for the events of the original show.
Ackles shared the news during a premiere event in Los Angeles for the series finale of "The Boys" [2]. He said he wants to continue exploring the character's history and hopes the spin-off achieves the same level of success as the primary series [1].
"I’m excited to keep Soldier Boy’s story going in Vought Rising," Ackles said [3].
Production for the prequel has already seen significant progress, with reports indicating that filming wrapped in March 2024 [4]. The series is currently slated for release in 2027 [2].
Ackles said that returning to the role requires a specific psychological shift. "There’s definitely a mental adjustment going back to Soldier Boy after doing Supernatural, but it’s a thrill ride," Ackles said [5].
The timing of the announcement coincides with the conclusion of the main series, as the finale of "The Boys" began streaming on Prime Video on May 20, 2024 [1]. This transition allows the franchise to pivot toward its historical narrative while the original story reaches its climax.
“I’m excited to keep Soldier Boy’s story going in Vought Rising.”
The transition from the main series to a prequel suggests that Prime Video is moving toward a 'cinematic universe' model, ensuring the franchise remains viable after the conclusion of its primary narrative. By anchoring the spin-off with a high-profile character like Soldier Boy, the studio is leveraging established fan interest to mitigate the risk of launching a new series in 2027.
