The highly anticipated season 4 of ‘The Boys’ has been caught in the crossfire of strikes, leaving fans wondering when they’ll get their fix of the irreverent superhero series.
In this article, we’ll delve into the details of why the release has been delayed, the impact of the strikes, and what we can expect from the upcoming season.
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The Strikes That Stalled the Release
Despite wrapping up filming in April 2023, ‘The Boys’ season 4 found itself ensnared in the web of industry strikes. Showrunner Eric Kripke, showing solidarity with the Writers Guild of America (WGA), has declared that the new season won’t see the light of day until the strike concludes. This announcement was made via Kripke’s social media post in late June 2023.
While there’s good news regarding the writers’ strike with a tentative agreement reached as of October 4, 2023, the situation with the actors is different. The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is still locked in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), keeping their strike ongoing.
The Impact on ‘The Boys’ Season 4
The irony is that ‘The Boys’ season 4 has already been written and filmed, but Kripke remains unwavering in his support for the writers and their cause. Now that the strike for writers is resolved, work can commence on the final touches of the season. However, the actors’ strike looms large, which implies a further delay. Kripke has elucidated that certain post-production tasks, such as additional dialogues for the actors, cannot progress amid the strikes.
All these factors culminate in a grim reality – as of October 2023, ‘The Boys’ season 4 still lacks a release date. While there’s a glimmer of hope for a late 2023 launch, it’s safer to bet on a 2024 release.
What Awaits Us in the New Season?
While the wait continues, let’s not forget the tantalizing hints dropped by Kripke about what’s in store for season 4. The fate of Ryan, a character central to the plot, hangs in the balance, with Kripke suggesting a dark path ahead. Meanwhile, Billy Butcher faces a ticking clock as he juggles saving Ryan, confronting Homelander, and dealing with the enigmatic Newman.
Expect a significant portion of the season to revolve around the battle for Ryan, as the consequences of Homelander’s influence loom large.
The Returning and New Faces
Fans can rejoice as beloved cast members return, ensuring continuity in the series’ spirit. Karl Urban as Billy Butcher, Jack Quaid as Hughie, and other familiar faces will grace our screens once again. Additionally, new characters, including Simon Pegg and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, promise to bring fresh dynamics to the show.
Where to Watch the Superhero Series
‘The Boys’ season 4 will exclusively stream on Prime Video, an Amazon Studios production. With eight episodes in the pipeline, viewers can catch up on the previous seasons on the platform. For Amazon Prime members, Prime Video is included in the subscription. If you’re not a member, you can access Prime Video for $8.99/month or as part of a full Amazon Prime subscription for $14.99/month.
The Future of the Franchise
While a fifth season remains unconfirmed at the time of this writing in August 2023, there are plans in the works to continue expanding ‘The Boys’ universe. Spinoffs like ‘The Boys: Diabolical,’ an animated series, have already hit the screens, exploring different stories within the same universe. Another spinoff, ‘Gen V,’ set to debut in September 2023, promises a unique perspective within the world of young superheroes.
As we eagerly await the resolution of strikes and the release of season 4, the future of ‘The Boys’ seems brighter than ever, with more adventures and stories yet to be told. Stay tuned for updates on this wild and unpredictable superhero saga.
