Gen V Boss Reveals 5 Season 2 Episodes Penned for Late Chance Perdomo

WARNING: This article contains spoilers for the first three episodes of Gen V, Season 2

As The Boys approaches its conclusion, the stakes are higher than ever in its university-set spinoff’s second season.

In anticipation of the Season 2 debut of Gen V, now streaming the first three episodes on Prime Video, Deadline spoke with co-showrunner Michele Fazekas. She discussed the series’ tribute to Chance Perdomo following his tragic death at 27 and its eerie timeliness given the current sociopolitical environment.

Fazekas shared insights from the writers’ room, comparing the characters’ dilemmas to those faced by ordinary people in Nazi Germany at the onset of Nazi rule. “You either do nothing, join them, or fight against them,” she explained, outlining the critical choices confronting the characters.

Following a violent end to Season 1, which linked to the fourth season finale of The Boys, Fazekas hinted at how Season 2 positions Jaz Sinclair’s character, Marie, to potentially confront Antony Starr’s Homelander in the original series.

“Linking Marie to Odessa and the historical roots of these superheroes, we delve into the reasons behind their existence, all of which are connected to Marie,” she elucidated.

Discover more about Season 2 of Gen V, with new episodes streaming on Wednesdays on Prime Video.

DEADLINE: Could you elaborate on how this season honors Chance Perdomo, and how Andre’s passing motivates his friends?

MICHELE FAZEKAS: From the start, we knew we wouldn’t recast him. Everyone agreed on that. So, we approached it as though our characters lost Andre just as we mourned the real Chance. What does that look like in a universe filled with superheroes, college life, excessive violence, and humor? We aimed for the season to honor him, and by the end, it became evident that the season revolved around him. Everything drove from him. In the writers’ room, after Chance’s untimely death, we realized that all the storylines we had developed for Andre no longer applied. It’s strange to grieve a fictional character, but we genuinely did. We loved these characters deeply, sometimes even more so than the actors portraying them. Losing Chance was unimaginably painful, but we felt like we also lost Andre, whom we had grown to love. By the season’s end, it was clear: this season was about Andre, and about Chance. I’m very proud of that.

DEADLINE: The handling of the narrative so far is impressive. Can you share how Marie’s connection to Odessa prepares her to confront Homelander, and her significance within this universe?

FAZEKAS: What we’ve discovered with this ‘Odessa’ element is that, although powers in the The Boys universe appear random, they often aren’t, as demonstrated by Homelander. By linking Marie to Odessa and to the historical origins of these superheroes, we explore their initial purpose and how it relates to Marie. It’s all interconnected with history, and now we’re seeing how it unfolds.

DEADLINE: I’m also curious about Ethan Slater’s introduction as Thomas Godolkin, and Starlight’s crossover from The Boys. Could you discuss her role and significance as a symbol of resistance while on the run?

FAZEKAS: Starlight essentially arrives at what might be Marie’s lowest point, serving as a call-to-arms and an inspiration. She presents Marie with a choice similar to the one faced by ordinary people in Nazi Germany: to do nothing, join the oppressors, or fight against them. That’s the decision our characters are confronted with.

DEADLINE: This season’s themes feel unsettlingly relevant. Could you comment on that?

FAZEKAS: That’s Eric Kripke’s strength. The entire The Boys franchise, dating back to the graphic novels, excels at social commentary.

DEADLINE: Another intriguing new character is Hamish Linklater’s Dean Cipher, the antagonist for these students. What was it like working with him?

FAZEKAS: Hamish brings a unique unpredictability and a delightful strangeness to his role. He interprets lines in unexpected ways that no one else would think of, keeping everyone on their toes. From the moment he appears, you’re unsure of his motives, which adds an intriguing layer to his character. He was a perfect fit for the role.

DEADLINE: Finally, can you share any insights into the long-term plans for the series, especially with The Boys nearing its conclusion?

FAZEKAS: That’s a great question, but it’s one that currently remains unanswered.