The Boys Season 5, Episode 5 is shaping up to be a massive turning point for the series. Showrunner Eric Kripke has confirmed that a previously unseen supervillain will make his much-anticipated debut in the upcoming installment.
Mister Marathon Returns in The Boys Season 5, Episode 5
Kripke revealed to Entertainment Weekly that Mister Marathon, played by Jared Padalecki (Supernatural), will appear in the episode. In the show's history, Mister Marathon was the original speedster for The Seven but was replaced by A-Train after he began to slow down with age.
Kripke teased that this is far more than a simple cameo. "I want a meaty, fun role that really turns the story," Kripke stated. He noted that while Padalecki is a great guy in real life, he wanted him to play a "coke-blowing scumbag" who was part of The Seven's history.
The episode will also feature Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles) and a mystery character played by Misha Collins. With the arrival of Mister Marathon in The Seven, the power dynamics within the superhero hierarchy are set to shift.
Theories for the Upcoming Episode
A recent TV spot showed Mister Marathon on the receiving end of a punch from Soldier Boy, suggesting significant conflict is coming. As fans prepare for the premiere on Prime Video next week, several theories are surfacing regarding his role in The Boys Season 5, Episode 5:
- Could he be drafted to replace A-Train, who died at the hands of Homelander?
- Might Billy Butcher enlist him to assist The Boys?
- Does he possess vital information regarding the search for V-One?
- Could he hold leverage against Homelander to aid Soldier Boy?
Kripke also recently commented on the increasing difficulty of presenting satire in the current real-world climate. Regardless, the arrival of a new heavy hitter ensures the stakes remain higher than ever.
