As the first trailer for “The Boys” season 4 teases the return of Black Noir, fans of both the show and the original comic series are abuzz with speculation. This development has sparked discussions about potential plot directions, particularly concerning Black Noir’s identity, a storyline that proved controversial in the comics.
In the comic series created by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, a significant twist reveals that Black Noir is actually a clone of Homelander. This revelation is crucial as it positions Black Noir as the central villain, framing Homelander for several atrocities, including the rape of Billy Butcher’s wife, Becky. This plot twist, while impactful, has divided fans due to its shocking nature.
-Black Noir is back.
Please no Please no Please no Please no Please no Please no Please no Please no Please no Please no Please no Please no PLEASE NO PLEASE NO https://t.co/8lp4L5fh9V
— Truggler or something (@hates_place) December 2, 2023
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With Black Noir’s unexpected appearance in the upcoming season’s trailer, despite his apparent death, speculation is rife about whether the show will follow a similar narrative path.
The series, known for deviating from its source material, could potentially introduce a clone storyline, especially considering Black Noir’s incapacitation due to a peanut allergy in the second season, which might have provided an opportunity for Vought to replace him with a clone.
Showrunner Eric Kripke’s Tease
I’ve wondered about this. The original comic hinges on the Black Noir/Homelander reveal. So far the show has improved on the story by going a different direction. TV Homelander is one of the most iconic villains of the last 20 years. Going with the comic twist would ruin that BUT https://t.co/QwvdqBzwK8
— Ryan Broderick (@broderick) December 2, 2023
Eric Kripke, the show’s creator, further fueled speculation in a 2022 interview with Deadline, stating that the individual who was Black Noir is indeed dead, his organs scattered.
However, Kripke also noted the ease of recasting a completely silent, masked character, hinting at the possibility of a new Black Noir. This statement has led fans to wonder if the jar of Homelander’s hair in the season 4 trailer could be related to a cloning plot.
Complexities and Potential Backlash
sad thing is… black noir might be a clone of homelander’s https://t.co/HU6iPquybN
— Cade (@NotEscrima) December 3, 2023
The potential introduction of a clone storyline is complicated by Black Noir’s established history in the show. He is known as Earving, a Black man who was part of Soldier Boy’s Payback team.
Negating this backstory in favor of a twist primarily for shock value could be seen as controversial and may not sit well with fans who appreciate the depth and nuance of the show’s characters.
“The Boys” season 4 promises to unravel the mystery surrounding Black Noir’s return, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its release in 2024.
Whether the show will embrace the comic’s controversial twist or chart a new course remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the series continues to captivate its audience with its bold storytelling choices.
