Actor Jensen Ackles reprised his role as Soldier Boy in the spinoff series "Gen V" of "The Boys" at the request of showrunner Michele Fazekas and executive producer Eric Kripke. In episode 6, Soldier Boy appears as a guide within the dream of the character Cate, played by Maddie Phillips.
He explains that he is Cate's imaginary friend and former boyfriend from her childhood. Soldier Boy's character helps connect the storylines of prominent characters in the show's universe.
Kripke praises Ackles for his portrayal of the character, describing him as charismatic and able to make a jerkish character likeable. Fazekas mentions that Ackles adjusted his schedule to be a part of "Gen V" even though he was already working on another project.
The writers initially considered actor Taylor Lautner for Cate's fantasy crush, but eventually decided on Ackles. The episode also reveals that Luke "Golden Boy" Riordan's powers are being enhanced through blood transfusions from his brother, Sam Riordan.
This manipulation is done by Dr. Edison Cardosa and Vought to create more powerful superheroes. The full cast of "Gen V" includes Jaz Sinclair, London Thor, Derek Luh, Chance Perdomo, Maddie Phillips, Asa Germann, Clancy Brown, Lizze Broadway, Shelley Conn, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Colby Minifie.
"Gen V" premiered on September 29.