For a quick refresher concerning the ending of season 3, the finale showed an epic clash between the Boys and members of the Seven against Homelander that did not end well for Black Noir. One of the most mysterious and beloved characters on the show, Black Noir received a devastating blow from Homelander that all but ensured he won’t be returning in season 4. It’s a fitting end for two of the most powerful Supes in existence that could be completely undermined if a crucial plot point in the graphic novel was ever adapted into live-action. In the comic, it’s revealed that Black Noir is actually a clone of Homelander who frames the Vought corporation’s star superhero, making it look like he’s committed several atrocities.
That leaves the door open for Black Noir to return in another form, but in doing so, it would make suddenly make Homelander a more sympathetic character. Showrunner Eric Kripke rightfully doesn’t think that’s the best direction for the show to go in, telling Collider:
“Maybe, look, never say never, but I love the comic, but I don’t know if I’m going to do that particular twist. The twist in the comic is that Homelander didn’t do any of the terrible things he thought he did, this clone of him did, who’s disguised as Noir. To me, it marginalizes Homelander from his own story, so that’s a tough twist to pull off. So my guess is we probably won’t do it.”
One of the main joys of watching “The Boys” week in and week out is seeing just how diabolical Homelander really is. In the comic, the original storyline shows how being framed for a series of gruesome murders slowly drives Homelander to the brink of insanity. That’s compelling, although it’s much more fun to watch his ego and insecurities consume him from the inside.
