The second season of 'Gen V' on Prime Video takes an intriguing turn by bringing back familiar characters from 'The Boys' to unravel some significant mysteries—yet, this connection is only part of the story that gets more compelling with each episode. But here’s where it gets controversial: the appearances of these characters not only deepen the storyline but also blur the lines between the two series, offering fans a richer, more interconnected universe.
Throughout this season, viewers have spotted several characters from 'The Boys' reappearing on the 'Gen V' campus. Erin Moriarty’s Annie January, also known as Starlight, made her debut in the premiere episode, 'New Year, New U,' where she rescues Marie (Jaz Sinclair) from a supe bounty hunter named Dogknott. Other familiar faces include Chace Crawford as The Deep, who is seen assisting with initiation rites at his old fraternity, and Susan Heyward's Sister Sage, who seems to be involved in a relationship with the new dean of Godolkin University, Cipher, played by Hamish Linklater.
The latest episode, 'Cooking Lessons,' introduces two more characters linked to 'The Boys': Stan Edgar, the former CEO of Vought International portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, and his superpowered granddaughter, Zoe, played by Olivia Morandin. Edgar's return is particularly significant as it sheds light on his past and his current influence, hinting at his future role in the overarching storyline.
In 'The Boys,' Edgar was a pivotal figure—once the fearless CEO of Vought, unafraid of Homelander, and the sole one who dared to challenge him. We learn in season 3 that Congresswoman Victoria Neuman, who makes her debut in 'Gen V,' is actually Edgar’s adopted daughter and a deadly assassin with superpowers that include bloodbending and head-popping. Her betrayal of Edgar allowed Homelander to seize control of Vought, setting the stage for ongoing conflict.
In season 4 of 'The Boys,' Edgar is shown imprisoned, accused of orchestrating Vought’s misdeeds, and his attempt to strike a plea deal with the group known as The Boys falls apart. His escape, or rather his rescue, during his transportation hints at deep ties to the main plot, especially considering his complex relationship with his granddaughter Zoe, who was orphaned after Victoria Neuman’s death and is now under Edgar’s protection in a secret underground bunker designed to keep her safe from Homelander’s powers.
A central mystery in 'Gen V' revolves around Marie’s origins—specifically, her connection to Vought’s secret project called Odessa. This project, initiated by God U’s founder Thomas Godolkin in the 1960s and later fueled by advances in in vitro fertilization in the 1970s, aimed at creating 'God-tier' superheroes by injecting developing embryos with Compound V. Unlike the typical process where individuals receive the serum later in life, Odessa involved shaping powers from the very beginning, which explains Marie’s unique powers that emerged at puberty.
Remarkably, only two survivors of this experiment are known: Marie and Homelander. The project was ultimately deemed a failure by Edgar, who shut it down because Marie’s powers manifested late, and Homelander's were considered unsatisfactory. Intriguingly, the founder of God U, Thomas Godolkin, held extremist beliefs, wanting a 'master race,' reflecting the sinister roots of the project. Edgar clarifies that while Thomas Godolkin aimed to control the Odessa subjects, Cipher’s vision for 'superior' dominance is even broader, emphasizing the ideological shift towards 'supe supremacy.'
Cipher’s obsession with Marie continues to unfold, especially as he appears to be caring for a mysteriously burned man who might be his father, possibly tied to the dark experiments and conflicts at God U. The idea that Cipher might be related to Godolkin, or even under his control, fuels speculation on the true nature of these characters' pasts and powers.
The return of Stan Edgar signals bigger plans. Esposito hinted in an August 2025 interview that Edgar would likely reappear in 'The Boys' season 5, and his cameo in 'Gen V' confirms this trajectory. Edgar’s character serves as both an ally and a reminder of the corrupt and shady dealings behind Vought’s facade. His ambition to reclaim Vought’s leadership suggests he envisions transforming the company into a major defense and pharmaceutical powerhouse, a move that might finally restore his influence if he manages to outmaneuver Homelander’s chaos.
Edgar’s philosophical stance—that power and control are the ultimate goals—raises questions about whether 'The Boys' will ultimately depict him as a villain or an anti-hero, especially considering his past sanctioned violence and manipulations. While he appears to support Marie’s growth and potential, it’s clear he values her mainly for her power, promising a future where she could replace Victoria Neuman’s role. His ominous quote about reshaping the world when the dust settles hints at a dark vision for the future—one where the corrupting influence of capitalism and unchecked power take center stage.
Adding another layer of tension, Zoe’s character likely harbors a desire for revenge against Billy Butcher, especially for her mother’s death. While she may not be the one to directly confront Butcher, her presence could introduce more violence and moral complexity, possibly making her a future threat or pawn.
'Gen V' continues to stream on Prime Video every Wednesday, teasing viewers with its expanding universe. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for 'The Boys' season 5, expected to premiere in 2026, promising even more twists, character rediscoveries, and confrontations about power, loyalty, and morality. This interconnected narrative keeps audiences questioning who the real villains are—and whether redemption is even possible in a world so deeply corrupt.
