The Boys: From Almost-Movie Trilogy to Prime Video’s Biggest Hit
"The Boys", the dark and cynical superhero satire that’s become a phenomenon on Prime Video, was almost a very different kind of success: a film trilogy. This intriguing "what if" scenario came to light thanks to a recent interview with the show’s executive producer, Seth Rogen, in Rolling Stone magazine.
Back in 2008, long before the show’s current dominance, Rogen and his writing partner Evan Goldberg stumbled upon the "The Boys" comic book by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. "We were like, ‘Holy shit, this is fucking crazy," Rogen recalled, excited by the story’s subversive take on the superhero genre, tackling themes of corporate greed, power corruption, and the darker side of fame. They immediately pitched the idea to Sony, who bought the rights to the property.
However, instead of a series, Sony handed the reins to filmmaker Adam McKay, who had gained notoriety for his irreverent comedies like "Anchorman" and "Step Brothers," and was then already working on projects like "The Big Short" and "Don’t Look Up." McKay, captivated by the comic’s satirical potential, envisioned a three-part film adaptation to fully explore the complex and morally ambiguous world of "The Boys."
The first film in the planned trilogy even went as far as completing a screenplay and creating demo animatics for key scenes. This level of pre-production showcased McKay’s commitment to bringing the world of "The Boys" to life on the big screen. However, despite their enthusiasm, the timing wasn’t right.
The year was 2008 – a time when superhero movies were just starting to explode in popularity. With "Iron Man" and "The Dark Knight" captivating audiences, Hollywood was still largely focused on traditional superhero narratives. McKay acknowledges, "I just don’t think they were ready for it yet.”
While the idea of a "The Boys" movie trilogy may have felt ahead of its time, it ultimately paved the way for a more successful future. When the rights to "The Boys" reverted back, the stars aligned, leading to the show’s inception on Prime Video.
The series, spearheaded by showrunner Eric Kripke, took full advantage of the episodic format, allowing for a more nuanced and in-depth exploration of the characters and themes that made the comics so compelling. "The Boys" became a critical and commercial triumph, garnering praise for its sharp humor, brutal action, and unflinching critique of societal power structures.
The show’s success can be attributed to a number of factors. The strong source material undoubtedly provided a solid foundation, but it was the creative team’s ability to bring those elements to life with a unique visual style, compelling performances, and thought-provoking writing that truly captivated audiences.
The series has not only captured the imagination of fans but has also sparked important conversations around the nature of power, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the role of corporations in modern society. "The Boys" has become a zeitgeist phenomenon, relevant for a world where the line between hero and villain is increasingly blurred.
Despite the initial setback of a failed film trilogy, "The Boys" found its true calling as a television series. The show, now entering its fifth and final season, has not only established itself as one of the most talked-about shows on television but has also generated a vibrant fan community, a successful spin-off series, and even a planned series focusing on the Mexican superhero scene.
But what would a "The Boys" movie trilogy have looked like? While only the first film’s screenplay and some animatics were created, it’s clear that McKay had a distinct vision. The director’s trademark satirical style, evident in his later works, would have likely infused the adaptation with biting commentary on superhero culture and society as a whole.
However, considering the series’ success, it’s hard to imagine a film trilogy meeting the same level of critical acclaim and audience engagement. "The Boys," with its ongoing narrative and ability to delve into complex characters and themes, seems perfectly suited for the television format.
Looking back, the initial failure to bring "The Boys" to the big screen in 2008 might have been a blessing in disguise. While the world may not have been ready for the show’s darkly satirical take on superheroes back then, it proved to be a perfect fit for a world increasingly disillusioned with authority and corporate power.
"The Boys" stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of finding the right format for a story. What started as a comic book, briefly considered for a film trilogy, ultimately blossomed into a captivating and critically acclaimed television series, solidifying its place in pop culture history. The show’s legacy is sure to continue long after its final season wraps, sparking conversation and challenging conventions in a way that only "The Boys" can.
