The Boys Season 4 is here! I was fortunate enough to chat with cast members Colby Minifie, Susan Heyward, and Valorie Curry, who shared insights into their complex roles and the behind-the-scenes magic that brings this hit series to life. Their reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the process of embodying their characters, dealing with the show’s infamous gore, and even imagining their characters’ culinary preferences.
Embodying a Mastermind
Colby Minifie delved into the mindset required to play a character who exudes confidence and cunning, despite the underlying uncertainties. She highlighted the importance of portraying conviction:
“I think it’s pretty like fake it till you make it. I mean, it’s hard to walk around with that kind of conviction. I think all of these characters do it out of some, correct me if I’m wrong, some sort of survival. So, if you behave as though you know exactly what you’re talking about and you’re very confident, people tend to believe it.”
– Colbie Minifie, Ashley Barrett in The Boys –
Minifie’s perspective underscores the survival instincts that drive their characters, showing that confidence—whether genuine or not—can be a powerful tool in commanding presence and authority.
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Susan Heyward added another layer by discussing the power found in moments of vulnerability:
“It’s fun to take the losses, to find power in the opposite, right? When you’re losing, you don’t know what to do, someone has surprised you, or someone has kind of gone a way that you didn’t expect, and then that’s when the wheels have to get moving in a new way to overcome it. So that’s really fun too.”
– Susan Heyward, Sister Sage in The Boys –
Heyward’s approach highlights the dynamic nature of their roles, where being caught off guard and finding new ways to overcome challenges adds depth to their characters.
Dealing with the Gore
The actors also shared their experiences with the show’s notorious use of fake blood and organs. Colby Minifie expressed her fascination with the special effects:
“I mean, we do this, I do this because I love to play pretend. So for me, I love all that stuff. I think it’s so cool how our incredible special effects team comes up with all of this stuff and the certain different kinds of fake blood that they have. It’s fascinating to me, so I just find it really fun. If you remember that it’s not real, it’s great.”
– Colbie Minifie, Ashley Barrett in The Boys –
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Minifie’s enthusiasm for the craft shines through, as she finds joy in the creativity and ingenuity of the special effects team. Her ability to remain detached and see the fun in the make-believe elements helps her deliver a performance that feels authentic, even amidst the show’s most gruesome scenes.
Susan Heyward and Valorie Curry also mentioned the disturbing yet fascinating nature of the fake organs. Heyward noted that the organs can be more unsettling than the fake blood, while Curry likened the experience to a kid in a candy shop, appreciating the craftsmanship and process behind the scenes.
Culinary Secrets of their Characters
Reflecting on their characters’ unique traits, the cast imagined what culinary creations might represent them in a The Boys cookbook. Susan Heyward envisioned something unique and powerful:
“Like those really fancy eggs that are boiled and left to simmer in the shell for long periods of time, and then you crack them open and they smell really awful. I think that’s really cool. Something secretive, waiting in a place for just the right moment, and then when it comes, it’s really powerful.”
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This choice highlights the depth and complexity of Heyward’s Sister Sage combining elements of surprise and potency. Valorie Curry humorously suggested “Oscar Mayer weenies” for Firecracker, which evoked a laugh from Minifie who settled on the idea of raw oysters, symbolizing decadence and hidden potential. Minifie’s choice reflects her Ashley’s struggle to reveal vulnerability while maintaining a tough exterior to hide a real treasure.
As The Boys continues to captivate audiences with its bold storytelling and complex characters, these insights from the cast offer a deeper understanding of the dedication and creativity behind the scenes. Fans can look forward to another thrilling season filled with unexpected twists and unforgettable performances.
Watch the interview and catch up on The Boys Season 4 now streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
About The Boys Season 4
Premiere Date: June 13, 2024
Episodes: 8 episodes x 1 hour
Executive Producer / Showrunner: Eric Kripke
Executive Producers: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Phil Sgriccia, Michaela Starr, Paul Grellong, David Reed, Meredith Glynn, Judalina Neira, Ken F. Levin and Jason Netter.
Distribution: Prime Video
Cast: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Colby Minifie, Claudia Doumit, Cameron Crovetti, Susan Heyward, Valorie Curry, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Synopsis
In Season Four, the world is on the brink. Victoria Neuman is closer than ever to the Oval Office and under the muscly thumb of Homelander, who is consolidating his power. Butcher, with only months to live, has lost Becca’s son and his job as The Boys’ leader. The rest of the team is fed up with his lies. With the stakes higher than ever, they have to find a way to work together and save the world before it’s too late.
What’s your trick to being the smartest person in the room? Which character on The Boys do you think that is? Would you buy a cookbook based on the show? Let us know what you think on social media!
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