Briefly,
Look, I know. This article isn’t exactly coming to you hot off the press. For the record, I would’ve finished it sooner if it weren’t for you damn kids.
Via The Hollywood Reporter, Karl “Always Brings The Bad Ass” Urban has landed the lead role in Amazon Studios’ adaptation of Garth Ennis’ comic series The Boys. Assuming you haven’t had your head under a rock for the last 20 years you’re familiar with Urban’s work. Little films like The Two Towers and Dredd. And that Star Trek reboot thing.
So there’s the casting news. While Urban’s last outing on the small screen in Fox’s Almost Human lasted less than a full season, there are valid reasons to believe his return to TV will succeed.
The Track Record So Far
The Boys is another comic book written and co-created by Garth Ennis, writer and co-creator of Preacher, which has also been adapted for TV, and is itself enjoying more than a little success on AMC. So not so surprising that Amazon Studios has ordered a full season up front. Strike whilst the (tire) iron is hot and all.
The Boys takes place in a world– sorry *adjusts voice* – In a world where corrupt, self-absorbed superheroes have forgotten the face of their fathers. Amidst plot complications and personal agendas, the protagonists, led by Billy Butcher (the character Karl Urban has been cast in) work to bring justice through whatever means necessary, due process be damned. Graphic violence and scenes of frank sexuality (now there’s a hero’s name for our times) ensue.
Right. I’ve made the (needless) argument for Karl Urban; I’ve briefed you on the nature of the show. If you want the Hollywood details go read the article. Link above.
Why You Should Care
Full disclosure, I’ve never picked up an issue of The Boys; haven’t picked up a comic book in over twenty years. Because who pays $4.00 for a comic book?
No, the reason I’m stoked for this series is that none other than Supernatural creator Eric Kripke will serve as series creator, writer and showrunner for The Boys.
Yeah, this fuckin’ guy:
Yeah, the man responsible for not only one of – if not the – best genre shows of the last thirteen years, but also gifting us with this:
I’m huge fan of Supernatural, and while the list of what makes this show exceptional is long, Kripke’s skill at reimagining existing mythologies and create something new, in an age of tired storytelling tropes, is a defining characteristic which sets the show apart from other genre offerings.
I could go on, but that’s a conversation for another article. My own appreciation for the show aside, it’s Kripke’s outlook on storytelling that tells me The Boys is in good hands. From Kripke himself:
“I’m not a fan of endless mystery in storytelling – I like to know where the mythology’s going; I like to get there in an exciting, fast-paced way – enough that there’s a really clear, aggressive direction to where it’s going, to pay off mystery and reward the audiences loyalty.”
P.S. Fuck you, Lost.
Kripke Mate, The Resemblance Is Striking
Right. This was supposed to be about Karl Urban. Let me close with the following, in the vein of The Three Degrees Of Karl Urban:
And….
Aaaaand…..
Seth Rogan (also largely responsible for bringing Preacher to the small screen) is set to direct The Boys. Or at least its pilot episode. No premiere date has yet been set.
Finally, a shout-out to Angry Kitty. She (unknowingly) provided me with my moment of satori that brought this article together.
Cider out.
