Eric Kripke was stunned by the backlash against The Boys for its portrayal of Nazis as villains. The show, known for its sharp satire and bold storytelling, reportedly faced criticism for depicting Nazi imagery and characters in its fight against superheroes.
Kripke, reflecting on the controversy, couldn’t believe the pushback, considering the show’s obvious stance on villainous behavior. His disbelief highlights just how unpredictable the world of TV commentary can be.
Eric Kripke Defends The Boys‘ Anti-Fascist Message Amid Controversy
Eric Kripke, creator of The Boys, called it “frankly stunning” that the show’s portrayal of Nazis as villains sparked controversy. His remark reportedly came in an interview where he explored the show’s deep anti-fascist themes—and its critique of modern white supremacy. With The Boys pushing superhero myths to outrageous extremes, Kripke delved into how the show targets ideologies that threaten societal progress.
The 50-year-old highlighted how superheroes, originally designed to protect white, patriotic America, have increasingly become symbols of fascism. Critiquing how these characters are meant to uphold a problematic status quo, he explained:
We just don’t live in that time anymore. So the myth of the superhero taken straight, that’s where it starts to become fascist. Because they’re protecting a world that doesn’t and shouldn’t exist. Superheroes are inherently MAGA.
He also noted that the world of The Boys flips this myth, casting superheroes like Homelander (a character with chilling parallels to real-world white nationalism) as the bad guys. Kripke declared, underscoring the show’s unapologetic stance:
In terms of Stormfront, there was nothing specifically personal behind it. It was just, I hate Nazis. I hate alt-right white nationalism. I hate racism in all of its forms.
The controversy didn’t stop there. Despite this bold storytelling, some viewers accused the series of promoting “anti-white bigotry” — a claim Kripke found “stunning.” Calling it a “cliché” choice to make Nazis the villains, yet noting how such a decision is now labeled “edgy” in today’s polarized climate, he shrugged:
It’s frankly stunning to me that it’s a ‘controversial’ choice to make Nazis your villain. I’d have accepted the opposite. I’d have accepted, like, ‘Hey man — are you really sure you wanna go with such a cliché?’ I’d say, ‘Fair point, let’s talk about that.’ For some reason, now it’s an ‘edgy’ choice. So welcome to 2020.
Alongside this, Kripke also discussed the creation of the Church of the Collective, which wasn’t part of the comics. Drawing inspiration from Hollywood cults like NXIVM and Scientology, he wove the storyline into the show’s satirical take on celebrity culture. The Deep’s descent into the cult mirrored real-life figures like Allison Mack, adding yet another layer to the show’s commentary on societal influence.
In Eric Kripke’s world, superheroes may not save us — but they sure make us question who’s truly in power.
How Actor Chemistry Shaped The Boys Characters: Kripke Talks Frenchie & Kimiko
Eric Kripke revealed how The Boys’ characters were shaped by their actors’ performances. In an interview, he explained how the actors’ chemistry and skills influenced character development. “The short answer is all of them,” Kripke said, noting how he adjusted roles based on what actors excelled at.
One standout duo? Frenchie and Kimiko. What started as a sweet relationship in the comics turned into a powerful on-screen bond thanks to their unmatched chemistry. Kripke praised Karen Fukuhara’s performance, calling it “unbelievable,” noting she delivered depth without a single line of dialogue. True magic in action.
The Boys is available to watch on Amazon Prime & Apple TV.
