The Boys
Shot by Valentina Moreno
July 26 should be a national holiday, solely to celebrate the day when the hit series The Boys was first released into the world.
Recently, Valentina and I attended Film Independent's one-night only "Live Read: The Boys," in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios to witness Eric Kripke's greatness. Bringing Kripke's magic to life were Seth Green, Rachael Harris, Justice Smith, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Ethan Peck, Chris Diamantopoulos, Ely Henry, London Thor and Michael Strassner. They performed two episodes: the Season One Pilot and Series Finale from Season Five. Honestly, this was my first live read so I could be bias, but it was awesome. I have no idea how Film Independent goes about choosing the actors for these events, but it felt perfect.
Shot by Valentina Moreno
Heeled up, Valentina and I walked into the Harmony Gold Preview House, 7 P.M. sharp. There were a couple of people already in the lobby, which was fun. You could feel the excitement oozing off the audience as we entered the theater. "Piano Man," by Billy Joel rang and I swear, from the decorated stage to the murmurs from fans discussing the latest season, I felt a part of The Boys universe.
As soon as it hit 7:30 PM, three musicians hit the stage. Oh my gosh. Live music, baby! Valentina and I looked at them wide-eyed. They were so talented. So talented.
Eric Kripke being there was the cherry on top to an anticipated evening. He introduced the live read perfectly, setting the mood to a chaotic, well-written, well-executed show.
I will be totally honest... it's been a minute since I've watched the series, so I forgot how gruesome and unapologetic it is, which could have actually elevated the experience.
Kripke slightly touched on this in his introduction, but it's odd how the show isn't too far off from our world. From 2019 to 2026, the conversation around politics and hero complexes have only become more intense. No one's coming to save us. We can't expect that, nor hold someone to that standard.
Ely Henry narrated the hell out of that live read.
The fact that they didn't rehearse was fascinating. They mentioned maybe a 20 minute session for the actors to familiarize themselves, but aside from that, that was it. Crazy.
I always think a live event yields a certain kind of energy. The multiple different stories, backgrounds, and experiences that led to this moment in time shouldn't be overlooked. There were a handful of times I looked around and felt alive. Awaked as a creative. Whether that was watching Justice Smith kill it as Huey, or seeing the awe-struck crowd react to Chris Diamantopoulos' switch when playing Billy Butcher. I felt alive.
After episode one finished, I unfortunately had to use the amenities. I know! Don't crucify me. I ran. Once, I came back though, I couldn't help but feel the switch. Everyone's body language amplified the tone of Season 5.
In the first episode, we saw how much the people within the series relied on superheroes, there was a larger percentage of them who couldn't see the strings. Once this season rolls around, the curtains lifted. Fear is what guides the people now, not admiration. There's a different kind of need, for all parties involved. Homelander was once the symbol of hope, now he's the embodiment of greed.
The finale was a rollercoaster, but once Utkarsh Ambudkar hit the podium chills ran down my spine. Ambudkar read for Homelander, and for a second, I felt infinite. The scene playing out had to do with an audience watching at home, as he gave a speech to Americans on Easter Sunday. Once again, it felt familiar to real life. Power is a scary thing. Can you ever get enough of it? Is there ever a limit? Those two questions circled my brain as Ambudkar acted the scene out.
Ethan Peck delivered a sincere and hilarious version of The Deep. His character was the only one who maintained a similar relationship with Homelander from start to finish. Getting insights to how the script went about illustrating its characters, I felt that The Deep was the most relatable. Relatable in the way we all know someone who is desperate enough to disrespect themselves and others for validation.
"Ethan Peck" by Valentina Moreno
Towards the end of the read, I felt as if I'd binged the whole thing. It was satisfying. Electric.
Shows, and events, like these remind me of the power filmmaking has. Being in a room with people who have either just started their journey as fans or live and breathe it, assured me that I'm not alone in this belief.
Once we left outside, I felt hopeful, for my future and the future of mankind. It shouldn't have felt that serious, but it did. Community is essential. I found that this series has its audience question reality, for the better. Stay hopeful my friends, there is strength in being your own savior.
To many more chaotic nights in LA!
"Eric Kripke with fans," by Valentina Moreno
