5 Reasons Butcher & Hughie Should Get Supe Powers in The Boys S4

Season 4 of the satirical superhero series The Boys finished filming a month ago. The new chapter in the confrontation between vigilantes and superheroes can be expected to come out by the end of this year or in early 2024. Naturally, this news gives rise to plenty of fan speculation about what's going to happen (or should happen) in the show next.

The focus is, of course, on Butcher and Hughie, the two anti-heroic protagonists whose viewpoint on the events is central in the series. Some fans are arguing these characters should get permanent superpowers in the upcoming season — and here's why.

5. Permanent Compound V can solve the shortened lifespan problem

Although using superpowers has been a major ethical issue, the characters have come to the conclusion that supes must be fought with their own methods. The regular Compound V has already restored Kimiko's powers, so we can assume that Butcher and Hughie will use it as well to fight supes on an equal footing, and they won't have to deal with the consequences of using Temp V, which gives you superpowers for 24 hours.

4. Butcher has to survive the next season

Butcher has already developed numerous brain tumors as a result of using Temp V and is expected to die in about 18 months. His death mid-season would mean the loss of a major plot point since so many of the events and motivations are built around the character. Butcher's transformation into a full-fledged supe could work as a deus-ex-machina solution to save his life in the upcoming season.

3. Butcher goes all the way, but Hughie never leaves

Last season, Hughie felt it was his duty to use Temp V specifically for battle. Butcher knocked him out before the battle with Homelander to prevent him from dying, but Hughie followed him anyway. It's likely that the same pattern will happen next season.

Only this time, Hughie will no longer be able to use Temp V, which means he will need permanent powers.

2. It's Hughie's twist that can save the day

One of the most popular fan theories is that Hughie's unnamed mother was a supe working for Vaught. And if that turns out to be true, it means that he has superpowers and does not have to deal with the consequences of Temp V at all. In addition, this would give him and Butcher motivation to feel empathy for people who have been turned into supes without consent.

1. Superpowers are key to Butcher's growth

Speaking of empathy, Butcher has a huge issue with Ryan, the son of his late wife and Homelander. If Butcher becomes a regular supe, it will be easier for him to relate to his step-son. Though he resents Ryan because of the powers he inherited from his biological father, the boy didn't have a choice and can still use his powers for good, realizing he does not need to follow in Homelander's bloody footsteps.