Will Golden Boy Rise Again? Patrick Schwarzenegger Teases Gen V Return!

Fans of Prime Video's hit superhero spin-off, Gen V, have been grappling with the explosive, and ultimately tragic, fate of Luke Riordan, better known as Golden Boy. Portrayed by the charismatic Patrick Schwarzenegger, Golden Boy's dramatic and early demise in the series premiere set the entire plot in motion, leaving an indelible mark despite his brief screen time.

Now, the actor himself has ignited hopes for a potential return, expressing a strong desire to revisit the character in the highly anticipated second season.

Schwarzenegger's enthusiasm is palpable. "I hope so. I hope so," he reportedly shared regarding a Season 2 comeback. His eagerness isn't just about screen time; it stems from a genuine affection for the role and the unique world of The Boys universe.

He acknowledged the character's death, stating, "I mean, he died, but it’s up to the writers. I want to do it. I want to do it, so it’s really up to them. I think I’d be down to do it." This blend of hope and realistic understanding is typical of actors in the unpredictable world of supe-centric narratives, especially within a franchise known for its dark twists and turns.

Golden Boy's impact cannot be overstated.

As Godolkin University's top-ranked student and a seemingly perfect supe, his violent mental breakdown and self-explosion were the catalysts for the central mystery of Gen V's first season: what truly happened at the university, and who was responsible for the cover-up? His presence, even in death, loomed large over the protagonists as they uncovered Vought's sinister secrets, particularly regarding "The Woods."

So, how could a character who quite literally exploded make a return? The Boys universe is ripe with possibilities, even for the deceased.

Flashbacks are an obvious and popular route. Given Golden Boy's central role in the backstory, delving into his past interactions with characters like Cate, Sam, and Marie, or even showing more of his life before the tragic incident, would offer rich narrative opportunities. We could see more of his struggles, his relationship with Professor Brink, or even the initial stages of his mental health decline.

Another intriguing option could be visions or hallucinations.

The series has already shown characters grappling with their inner demons and psychological states, making a reappearance as a manifestation of another character's guilt or trauma entirely plausible. While resurrection is a less common trope in this universe (often handled with dark, cynical undertones if at all), the show isn't entirely averse to pushing boundaries.

Furthermore, with the multiverse concept now a popular element in superhero narratives, a variant of Golden Boy from an alternate reality, perhaps one where he survived or never enrolled at Godolkin, could be a wild card. This, however, might be a stretch for the grounded (albeit super-powered) world of Gen V.

Ultimately, Patrick Schwarzenegger's enthusiasm reflects the audience's continued fascination with Golden Boy.

His character, though short-lived, was pivotal, and the desire to see more of him—in whatever capacity—is a testament to the show's compelling storytelling and Schwarzenegger's memorable performance. While his return is far from confirmed, the actor's hopeful comments certainly keep the door ajar, allowing fans to dream of seeing Golden Boy grace our screens once more, perhaps to shed new light on the mysteries still plaguing Godolkin University.