While The Boys will not be adapting a massive twist with Black Noir from the comics, actor Nathan Mitchell reveals why he understands the decision. One of the big additions in The Boys season 4 was Black Noir II, following the death of the original one in season 3. Despite having a new Black Noir in the mix, The Boys TV show will not be adapting the major comic book arc where it is revealed that Black Noir is actually a Homelander clone.

In a new interview with Screen Rant, Mitchell chatted about his new arc in The Boys season 4. When asked if he knew from the beginning that they wouldn’t focus on Black Noir’s comic book roots, Mitchell made it clear that not only did they discuss it at the very start of The Boys, but he is onboard with it, sharing the following:

Yeah, I had a question about it at the beginning before we shot season 1, I asked him about that potential and that possibility, and very quickly, he was like, ‘Yeah, we’re not doing that.’ So I did know that we were not going to go down that path, because it took away from Homelander’s arc as a villain and the significance of his actions.

I also want to say, as a comic book fan, myself, I understand the desire to see what’s on the page on the screen. I know there are people who really wanted to see comic book Black Noir, and I get that, I understand that. For me, all I can do is the best I can with the job I’m given and I’m really happy that I get the opportunity and that Eric has given me this opportunity to play new Black Noir, and to be a part of the show in this way. Because this show’s a dream come true and I’m so happy that I get the chance to act and show my face. Yeah, comic Noir is great, [but] for the show, we’re going in a different direction.

Why Mitchell Is Right About The Boys’ Black Noir & Homelander Approach

The Comics Twist Would Undercut How Threatening Homelander Is In The Show

While readers of The Boys comic may be disappointed that they didn’t get to see this arc with Black Noir, Mitchell makes a lot of valid points. Since the beginning of The Boys, it has been made abundantly clear that Homelander is the ultimate villain of the series. Every season of The Boys has progressively shown the massive danger he presents to the world, which is why there are so many people wanting to kill Homelander.

It is one thing for this twist to work in the comics, but if The Boys series had ever decided to adapt that story, it would be a disservice to the TV show audience that has been heavily invested in this arc for years. To reveal that Black Noir was just another Homelander under the mask also removes the big mysteries surrounding the fallen character.

Having Homelander and Black Noir as their own unique characters within the world of the show is, in general, the smarter choice for The Boys. If it hadn’t been for this approach, something like Black Noir II would likely never have been possible. As The Boys gets ready to end season 4 and enter season 5, time will tell how the show will finish the Homelander saga.