Ryan Butcher is the son of two significant characters in The Boys, namely Homelander and Becca Butcher. Homelander, played by Antony Starr, is the leader of The Seven, a group of super-powered individuals who are idolized by society. He possesses incredible strength, flight abilities, and heat vision, making him one of the most formidable members of The Seven.
On the other hand, Becca Butcher, portrayed by Shantel VanSanten, is the wife of Billy Butcher, the leader of The Boys, a group of vigilantes seeking to expose and take down corrupt superheroes. Becca had a complicated relationship with Homelander, as she was forcibly impregnated by him while being held captive by him, resulting in the birth of their son, Ryan.
The circumstances surrounding Ryan’s birth were traumatic, as Becca was kept hidden away from the world and separated from her husband, Billy Butcher. Homelander, driven by his desire for a family and his twisted sense of love, believed that he and Becca could be a family with Ryan. However, Becca’s love for Billy and her desire to protect her son from Homelander’s influence led her to keep Ryan hidden and attempt to raise him away from the world of superheroes.
Ryan’s existence remained a secret for several years until he was accidentally discovered by The Boys during their mission to expose Vought International, the corporation behind The Seven. Billy Butcher, who had spent years believing that Homelander had killed his wife and unborn child, was shocked to learn that Becca was alive and had a son with Homelander.
The discovery of Ryan’s existence further complicated the dynamics between the characters, as Billy struggled with his feelings of anger and betrayal. Becca, who had built a life for herself and her son outside of the superhero world, was torn between her love for Billy and her desire to protect Ryan from the dangerous influence of Homelander.
In Season 2 of The Boys, Ryan’s powers begin to manifest, making him a target for both Vought International and the various factions vying for control over superhumans. As a result, Becca and Billy are forced to go on the run, seeking refuge and attempting to keep Ryan safe from harm.
The upcoming Season 4 of The Boys is expected to delve deeper into Ryan’s character and his journey as he navigates his unique heritage and the powers he possesses. It remains to be seen how his relationship with his parents, especially his conflicted connection with Homelander, will evolve and impact the overall narrative of the series.
Ryan’s parentage plays a significant role in The Boys, driving the emotional and narrative arcs of several characters and adding complexity to the already dark and twisted world of corrupt superheroes.