Jared Padalecki’s Mr. Marathon, Misha Collins’ Malchemical & 5 More Cameos in The Boys Season 5, Episode 5 Explained

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As a huge fan of both The Boys and Supernatural, I was absolutely thrilled with Season 5, Episode 5! It finally delivered the Supernatural reunion we’ve all been waiting for, bringing Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy, Jared Padalecki’s Mister Marathon, and Misha Collins’ Malchemical together. And honestly, the episode threw in some fun surprise cameos that just made their scenes even funnier. It’s not the first time the show has winked at Supernatural – remember Jim Beaver’s character being named Robert A. Singer and him dropping an “idjit” in the Season 4 finale? – but seeing Ackles, Padalecki, and Collins share the screen again after all these years was a real treat, and The Boys managed to do it in the most hilarious way possible. Just a heads up: if you haven’t watched the episode yet, be warned, there are spoilers ahead!

In the latest episode, “One-Shots,” after quickly reintroducing several characters like Firecracker, Black Noir 2, and Butcher’s dog Terror, the story shifts to Los Angeles with Soldier Boy and Homelander. They’re searching for more of the V1 serum, and Stan Edgar believes a former member of The Seven, Mister Marathon, might know where to find it. Their trip to LA gets unexpectedly violent, but not before the show includes several celebrity cameos fitting for a Hollywood setting.

7) Jared Padalecki as Mister Marathon

Jared Padalecki joins Season 5 of The Boys in Episode 5 as the character Mister Marathon. Homelander and Soldier Boy question him about V1, but he doesn’t know much except that he was friends with Bombsight, the supe who stole the remaining V1 serum. Once the world’s fastest man, Mister Marathon had a brief period with The Seven before A-Train replaced him when his speed diminished. There’s a noticeable tension between Mister Marathon and Homelander, and it’s clear Padalecki’s character doesn’t respect Homelander.

The character Mister Marathon, featured in The Boys series, is based on a comic book character who was later replaced by A-Train. The show reimagines his history, giving him a strong personal reason to despise Homelander. In a storyline, Mister Marathon and Misha Collins’ character attempt to convince Soldier Boy to kill his son, but he refuses. Soldier Boy easily defeats them and their allies, largely using Mister Marathon to do the fighting. Ultimately, Homelander delivers the final blow to the character played by Jared Padalecki, marking his permanent exit from the show.

6) Misha Collins as Malchemical

Misha Collins, known for his role in Supernatural, joins the cast of The Boys as the character Malchemical. In the Prime Video series, Malchemical is seen socializing with Mister Marathon and several celebrities when Homelander and Soldier Boy make an appearance. While inspired by a character from the original The Boys comics, the show reimagines his powers. Instead of shapeshifting, Malchemical emits toxic gas – a unique ability he uses to briefly stun Homelander, which is remarkable for a supporting character.

Similar to Mister Marathon, Malchemical dislikes Homelander, pointing out to Soldier Boy that Homelander wants to outlaw both pornography and abortions. He doesn’t appear much after that – he’s one of the first people Soldier Boy kills after choosing to support his son. While it’s nice to see Clancy Brown and Jensen Ackles work together again, their characters aren’t anything like their previous roles as Castiel and Dean.

5) Seth Rogen as Himself

Jared Padalecki, known for his role as Mister Marathon, clearly has strong relationships within the film industry, and this is evident in the recent episode of The Boys. Beyond bringing back popular stars from Supernatural, the episode features well-known actors from Hollywood, including Seth Rogen. Rogen’s appearance isn’t surprising, as he’s an executive producer on The Boys and has appeared in both the main series and The Boys Presents: Diabolical.

In Season 5, Episode 5, Rogen is playing poker and smoking with a group when Soldier Boy and Homelander unexpectedly show up. He jokingly insists he doesn’t even enjoy weed, despite it being a key part of his public image. Their conversation reveals that the recent arrests at the freedom camp are causing problems in Hollywood, creating tension among performers. Rogen almost manages to avoid the violent clash between Soldier Boy and Mister Marathon, but tragically, Mister Marathon runs right through him, resulting in his death.

4) Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Himself

Okay, so in Season 5, Episode 5 of The Boys, Christopher Mintz-Plasse actually plays himself – which is always a fun surprise! You know him best as McLovin from Superbad and Chris from Kick-Ass, and the writers cleverly worked in a reference to his Superbad co-star, Michael Cera. During a tense discussion about what to do about Homelander, Mintz-Plasse’s character jokingly wonders if Cera is actually Starlighter, even quipping about hoping he’d ‘get vanished’ since they’re both up for the same role. It’s a really funny moment that also highlights how quickly people are turning on each other in this messed-up world The Boys has created. Sadly, things don’t end well for the fictionalized Mintz-Plasse. Soldier Boy promises to save him and Kumail Nanjiani, but gives them completely wrong directions, sending them straight into the path of the terrifying Mister Marathon. It’s a darkly comedic and unexpected exit.

3) Kumail Nanjiani as Himself

Kumail Nanjiani has appeared in popular shows and movies like Marvel’s Eternals, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Season 2 of Fallout. He also joins the cast in Season 5, Episode 5 of The Boys. His character believes the group should be more proactive against Homelander, though his ideas, along with Rogen’s, aren’t very effective. He argues they must take action as “storytellers” with the power to “inspire hearts and minds.” Similar to Mintz-Plasse’s character, Nanjiani’s is killed by Mister Marathon after Soldier Boy deliberately gives him incorrect directions.

2) Will Forte as Himself

Will Forte, known from Saturday Night Live, recently made a guest appearance on The Boys. He played a version of himself who’s very hesitant to oppose Homelander. His character questions the point of fighting back, and bluntly states that actors who portray heroes on TV only care about their royalty checks. He also jokes that Bill Hader’s character being killed off in the show benefited him professionally. This is a humorous nod to the real-life friendship and past collaborations between Forte and Hader.

1) Craig Robinson as Himself

Craig Robinson appears very briefly in Season 5, Episode 5 of The Boys, and that’s part of what makes the scene so funny. Known for his comedic roles in films like This Is the End and Zack and Miri Make a Porno, and TV shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Office, Robinson plays himself in the episode. He mostly misses the interaction between Soldier Boy and Homelander because he’s stuck in the bathroom – thanks to some tacos from Danny Trejo, it seems. When he finally comes out, he immediately runs into Soldier Boy, who uses him as a shield against Mister Marathon. Sadly, Robinson’s character is killed almost instantly, barely realizing what’s happening.

What was the best cameo appearance in The Boys Season 5, Episode 5? Share your thoughts and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-04-29 23:45