Jack Quaid has emerged as one of the prominent young talents of his generation, gaining significant attention for his roles in the much-discussed film Companion and the critically acclaimed series The Boys. With the interest around the upcoming Season 5 of The Boys heating up, fans are also buzzing about his recent success with Companion, which has proven to be one of the surprise hits of the year.
Companion, directed by Drew Hancock, hit theaters on January 31, 2025, and has since grossed $33.2 million at the worldwide box office. This film, which features Quaid alongside Sophie Thatcher, is described as blending dark comedy with thrilling elements, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. The film has received considerable praise, holding a remarkable 94% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and 89% from audiences, as noted by Emma Kiely, who described it as "genuinely funny, suspenseful, and has some pretty gnarly gore scenes to boot" (reported by Collider).
With digital release occurring on February 18, 2025, Companion has managed to maintain its box office stamina against significant competition, including dominating films like Captain America: Brave New World. The film’s success reflects Quaid’s growing stature as leading man, demonstrating his ability to attract and entertain viewers, even breaking past subdued expectations prior to the release.
Quaid’s other project, The Boys, started its production for its fifth and final season back in November 2024. This season promises to escalate the action, especially following the intense cliffhanger of Season 4, where Quaid’s character, Hughie, and his team faced grave peril. His recent behind-the-scenes Instagram post, showing him covered in blood and captioning it, "WORK'S BEEN GOING GREAT, YOU GUYS!" gives fans insight not just to the character's struggles, but also the action-packed sequences to come.
Showrunner Eric Kripke has emphasized flexibility throughout the writing and filming process, noting, "We’re always rewriting these things right up until the day before they shoot, and sometimes the day they shoot. So we’re used to changing things as the world changes" (reported by Collider). This approach allows the team to stay fresh and relevant, adjusting scripts as new events come to light or as the narrative develops on set.
This flexibility could be pivotal since Season 5 is expected to showcase intense character arcs, with significant stakes for those who were captured at the end of Season 4. Fans are speculating how characters like Butcher and Hughie will navigate their trials, especially knowing the darker direction the comics take. Kripke has hinted, “Anyone who dies in season 5 will richly deserve it,” signaling thrilling but potentially heartbreaking moments for viewers.
The juxtaposition of Quaid's performances between the two projects, one showcasing his comedic chops and the other his dramatic intensity, indicates his versatility as an actor. Companion highlights his range through humor and tension, whereas The Boys allows him to explore the more brutal elements of human nature and the consequences of power.
Returning cast members for Season 5 include key figures like Karl Urban, Antony Starr, and Erin Moriarty, with new talents joining the fold, broadening the dynamic within the storyline. This season promises to answer unresolved tensions and character fates moving forward, particularly for Quaid's character who is often the emotional anchor of the group.
Quaid’s relatability and charm, paired with the complex narratives he is involved with, have positioned him as a rising star. His dedication and work ethic have not gone unnoticed; colleagues from Hancock’s projects have noted his sincerity and talent, making him well-respected among peers.
Stepping back to reflect on Quaid’s growth, he is not just living off of his family's legacy; he is actively carving his identity and space within the industry. "There is definitely a need to prove myself," he has stated, indicative of his drive and recognition of the challenges of standing out against the backdrop of industry expectations shaped by his famous lineage.
With Season 5 of The Boys on the horizon, fans eagerly anticipate how the story will conclude for Quaid's character, and concurrently, with the successful run of Companion, it seems highly likely this won't be the last we hear of Jack Quaid as he continues to take on more intriguing roles.