If you thought superhero scenes couldn't get any more explosive think again! The hit Amazon Prime show The Boys has once again captivated audiences with its jaw-dropping take on blood and gore. In the season three opener fans were treated to an unforgettable scene that involved a B-level superhero named Termite and an ill-fated attempt at pleasure. Wired had the opportunity to sit down with the showrunner Eric Kripke to discuss the origin and creation of this mind-boggling moment.

A Creative Evolution: The Birth of the Termite Scene

When it comes to generating ideas for The Boys the creative process is far from ordinary. Kripke reveals that the Termite scene came about organically during the writers' brainstorming sessions. "It started with the big idea that we needed Frenchie and Kimiko to fight superheroes so what superheroes should they fight? And what are the big superheroes we haven't done yet on the show?" Kripke explains.

One idea led to another and the writers stumbled upon the viral meme questioning why Ant-Man didn't crawl up Thanos' butt. Kripke saw an opportunity to give the audience what Marvel couldn't deliver. "So we thought let's give the audience that. Because Marvel can't but we can" he says.

Pushing the Boundaries with Amazon's Support

Eric Kripke the showrunner of The Boys revealed that he was pleasantly surprised by Amazon's positive reaction to the daring Termite scene. Despite the potentially controversial nature of the scene Kripke states that Amazon was accommodating and even encouraging. The show has already established itself as a fan favorite with its unflinching take on the superhero genre and Amazon recognizes and supports this unique approach. 

The network's willingness to take risks and push boundaries is a testament to the creative freedom provided to The Boys' team. As the show continues to grow in popularity Amazon's trust in Kripke and his team has only strengthened. The success of shows like The Boys demonstrates that streaming platforms have become fertile ground for creators to explore innovative concepts and defy traditional norms.

Creating the Unbelievable: Bringing the Scene to Life

While the Termite scene involves elements of visual effects (VFX) Kripke reveals that the giant penis itself was a practical creation. "My favorite fact about shooting it is that even though it was sweetened with VFX it is a practical giant penis. We built that sucker" Kripke proudly states. To accurately portray the scene the production team constructed an impressive 11-foot high 20-foot long structure which represents the urethra through which Termite enters. Kripke's enthusiasm for such unconventional projects shines through as he expresses his love for his job.

Lessons Learned: Building on Past Practical Set Experience

The termite scene is not the first time The Boys has delved into the realm of practical effects. Kripke acknowledges that the team's experience in creating the practical set for the big dead whale in Season 2 prepared them for this new adventure. "It's such a new adventure every time though. The same people who built the whale built the penis" Kripke explains. The confidence gained from previous successes helps them believe in their ability to pull off any bit of madness that the show demands.

Balancing Practicality and CGI: The Seamless Blend

Get ready for a scene that's as jaw-dropping as it is groundbreaking. Viewers brace yourselves because what you're about to see in Kripke's latest visual feast is nothing short of astonishing. It's a moment that's sure to be etched in your memory!

The scene in question? A head-on view of a penis but this isn't just any ordinary depiction. Kripke the mastermind behind this spectacle reveals the magic behind the curtain. It's a 50/50 blend of practical effects and CGI wizardry. "It's there" Kripke says describing the scene where Termite jumps into it navigating what he calls "the eye of the needle."

But the real showstopper is the visual effects. They're not just good; they're mind-blowing adding layers of realistic skin texture that bring this organ to life in a way that's both believable and mesmerizing. This isn't just a scene; it's a visual journey that pushes the boundaries of what's possible on screen.

Researching the Unthinkable: A Thorough Approach

To ensure accuracy and authenticity in portraying Termite's actions the visual effects coordinator Stephan Fleet conducted thorough research. Kripke explains "He kept saying to the various visual effects houses 'It's not like you can't find an image online. Click online and there are 2 billion examples of a penis and every possible close-up that you can use for reference.'"

Pushing the Boundaries of Realism: Taking Liberties with Anatomical Accuracy

As with any creative project certain liberties were taken to enhance the impact of the scene. Kripke reveals that there were discussions about the anatomical accuracy of the urethra's positioning. "There was a lot of conversation about how because the penis is laying on the table if you're being anatomically correct the hole into the urethra is much higher than what we're saying it is" he admits. To ensure smooth storytelling the decision was made to lower the hole allowing Termite to jump up and grab it.



The Illusion of Entertainment: Balancing Outrageousness and Realism

Kripke reminds us that The Boys is part of the entertainment industry often referred to as the dream factory. He explains "We're in the dream factory and it's all about illusion." The show strikes a delicate balance between the outrageous and the realistic creating a simultaneously captivating and thought-provoking world.

Unleashing the Madness: How Character Development Drives the Story

As The Boys continues into its third season the show aims to explore deeper facets of its characters. Kripke emphasizes the importance of evolving and peeling back the layers of the characters' psychology. "What's a new facet or a deeper facet or a more hidden and guarded facet of that character we haven't seen yet? We're peeling the onions back on these characters and it's a different level each season" he reveals.

Kripke further elaborates on the creative process by stating "All the other madness in the show usually comes from what a particular character is going through and what the craziest way is to dramatize that particular character moment." This approach allows The Boys to maintain its outrageousness while staying grounded in the experiences and struggles of its characters.

Looking Ahead: Season Three and Beyond

When asked if The Boys tries to one-up itself from season to season Kripke dismisses the notion. "We literally never have the conversation of 'Well we did this so we have to go bigger.' Literally never" he affirms. Instead the focus is on delving deeper into the characters and finding