The Boys Season 5 Episode 5: Shocking Cameos You Missed While Waiting for Supernatural Stars

The Boys Season 5 Episode 5: A Masterclass in Misdirection

This article contains spoilers for The Boys Season 5, Episode 5. Earlier this year, fans of Supernatural were thrilled to learn that the final season of The Boys would feature a long-awaited reunion. Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins were set to guest star alongside Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy, playing "douchebags," according to showrunner Eric Kripke. However, the episode’s true surprise came from a series of unexpected cameos that eclipsed even the Supernatural stars.

As the episode approached the 45-minute mark, viewers eagerly anticipated the arrival of Padalecki and Collins. When they finally appeared as the ageing supes Mister Marathon and Malchemical—minor antagonists from the comics—they were joined by a host of other surprises. The show’s misdirection was so effective that audiences were caught off guard by the additional cameos during the chaotic card game scene at Mister Marathon’s mansion.

Meet the Cameos: Who Appeared in The Boys Season 5 Episode 5

Here’s a breakdown of the guest stars who stole the spotlight:

• Kumail Nanjiani: The Eternals actor appears as himself during the final minutes of the episode. He joins Seth Rogen at the card game and discusses Vought’s capture of Aziz Ansari, Macaulay Culkin, Joaquin Phoenix, Kiefer Sutherland, Benedict Wong, Benedict Cumberbatch, and even Meryl Streep. Nanjiani and Rogen share connections through mutual colleagues like director Judd Apatow, who produced Nanjiani’s award-winning film, The Big Sick.
• Seth Rogen: Rogen, an executive producer on The Boys since 2016, makes a cameo as himself. He humorously suggests that Lena Dunham writing for The Atlantic could draw attention to Vought’s "freedom" camps. However, he also playfully tells Homelander that he plans to testify before Congress that Post Malone is a suspected Starlighter. Rogen has previously made minor cameos in the show and produced several spinoffs, including Gen V and Diabolical.
• Christopher Mintz-Plasse: Known for his role as Fogell (a.k.a. McLovin) in Superbad, Mintz-Plasse appears as a fictional version of himself. He suggests turning in his Superbad co-star Jonah Hill to secure a coveted movie role and attempts to share a joint with Homelander, which Homelander rejects outright.

Why These Cameos Matter

The cameos in The Boys Season 5 Episode 5 were a brilliant exercise in misdirection. While fans fixated on the return of Supernatural stars Padalecki and Collins, the show delivered a series of unexpected guest appearances that added depth and humor to the episode. From Rogen’s meta-commentary on the franchise to Mintz-Plasse’s self-aware antics, these cameos reinforced the show’s satirical edge and love for pop culture.

The chaotic card game scene served as a microcosm of The Boys’ ability to blend shock, humor, and social commentary. Whether it was Nanjiani’s deadpan delivery or Rogen’s playful jabs at Vought’s propaganda, these cameos elevated the episode beyond a simple reunion of Supernatural favorites.