Jeffrey Dean Morgan, known for playing the villainous Joe Kessler in The Boys season 4, recently opened up about his experience on the show. In a chat with Collider, the actor—who’s gearing up for his next role in Bloody Axe Wound—reflected on his time in the dark, twisted world of The Boys.
Morgan’s character in the series was a master manipulator, using his powers to push the good guys toward violence while controlling their every move. So, how did he land the role of the villain? Well, according to Morgan, showrunner Erik Kripke saw some striking similarities between him and Karl Urban (who plays Billy Butcher), and that’s what ultimately led to the casting. “We’re two peas in the same pod,” Morgan shared with a grin, admitting that they had an absolute blast working together. “I was completely as irritating as you can imagine that I would be in that role for the rest of the cast, especially Karl,” he joked.
In fact, Morgan revealed that working with Karl Urban was so much fun, there was no pressure at all. He explained, “Imagine him having to do a scene with a guy that he can’t really acknowledge half the time. It was a blast. It was very freeing.” The actor appreciated the creative freedom, saying that he could take risks with his performance, and if something didn’t work, it was all part of the fun. “We had a good giggle about it,” he added.
As for his connection with Urban, Morgan said, “Having the ability and the privilege to do all my stuff with Karl, whom I adore, I don’t know that there’s anyone I’ve ever had more fun with, just because we’re so friggin’ similar.”
Unfortunately, Morgan’s character met his end in the penultimate episode of the season, but his time on the show left a lasting impression. On a brighter note, The Boys has officially been renewed for a fifth and final season, which will hit streaming platforms in 2026. Alongside Morgan and Urban, fans can expect to see the return of Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Karen Fukuhara, and Jensen Ackles as the show wraps up its wild ride.