The Deep Spin-Off: A Forgotten Idea That Could Have Been a Masterpiece
The Boys may be coming to an end, but fans are still buzzing about a spin-off idea that never saw the light of day. Chase Crawford, who plays The Deep in the series, recently opened up about a bizarre comedy concept he once pitched for his character. Inspired by shows like Barry and Tropic Thunder, Crawford’s idea could have offered a fresh take on one of the show’s most controversial characters.
During an appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast, Crawford revealed that he had actually pitched a spin-off idea for The Deep three years ago. The concept centered around the character being kicked out of the world of Supe and forced to reinvent himself as a struggling D-list actor in Hollywood. According to Crawford, the tone would have blended the satirical style of Tropic Thunder with the darker themes of identity crisis seen in Barry.
“What if he’s like you know a shitty actor… You see him shooting a bad movie like Tropic Thunder, but it’s like Barry… He has to come to LA, and we like make fun of the industry type of thing.”
Crawford imagined the series as a satire of the entertainment industry. He admitted that the pitch was “all over the place,” but he believed there was potential in watching his character spiral through Hollywood, desperately trying to be relevant. Redemption wasn’t supposed to be the goal for The Deep. Instead, the spin-off would have leaned into awkward comedy and the uncomfortable self-delusion of the character.
“He doesn’t have to be fully redeemed, but it would be fun to do a half-hour comedy.”
Why This Spin-Off Idea Fits The Deep Perfectly
Crawford’s pitch actually makes perfect sense for The Deep. The Boys is known for its sharp social commentary and dark humor. So, a character who is motivated by insecurity, attention, and an overwhelming need for approval would have been perfect to create another clever satire. The spin-off idea becomes even more interesting once we look at the two projects that inspired Crawford.
Barry stars Bill Hader in the role of a depressed hitman who is slowly growing disillusioned with his job. That’s when he stumbles into an acting class in Los Angeles and decides to join them. It explores guilt, self-delusion, trauma, and the desperate desire to become someone better.
Then there is Tropic Thunder, a chaotic comedy about a group of egotistical actors making a Vietnam movie. Unfortunately, they find themselves in real danger and in need of relying on their action skills to survive. The film pokes fun at Hollywood’s vanity, celebrity culture, method acting, and the entertainment industry’s obsession with image over substance.
This style of absurd satire mixed with dark comedy would align naturally with The Deep’s character. Crawford’s idea of The Deep becoming a washed-up D-list actor trying to survive in Hollywood also feels like a natural extension. However, the spin-off is out of the question at the moment.
What Could Have Been
Fans have long debated what The Deep’s story could have looked like beyond the main series. His journey in The Boys was filled with twists, betrayals, and a deep-seated need for validation. A spin-off could have explored these themes in a new and unexpected way.
The idea of The Deep navigating the cutthroat world of Hollywood would have been both entertaining and thought-provoking. It could have highlighted the absurdity of fame, the pressure to maintain a public image, and the struggle for relevance in an industry that often values looks over talent.
While the spin-off never came to fruition, it remains a fascinating what-if for fans of the series. Crawford’s vision offers a unique perspective on a character who, despite his flaws, has always been a source of controversy and intrigue.
As The Boys continues to captivate audiences, the possibility of future projects or spin-offs remains open. For now, fans can only imagine what might have been if The Deep had taken on a new role in the world of entertainment.
