The fifth season of *The Boys* is still at the beginning, but Black Noir’s unexpected behavior has already generated a lot of buzz on social media. In the first two episodes, the character didn’t utter a single word, which made the fan community create several hypotheses. Unlike the original Black Noir, who lost speech after a brain trauma in the war, the new incarnation appeared in the fourth season as a hired actor to replace the hero killed by Homelander, and at the time he was remembered for talking too much.
With the sudden muteness, theories emerged such as that he was swapped for a Homelander clone, something that happens in the comics. A fan wrote on X that “Black Noir II is silent because he was replaced by a Homelander clone”. Another suggestion points that Sam Riordan from *Gen V* would be behind the mask, explaining the silence and combat abilities. However, some users discard this idea, arguing that Sam would have already eliminated Star‑Light in another scene.
The most accepted theory so far is that Homelander himself would have mutilated the new Noir, possibly ripping out his vocal cords. “I think it’s the Noir from last season, but maybe Homelander cut his voice”, commented a follower, to which another replied that the character might be fearing being eliminated if he talks too much.
The series has not yet clarified the reason for the silence nor who is behind the mask, but, as one of Homelander’s closest allies, Black Noir will certainly have a crucial role in the unfolding of the season. Episodes continue to be released on Wednesdays on Prime Video.
