Black Noir has always been depicted as the Seven’s dark horse in The Boys, but Season 4 reinvented him into an entirely different supe. Actor Nathan Mitchell said he would like to have more scenes as the new Black Noir without the mask.

Initial trailers for The Boys Season 4 revealed Black Noir is still a member of the Seven, which led to speculation about the identity of the supe. Audiences were sure Homelander killed Black Noir in the previous season, but it was still possible the character would return. Season 4 did “resurrect” the character but with a different person wearing the suit; Vought kept the old Black Noir’s death under wraps and just recast his slot. Nathan Mitchell told Screen Rant that he had to shift gears to play different versions of the character, especially the moment when he finally took off the mask.

Mitchell said the scene was a new experience since he’s used to depicting the old Black Noir’s persona from Season 1. “I think as an actor, whenever you’re joining a show, there’s an adjustment period of figuring out the tone, the pacing, the style and the vibe of it,” he explained. “That was kind of my experience when we shot the scene with my mask off for the first time, because even though I’ve been on the show, it is a new thing that I’m doing for myself.” “Dirty Business” revealed a snarky and personable Black Noir, who also second-guessed his place in the Seven. Episode 7 saw him come around and weaponize his abilities after a pep talk with The Deep.

The Boys’ Black Noir Departs From The Comics

“I’m trying to think of the right word, but it was a new experience for me and there’s a feeling out an adjustment process and thankfully, it went well and I hope I get to do that a lot more,” Mitchell continued. Like many of the show’s subplots, Black Noir’s arc in the show departed from the comics; Mitchell knew his character would have a unique storyline and he made the best out of it. “I know there are people who really wanted to see the comic book Black Noir, and I get that, I understand that,” he said in a separate interview. “For me, all I can do is the best I can with the job I’m given and I’m really happy that I get the opportunity and that Eric has given me this opportunity to play new Black Noir, and to be a part of the show in this way. Because this show’s a dream come true and I’m so happy that I get the chance to act and show my face. Yeah, comic Noir is great, [but] for the show, we’re going in a different direction.”

Fans would argue Black Noir has been reinvented in The Boys; the show could even give Black Noir II his own redemption and turnaround like what Queen Maeve, A-Train, or even Starlight had. The Boys has yet to reveal if Black Noir would play an integral part in the Season 4 finale and the rest of Season 5.

The Boys is streaming on Prime Video.