The Boys Creator Reveals If The Deep’s Viral Popcorn Bucket Foreshadows His Fate

If you’ve been keeping up with The Boys, you’re probably aware the show delights in throwing in-jokes and odd bits of merchandise your way. The Deep’s now-infamous popcorn bucket, for example, became one of those weird talking points — partly because, well, of its design (let’s just say no one’s family-friendly snack bucket), and partly because of how things turn out for the Deep in the final episode.

The Popcorn Bucket: A Red Herring?

Now, if you were convinced the Deep’s demise in the finale was somehow hinted at by that questionable bucket merch, prepare for a reality check. Showrunner Eric Kripke says there was no intention to link the two. Apparently, the bucket was just another gag reflecting the Deep’s personality — nothing more, nothing less. Kripke’s actual words on the subject, and I’m paraphrasing generously here, were basically: 'It’s just the Deep, being the Deep.'

Interestingly, Kripke’s had a change of heart since. He admits that, because fans keep asking, he’s now happy to claim it was all planned. If you need a quote, here’s one that sums it up:

'Now, whenever anyone asks me, I’ll be like, "Yes, of course, that was obviously what we were doing."'

But no — the truth is the popcorn bucket was never meant as some elaborate piece of foreshadowing. So much for the hidden symbolism.

The Deep’s Death — Not Exactly a Surprise, If You’ve Been Paying Attention

What actually sealed the Deep’s fate in the finale was something far less subtle — his refusal to change, which has been the recurring theme for his character across all five series. Annie gives him one last lifeline in the final episode, asking him, basically, to finally own up to his actions. Predictably, he blows it — again. Kripke’s blunt on this point: the Deep had 'so many opportunities to make the right decision' but 'consistently makes the wrong choice, and he pays for it.' No big twist there.

Chace Crawford’s Parting Shot

On the actor side of things: Chace Crawford wasn’t exactly gutted to hear about his character’s watery grave. If anything, he seems pleased he made it to the end. His reaction?

'I made it to episode 8, baby!'

Considering how gory and unpredictable The Boys can get, surviving to the finale is basically a badge of honour in itself.

Not Many Supes Left Standing

Kripke also admits the Deep’s death got a bit of extra focus because, well, there aren’t many original Supes left by the end. Noir had already exited (the version you see later is really just the actor playing someone new). So having the Deep bow out with some final drama made sense.

A Final Word on the Popcorn Bucket (and Why You Should Not Use It for Popcorn)

• At the 4DX premiere, Kripke got hands-on with the Deep popcorn bucket merch, and it turns out it’s absolutely rubbish as an actual bucket.
• His verdict: the thing’s so tiny you can barely squeeze your hand in.
• Not exactly practical, unless your main goal involves embarrassing yourself or someone’s nan at the cinema.

In the end, the Deep’s entire arc — right to his fishy finish — circles back to one of the show’s big themes: whether people (or fish-men) ever really change, and what happens if they don’t. The Deep had endless chances, refused to accept any genuine responsibility, and the show made him pay the ultimate price.

And no, none of this had anything to do with a toy bucket. But the story’s funnier if you pretend otherwise.