X-Men actor Shawn Ashmore joins The Boys season 2 cast as Lamplighter. Lamplighter's departure from the debased, commercial superteam The Seven had transpired major story events in The Boys season 1. Although Lamplighter never physically appeared in the dark superhero-comedy's first season, his absence pieced together several loose strings in the show's narrative. Lamplighter was linked to the mysterious death of Grace Mallory’s (Laila Robins) grandson and it was in his place that the kind-hearted, naive Annie January / Starlight (Erin Moriarty) was enlisted into The Seven.
Ashmore has impressed viewers over the years with his turns in Animorphs, The Rookie, Conviction, and other projects. But his best-remembered performances are that of Bobby Drake/Iceman in the X-Men film series. He last portrayed Iceman in 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past, and now he's poised to return to superhero fare by snagging a key role in The Boys season 2's stacked ensemble.
According to TV Line, Ashmore is set to play Lamplighter in The Boys season 2. The Boys showrunner Eric Kripke expressed his excitement over the news in a statement. See his quote below:
We were thrilled that Shawn — who is, let’s be honest, an OG superhero — wanted to play the crucial part of Lamplighter. He brings so much depth, menace, and world-weary humanity to this former member of the Seven. And Shawn is a really good guy. We’re grateful to have him join our bloody little family.”
Per the official The Boys synopsis, it was Lamplighter who caused the Boys to split. With the estranged member of The Seven back, a lot of harsh memories will be revisited, subsequently prompting drastic changes in the way that events unfold during the show's sophomore run. For now, it is unclear how Lamplighter wrecked chaos in the past, whether it be the disbandment of The Boys or the retirement of Grace Mallory. But given the standing of the corporate-driven 'heroes' on the morality index, viewers can expect Lamplighter to bring some tantrums and quirks of his own to the table. Ashmore's casting in the role can be seen as a silent nod to The Boys' target audience, who have grown accustomed to the show's subversive ways.
Although The Boys continuously alludes to the tragic backstories of Lamplighter, it will not be very surprising if the character eventually turns out to be an actual hero. Ashmore has, in fact, himself mentioned that preconceived notions do not tell the full story of Lamplighter, rather it's the motivation behind the character's terrible actions that determines who Lamplighter really is. The one thing that can be said for sure for now is that Lamplighter will inevitably affect the course of events in The Boys season 2, regardless of whatever shades his character manifests in the series.
Source: TV Line