Before Joining 'The Boys,' Sheline Actress Emma Elle Paterson Was Already Surviving the 'X-Men' Universe

Published 05/20/2026, 4:59 AM EDT

Credits: Emma Elle Paterson/@emmaellep via Instagram/Photographer -Gaelleleroyerphotography

Long before stepping into the chaotic world of Vought’s young supes, Emma Elle Paterson had already spent time inside another major superhero franchise. The actress, who now plays Sheline in Season 5 of The Boys, previously appeared in X-Men: Apocalypse in a small but notable early-career role as a school cheerleader. As The Boys moved toward its final stretch, the connection quickly became a fun talking point among superhero fans.

Emma Elle Paterson’s jump from a background appearance in the mutant-filled X-Men universe to a more visible role in one of television’s most brutal superhero satires reflects how far her career has evolved over the last decade.

From mutant chaos to Vought’s next generation of supes: Emma Elle Paterson’s journey

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Years before she joined the cast of The Boys, Emma Elle Paterson briefly appeared in X-Men: Apocalypse as a school cheerleader. While the role was minor, it marked one of her earliest entries into the superhero genre and placed her inside the long-running X-Men cinematic universe during the height of its popularity. By the time Emma Elle Paterson appeared as Sheline in Season 5 of The Boys, she had stepped into comic-book-inspired storytelling in a far more prominent way.

The character was part of Teenage Kix, the younger generation of supes introduced during the show’s increasingly volatile final chapters. Alongside cast members like Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Dylan Colton, Paterson’s Sheline was portrayed as an influencer-style supe with a cat-themed persona, adding another bizarre layer to the franchise’s signature satire. As the series approached its explosive finale, newer characters like Sheline brought even more unpredictability into Vought’s collapsing world.

7 Perfect Shows That Can Fill 'The Boys' Shaped Hole in Your Life After Series Finale

But while The Boys may be giving Paterson her biggest spotlight yet, the actress is already looking beyond the superhero genre and toward darker, more ambitious projects of her own.

Emma Elle Paterson is stepping behind the camera with Candy

Outside of her superhero work, Emma Elle Paterson is also beginning to expand her creative reach behind the scenes. The actress has signed on to both star in and produce an upcoming thriller titled Candy, signaling a major new phase in her career beyond acting alone. Directed by Jessica Michael Davis, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mindy McGinnis, the film follows a young woman whose attempt to reclaim control of her life leads to a disturbing physical transformation. As she embraces the identity of Candy, the story reportedly shifts into darker psychological territory filled with revenge, instability, and moral conflict.

Davis will also appear in the film alongside Darius Jordan Lee, while producer Jeffrey Weber is attached as executive producer.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The project represents a notable leap for Paterson at a time when The Boys itself is preparing for its highly anticipated final run. While audiences are only beginning to meet characters like Sheline inside Vought’s twisted universe, Paterson appears focused on building a career that stretches far beyond superhero franchises. Moving into producing with a psychologically driven thriller suggests she is aiming for more creative control as her profile continues to rise.

From surviving mutants in the X-Men universe to navigating the madness of The Boys, Emma Elle Paterson’s career trajectory is becoming one to watch. With Candy now adding producer credits to her resume, the actress is clearly positioning herself for a much larger presence both on-screen and behind the camera.

Where Was 'The Boys' Season 5 Filmed? Inside the Real Locations Behind the Hit Superhero Series

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Were you excited to see more of Emma Elle Paterson as Sheline in The Boys Season 5? Let us know in the comments! 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Karishma Dasgupta

363 articles

Karishma is an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. She enjoys digging deep into stories and bringing clarity to the often fast-moving world of entertainment. She holds a double Master’s degree in Fashion Business Management and Digital Marketing.

Edited By: Adiba Nizami

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK