If there is one character from the superheroverse that has completely transfixed audiences over the last decade or so, it is Homelander from The Boys. The big bad of the Eric Kripke show, played by Antony Starr, has generated memes and pop culture moments and launched the actor into global stardom.
As The Boys comes to a close with its final season this year, the Kiwi actor sat down with Hindustan Times in an exclusive chat about his journey, Homelander’s fate, and the character’s misinformed ‘fan club’.
Antony denies taking any real-life inspiration for Homelander’s characterisation, saying it’s not very helpful. He draws the megalomaniacal character from within himself, trying to serve the writing provided by the show’s team.
Homelander is quite obviously the villain in The Boys, yet a section of the audience feels he is an anti-hero or even a hero. Responding to their take on the character, Antony says, “A few years ago, there were a few people, a very small minority of people who were, that sort of idolised the character. And they really got the wrong end of the stick, because he's quite obviously the bad guy.”
The final season of The Boys premiered on Amazon Prime Video on April 8, with the first two episodes releasing. There will be a weekly release after this, continuing through the finale on May 20.
