Ever wondered what fuels a superhero, or in this case, a supervillain, on-screen? The Boys star Antony Starr has revealed the secrets behind his diet & eating habits that help him slip into the formidable cape of Homelander, the complex character he portrays to perfection in Eric Kripke’s gripping series.
In a candid chat with Men’s Health, the actor shared the intricacies of his nutritional regime, which swings between discipline and indulgence, mirroring the complexities of his on-screen character. With expert insights from Starr himself, including his journey to ditch the corset and embrace a lifestyle rich in proteins, fats, and love for TRX, we are about to delve into a detailed and very creative narrative of his Homelander physique.
The actor actually worked hard to embody such a powerful supervillain character, all while keeping his physique constant for the grueling months of filming.
Eating like a Superhero: Antony Starr’s Diet Secrets Revealed
When Antony Starr steps into the role of Homelander, the menacing and super-powered antagonist of Prime Videos’ The Boys, he not only relies on his acting skills but also on his dedication to maintaining a superhero physique. In a recent episode of Men’s Health, the actor, 48, opened up about the diet and other things he follows to stay in shape for the grueling 7 to 8 months of filming every year.
Starr revealed that during the first season of The Boys, he was asked to wear a corset to fit into his costume. Determined to avoid this uncomfortable and embarrassing situation, he trained intensely for a few weeks to shed some extra pounds. This experience set the tone for his commitment to staying fit and healthy throughout his time on the show.
While Starr follows a strict diet during filming, he admits to indulging in his favorite junk foods during the off-season. He has a weakness for gluten-free pizza from a celebrity-owned joint and enjoys indulgent burger nights on the weekends:
I’m not going to brand name it, but there is one pizza joint set up by a nameless celebrity who makes the best gluten-free pizza I’ve ever had, I have a huge problem with burgers, so Saturday night is me, the couch, and burgers.
Despite his love for treats, Starr remains disciplined and focused on his fitness goals. When asked whether he eats from craft service, he sincerely stated:
[…]What I have learned is that if you go to craft service too many times a day, your body shape changes in a matter of days…. the volume of food that is available for sale in America is incredible….I avoid the craft services on the table. I think that’s good advice to anyone in the industry.
Moreover, Starr understands the importance of balancing his nutrition and exercise to maintain his shape.
Anthony Starr’s Superfood Picks for Energy & Lean Physique
In the same interview, Anthony Star emphasizes the need for proteins, fats, & green vegetables in his diet while limiting his intake of carbohydrates. His go-to foods are broccoli and avocado, which he describes as superfoods that keep him slender and full of energy. He explained:
I go for proteins, fats, anything green – veggies, cruciferous vegetables. I don’t eat a lot of carbohydrates. If I do, it tends to be vegetable carbs as opposed to pastas and bread.
Starr’s busy travel schedule requires him to be flexible with his workouts. He carries a TRX and resistance bands with him wherever he goes, ensuring that he can stay active & maintain his strength no matter where he is. Even if a gym isn’t available, he relies on bodyweight exercises like push-ups and “sit-ups” to keep his muscles toned:
I have a little TRX and some bands that come with me everywhere I go. There’s always a door frame or somewhere I can get a workout in. If not, I’ll go to push-ups and sit-ups.
Starr’s personal tip for a delicious post-workout protein shake? A tablespoon of peanut butter. This simple addition adds texture and healthy fats to his shake, making it a satisfying and nutritious post-exercise treat. He values the importance of refueling his body with quality nutrients after a tough workout.
His love for hearty meals is balanced by his adherence to a healthy and balanced diet. By balancing his nutrition, indulging in moderation, and staying active wherever he goes, Starr proves that eating like a superhero is all about discipline for his overall health and well-being.
Can this balance of greens & proteins, coupled with weekend burger binges and strategic cheat meals, be the secret behind Homelander’s intimidating silhouette?
The Boys is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
