Antony Starr can take full credit for Homelander from the The Boys consistently being the source of nightmares for audiences across the globe. The New Zealander plays the unhinged and manic antagonist who went on to gain fame as one of the most powerful and deadly characters in television. The Amazon Prime series has become a massive sensation, with season 4 having just premiered on June 13th.
While Starr’s Homelander continues to be front and center in the narrative, the character’s son Ryan who was introduced at the end of season 1, is expected to play a pivotal role alongside his supervillain father in the current season. Starr quoted the example of LeBron James and revealed that he was excited at the prospect of this collaboration, but was also clear that even family cannot come in the way of his character’s dominance.
How is Antony Starr Inspired by NBA G.O.A.T LeBron James?
Over 3 successful seasons and a 4th season currently underway, Antony Starr’s Homelander has continued to send chills down viewers’ spines in the blockbuster Amazon Prime hit series, The Boys. The character’s maniacal personality and his constant obsession for unquestionable power were brilliantly channelized by the actor.
Through the narratives, fans also witnessed various developments in Homelander’s quest for supremacy, including the introduction of his son Ryan. The character who first appeared in the finale of season 1 played minor roles in the subsequent 2 seasons as well.
After being discovered as having the same powers as his father, he joins forces with him. Together, the duo is expected to be a dangerous and potent team in season 4. But judging by Starr’s assessment of their collaboration, it doesn’t seem like Homelander will hand over the reins to his son anytime soon.
When asked about the possibility of Ryan taking over the leadership of The Seven (via Culture Crave), the Banshee actor in no uncertain terms made his opinion clear on the unlimited power of Homelander. He quoted the example of NBA legend LeBron James and his son Bronny to elaborate further.
Like LeBron James, I’m really excited about the prospect of playing on the same team as my son. But leading it? … God didn’t step down when he sent his son to Earth.
To put this into context, Bronny James has followed his illustrious father’s footsteps and is currently part of the NBA draft. The rising star could possibly get a chance to get drafted into James’ current team LA Lakers, which could mean that father and son could play alongside each other.
The NBA veteran has openly admitted this would be a dream come true before his retirement (via CBS Sports), whether it would be with or against his son. But the bigger question that fans will ask is if Bronny James can carve his own niche above the superstardom of his father, a fact that could also apply to the destiny of Ryan and Homelander.
Antony Starr Was Insecure About Playing Homelander For This Reason
Antony Starr made every other supervillain look meek and mild with his chilling portrayal of Homelander in The Boys. Playing the role of the psychopathic antagonist, Starr made fans and critics around the world shudder and applaud through his perfect performance. The actor, though, was not confident in himself and his abilities when the opportunity was first presented to him.
The Banshee actor confessed that he did not give the script much thought and refrained from reading it when he found out that his character had superhuman abilities. With Henry Cavill being signed on as DC’s most celebrated hero Superman, Starr was of the opinion that he was physically inferior in every way to The Witcher star, and was certain that he wouldn’t be picked for the part. In a conversation with Metro, the actor recalled his trepidations and said,
I didn’t look at it for a week and a half and then I saw it was a superhero thing and I thought they’re not going to pick me anyway, I’m not made for that. Henry Cavill’s 12 feet tall, built like a 12 foot brick s**t house and he’s wonderful, handsome and charming – I’m not going to get that.
As it turned out, Starr’s fear of failure was unwarranted, with the actor gaining superstardom through his chilling performance as Homelander and ensuring that no one else but him could have played the role.
All seasons of The Boys are streaming on Amazon Prime.
