Antony Starr, famed for his portrayal of the complex supervillain Homelander in Amazon Prime Video’s hit series “The Boys,” recently shared his insights on the character’s development and addressed rumors linking Homelander to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The actor’s nuanced approach to character building offers a fresh perspective on interpreting iconic roles in television.
Breaking Away from Conventional Comparisons
During an engaging session on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Starr was questioned about the recurrent comparison between Homelander and Donald Trump—a topic that has intrigued fans and critics alike. Starr’s response was both humorous and telling:
“I don’t know who that is!”
This playful denial set the stage for a deeper discussion about his intentions for the character’s identity.
“The thing is, I’ve always aimed to steer clear of making Homelander resemble [Trump],”
Starr explained. According to him, while the show’s creator, Eric Kripke, often draws parallels between the two, Starr believes that simply modeling Homelander after Trump would result in a “two-dimensional cardboard cut-out” rather than a fully realized character.
Crafting a Multifaceted Villain
Starr’s strategy in bringing Homelander to life involved drawing on a broader spectrum of influences, far beyond the political figures typically mentioned.
“We wanted to create something better than that,”
he said, hinting at incorporating traits from various public figures, including, as he daringly mentioned, Barack Obama. This eclectic approach to character building allows Starr to infuse Homelander with a complexity that resonates on multiple levels, touching on themes of authority, charisma, and manipulation.
Delving into Darkness
In a revealing conversation with Uproxx, Starr discussed how he delves into the darker aspects of his psyche to portray Homelander authentically.
“It’s just one of those things where everyone’s got a dark side, and we live in a world of duality,”
he remarked, acknowledging the necessity of embracing both the dark and light parts of oneself, especially in a creative role.
This acknowledgment of duality is crucial in understanding the depth Starr brings to Homelander. By recognizing and tapping into these contrasting elements within himself, Starr crafts a performance that is both compelling and unsettling, effectively capturing the essence of a character who embodies the very extremes of power and vulnerability.
A Reflection of Society’s Complexities
What makes “The Boys” particularly resonant with audiences is its allegorical critique of modern societal issues—authoritarianism, fanaticism, and injustice. Starr’s portrayal of Homelander not only entertains but also invites viewers to reflect on the nuanced ways power can manifest and affect us.
Though Starr explicitly distances his interpretation of Homelander from Donald Trump, the public and critical discourse surrounding these comparisons underscores the show’s impact as a cultural mirror. Whether viewers see shades of Trump in Homelander or not, the character undeniably serves as a potent symbol of broader social dynamics.
Conclusion
Antony Starr’s dedication to crafting a layered and reflective Homelander highlights his commitment to challenging the normative expectations of character portrayal in television. His ability to weave in complex influences and explore the darker corners of human nature makes his performance a standout element of “The Boys,” providing viewers with a richer, more engaging experience. As the series continues, it will be fascinating to see how Starr’s Homelander evolves, and what new dimensions he will explore in this already iconic role.
