Antony Starr Calls It 'Surreal' That Fans Idolize Homelander

In a recent discussion, Antony Starr, the actor portraying Homelander in the hit series The Boys, expressed his astonishment at the growing glorification of his character among fans. Despite Homelander's brutal and tyrannical nature, some viewers seem to empathize with this antihero, which Starr found surreal. He emphasized the importance of contextualizing the character, reminding fans that Homelander is not portrayed as a hero in any capacity. Showrunner Eric Kripke supported this sentiment, stating that the show deliberately critiques authoritarianism and celebrity culture, drawing parallels to real-world figures like Donald Trump. As the series approaches its fifth and final season, it continues to provoke complex discussions about morality and heroism in contemporary society.

Some fans may glorify Homelander due to his compelling charisma and complex character development, which can evoke empathy. The show blurs the lines between good and evil, prompting viewers to reflect on their own values and perceptions of power, ultimately leading to conflicted feelings towards the character.

The Boys first premiered in 2019 and quickly gained a reputation for its brutal satire of superhero tropes. Based on the comic series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, the show reimagines the superhero genre, highlighting the darker aspects of fame and power. The portrayal of Homelander as a corrupted superman serves as a critical commentary on contemporary celebrity culture and societal issues, making the series relevant and thought-provoking.