Homelander, portrayed by Antony Starr, has emerged as one of the most notorious villains in television history over the past decade. Known for his horrific actions, including endangering the lives of passengers and inflicting harm on anyone who opposes him, Homelander’s character has sparked a complex reaction from viewers. While many see him as a villain, a segment of fans surprisingly find themselves rooting for this antihero due to a combination of the character’s charm, thrilling storylines, and the pervasive use of reaction GIFs across social media.
Antony Starr himself is taken aback by the mixed feelings fans have about his character. During an actors’ roundtable with Entertainment Weekly, he discussed the peculiar attraction viewers have towards Homelander. “We had a bunch of guys that we all kind of knocked them down a little [bit] on social media to say, ‘This guy is not the hero of any story,’” Starr explained, highlighting the surreal nature of fans glorifying a character that embodies villainy. He acknowledged the surprising empathy some viewers feel for Homelander, expressing his intrigue at the conflicted relationship audiences have with the character.
As filming for the fifth and final season of The Boys began last year, Starr offered a glimpse into the forthcoming episodes, promising the signature shock-and-awe style that fans have come to expect. “Every time I think I know what’s gonna happen, something else happens… I think fans are gonna be either surprised or shocked,” he said in an interview with Collider, alluding to the fresh twists awaiting viewers.
With the series continuing to push boundaries and evoke complex emotional responses, there is a sense of anticipation for how the final season will unfold.
The evolution of Homelander’s character, and the dynamic reactions from fans, serve to underscore the series’ ability to engage audiences deeply, reflecting on the nature of heroism versus villainy. As viewers prepare for the conclusion of this acclaimed series, it remains to be seen how the show will navigate the intricate moral landscape it has created.