Since ‘The Boys’ first hit Prime Video in 2019, it has managed to carve a unique space in the superhero genre. With a blend of outrageous violence, sharp political commentary, and darkly satirical storytelling, the show has consistently challenged the norms of comic-book narratives.
Moreover, at the center of this chaos stands Homelander, brilliantly portrayed by Antony Starr, a superpowered maniac who is equal parts terrifying, charismatic, and disturbingly relatable. Given the show’s deliberate political undertones, many viewers have drawn comparisons between Homelander and real-world political figures, most notably former U.S. President Donald Trump. However, Starr claims it’s not the case.
The Many Faces Of Homelander’s Madness On ‘The Boys’
In a recent interview with the LA Times, Antony Starr set the record straight: Homelander is not simply a fictional Donald Trump clone. In fact, Starr revealed that his performance draws inspiration from a wide range of infamous historical figures, describing the character as a “conglomerate of tyrants” including, at times, Julius Caesar.
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The clarification not only reshapes how audiences may view the role but also reinforces ‘The Boys‘ mission to challenge power in all its forms. “I’m an equal-opportunity poacher,” Starr stated when asked if Homelander was based solely on Trump. “Last season, the idea was really teased about Homelander being like a Caesar. If you dip not far back into history, there are just so many people to choose from.”
That sentence encapsulates the depth Starr brings to his portrayal. Homelander is not merely a caricature of one controversial leader; he is a combination of infamous figures we know. He represents the intoxicating nature of unchecked power and how it seduces, corrupts, and ultimately isolates.
Starr pointed out that grounding a character too closely to one real-world figure risks reducing them to a shallow impression. “What I have found about using one specific person for any character, especially with someone like this, is it doesn’t work. You get a two-dimensional portrayal,” he explained. “So, Homelander is a conglomerate of tyrants.”
It’s this approach that gives Homelander his chilling complexity. He’s a loving father one moment and a petty narcissist the next. He is charming but can also vaporize a civilian in cold blood. While ‘The Boys’ has certainly poked fun at Trump, from political rallies to trading cards, Starr’s performance transcends simple parody.
Starlight Actress Erin Moriarty Shares Graves’ Disease Diagnosis
As the show continues to stir political debates and push creative boundaries, one of its stars recently opened up about a deeply personal health battle. Erin Moriarty, who plays Starlight in ‘The Boys’ universe, shared that she has been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland.
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In a heartfelt Instagram post, Moriarty advocated for self-awareness and health advocacy. “Autoimmune disease manifests differently in everybody/everybody,” she wrote. “Your experience will be different from mine. My experience will be different from yours. Perhaps greatly, perhaps minutely.” Graves’ disease, the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, is especially prevalent in women under 40.
Symptoms can include everything from rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and heat intolerance to more severe conditions like Graves’ ophthalmopathy. Moriarty’s openness about her condition not only helps raise awareness but also encourages fans and followers to take their own symptoms seriously.
