The Boys Star Who Plays Evil Homelander Admits Robin Williams Movie Makes Him Cry

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Antony Starr, the performer behind the chilling villain Homelander from “The Boys”, has disclosed a surprisingly gentle side in a recent conversation with Empire magazine. Known for depicting one of TV’s most ruthless and heartless characters, this New Zealand actor admitted that the 1990 medical drama “Awakenings”, starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, brings him to tears. This emotional admission presents a striking contrast to Starr’s on-screen character, the sociopathic superhero who consistently carries out heinous acts of violence across Prime Video’s popular series. This revelation underscores the depth of emotion behind the actor who has skillfully portrayed the main adversary since the show’s premiere in 2019, emphasizing the versatility that makes his performance as Homelander so captivating.

When asked about movies that move him deeply, Starr mentioned “Awakenings.” In this film, De Niro’s character, Leonard, is catatonic. Through drug experiments, he emerges from his condition, but then begins to worsen again. The scene that resonates most with the actor occurs when Robin Williams’ character, a neurologist, finds Leonard in a deteriorating state, helplessly crying out “Help me, help me.” This raw display of vulnerability starkly contrasts with Starr’s portrayal of Homelander, a superhero notorious for his ruthlessness.

Oliver Sacks’ memoir-inspired movie titled Awakenings narrates the tale of Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Williams), a neurologist who finds a new drug that brings back to consciousness patients who had been in a catatonic state for decades due to an encephalitis outbreak. Robert De Niro portrays Leonard Lowe, one such patient, who experiences temporary full recovery and functionality only to sadly relapse as the drug’s effects turn out to be temporary. The scene Starr mentions is one of the film’s most emotional moments, with Leonard realizing his regression and asking for help that cannot be given. Directed by Penny Marshall, this movie received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for De Niro’s portrayal.

Anthony Starr Will Be Homelander One Last Time in The Boys Season 5

The fifth and last season of The Boys, as confirmed by showrunner Eric Kripke, is now halfway through its production. Filming started towards the end of 2024, and it’s proceeding on track, suggesting that the series finale might air on Prime Video in 2026. This extended production period underscores the grand scale of the final season, which Kripke has referred to as our show’s portrayal of an “apocalypse.

The upcoming season resumes immediately following Season 4’s dramatic finale, where Homelander seized power over the U.S. government and implemented martial law with his supes enforcing his rule. The majority of The Boys were apprehended by Homelander’s troops, including Hughie Campbell (played by Jack Quaid), while Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) is still pursuing a solo mission to annihilate all supes using a pilfered virus. Showrunner Kripke refers to this season as our show’s take on the apocalypse, hinting that the final episodes will provide a decisive resolution to the longstanding struggle between Butcher and Homelander, which has been a key theme since the series began.

The world of “The Boys” will carry on growing even after the main series ends, with numerous spin-offs at different stages of production. “Gen V”, which focuses on superheroes in college at Godolkin University, has finished filming its second season, and it’s been confirmed that post-production is progressing smoothly. Furthermore, “The Boys: Mexico” is currently being developed, with Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal as executive producers. While specifics are still scarce, this venture signifies Amazon Prime’s dedication to expanding the franchise on a global scale.

In terms of scale, the franchise’s most daring extension could be titled “Vought Rising,” a series set in the 1950s delving into the roots of Vought International. Characters Jensen Ackles and Aya Cash will return to their roles as Soldier Boy and Stormfront (originally known as Clara Vought). This series, labeled “a dark and complex murder mystery,” aims to unravel the methods through which the corporation that eventually produced and marketed superheroes in America built its base during a critical era in this alternate universe’s history. The prequel has recently brought on board Elizabeth Posey (known for her roles in “Euphoria” and “Heels“) and Will Hochman (recognized from “Blue Bloods“) for leading but as-yet unspecified roles.

The Boys Season 5 is expected to premiere on Prime Video in 2026.

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2025-04-10 13:10