Actors are known to train for auditions for months or even years, especially if they are for a well-known series. However, other people audition merely for the fun of it, and the universe ends up dumping enormous chances into their gullible laps. The talented action performer Antony Starr’s audition for The Boys is one instance of this.

Antony Starr in The Boys.

While in an interview with Seth Meyers, the star revealed how his audition for the role of Homelander in the hit series The Boys was ‘out of spite’ and he was unaware of the source material. On being accepted by the production house, Starr decided to read through the comics and was horrified, the actor was unconvinced that such a graphic comic could be translated on television.

From Banshee to The Boys: Antony Starr’s Journey as an Action Hero

Antony Starr in Banshee Origins (2013)

Rising to popularity by starring in the 2019 TV series The Boys, Antony Starr is quickly becoming a well-known name in the superhero genre. But the actor has been making waves as an action hero as early as 2005 in his debut show Outrageous Fortune. After that Starr worked in another popular show Banshee (2013-2016) where he portrayed Lucas Hood, an ex-con disguising himself as a sheriff of a remote town.

Starr gained significant popularity through his action-packed and thrilling performance in Banshee. His portrayal of the dark anti-hero with some remnants of morality was well-loved by the audience and was probably what paved the way for his role as Homelander.

He also appeared in American Gothic, the 2016 mystery drama series revolving around a rich family surrounded by dark secrets. Starr played Garrett Hawthorne, the wealthy heir to the magnanimous Hawthorne family. His character was charismatic as well as ambiguous, his portrayal adding an element of compromised morality and dishonesty.

Antony Starr in Banshee: Anti-hero with morale

Antony Starr in American Gothic.

Right before The Boys premiered, Starr was playing the main character in another hit TV series, Banshee. He played Lucas Hood, a former con-artist assuming the role of a sheriff in the small town of Banshee, Pennsylvania. The character was that of an anti-hero, bereft of strong values but with some motivation and a slight redemption arc.

Antony Starr in Banshee.

Lucas, in contrast to Homelander, who is pure evil and depraved, comes from a damaged background but still fights for justice and his family. His acts are driven by a need for love and atonement as well as by his own needs. Until he was cast as Homelander in The Boys in 2019, Starr was able to play the most nuanced and menacing part possible in this role.

Antony Starr in Banshee Tribal (2015)

In a candid interview with Seth Meyers, Starr commented on how he had no prior knowledge about the comic before he auditioned for the role. After being selected however, he decided to do some homework and was horrified on reading the source material.

“How the hell are we going to put this on TV? You can’t screen that. This is obscene.”

Starr was shocked at the gory and rather raw plot of the comics and wondered how this could ever be broadcasted on television. He mentioned the bizarre scenes and actions he had to perform for his role as Homelander. One such scene involved the funniest ‘romantic’ scene of date, involving breastmilk which horrified the actor.

“That’s like the weirdest scene I have ever done. I am getting almond juice squirted in my face.”

Working with his other performers, especially Elizabeth Shue, Starr had a great time despite the gory details and strange moments. He talked about how he had an on-screen love on the actress when he was a little child and watched Karate Kid for the first time. Elisabeth Shue portrayed Madelyn Stillwell, the CEO of Vought International, on the sets of The Boys.

“I must collaborate with Elisabeth Shue. What am I going to do, oh my god? She is the sweetest individual.”

Enamored by the actress, Starr narrated how she was a helpful and friendly person on set, sharing giggles and shivers with her during different parts. The unpredictable show’s impending twists and turns have fans thrilled. Watch new episodes of The Boys on Prime Video.