Antony Starr Hangs Up His Cape as Homelander

Source: Prime Video

After five seasons of chilling smiles, laser eyes, and unforgettable moments, Antony Starr has officially hung up his cape as The Boys’ diabolical anti-hero, Homelander. The New Zealand actor announced the end of his run in a heartfelt Instagram post, signalling the close of filming for the fifth and final season of Amazon Prime’s hit superhero satire.

“This has been the highlight of my career,” Starr wrote. “We created a monster… and I will miss him.” His message wasn’t just to the character, but also to showrunner Eric Kripke, the cast, crew, and the fans who helped turn The Boys into one of television’s most talked-about shows.

Saying Goodbye to TV’s Most Terrifying “Hero”

Since its debut in 2019, The Boys flipped the superhero genre on its head, and Starr’s Homelander was its terrifying centrepiece. Equal parts Superman parody and fascist nightmare, Homelander embodied unchecked power and fragile ego in ways that felt uncomfortably real. Starr’s ability to balance chilling menace with subtle vulnerability made him one of the most compelling villains in recent television history.

Critics and fans alike hailed his performance as a career-defining turn. Along the way, Starr picked up Critics’ Choice Super Awards for both Best Actor and Best Villain in a Superhero Series, and in 2025, he took home a Saturn Award—cementing his place in TV villain royalty.

A Cultural Reflection in Red, White, and Blue

Homelander wasn’t just another bad guy in spandex. He became a cultural icon, a meme machine, and a biting commentary on toxic patriotism, celebrity worship, and power without accountability. From his unnerving milk obsession to that haunting rooftop grin in Season 3, Starr delivered moments that made audiences laugh, gasp, and sometimes look away in discomfort.

Fans loved to hate him—but more importantly, he forced viewers to ask: what if our heroes weren’t heroic at all?

The Boys’ Final Flight

Filming on Season 5 has wrapped, and the series finale is slated for release in 2026. Showrunner Eric Kripke has promised an ending “worthy of the chaos” fans have come to expect. While The Boys universe will continue with spin-offs like Gen V and Vought Rising, Starr’s exit marks the end of an era.

In his farewell note, he called the experience “an incredible ride” and thanked fans directly: “Without you, none of this would have been possible.”

What’s Next for Antony Starr?

Though Starr has said goodbye to the cape, the industry is buzzing with speculation about his next steps. Known for his intensity and range—long before The Boys, he was acclaimed in shows like Banshee—Hollywood will no doubt be watching closely to see where he brings his talents next.

One thing is clear: leaving Homelander behind doesn’t mean leaving greatness behind. Starr has proven he can carry complex roles with depth and magnetism, and audiences will follow wherever he soars next.

As The Boys prepares for its final season, Antony Starr’s farewell feels like both a goodbye and a victory lap. Homelander may have been a monster, but in Starr’s hands, he became a legend.

The Uncommon Breed

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