Homelander from the Prime Video series The Boys is probably one of the most compelling and, at the same time, terrifying anti-heroes in TV series these days. The character is a black mirror image of the traditional superhero type, donning charisma and power with a chilling disregard for human life. And that’s exactly what makes him so iconic.
To better understand Homelander, we’ll first meet the actor behind the character who gave him life. Then, we’ll learn about the source of the character’s incredible powers, the reasons for his sinister nature, and his fate in the comic books. So, ready or not, Homelander’s coming.
Who Plays Homelander on ‘The Boys’?
Homelander from The Boys is brought to life by a New Zealand actor, Antony Starr. Prior to The Boys, Starr was best known in the New Zealand series Outrageous Fortune and the US television show Banshee. However, Starr’s portrayal of Homelander was what garnered him widespread acclaim and well-earned recognition.
Thanks to Starr’s ability to infuse Homelander with such a formidable combination of charm, menace, and unpredictability, the character became very life-like and, in some sort of a twisted way, even relatable. Starr has ensured that Homelander isn’t just a one-dimensional villain but a complex character who embodies both charisma and the terror of unchecked power. In our opinion, that is what made Homelander so real in the series.
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What Makes Homelander So Powerful?
You probably know that The Boys’ Homelander is no regular villain capable of superhuman strength, speed, agility, and durability, making him nearly invincible in any combat. Besides this, Homelander can also fly and possess enhanced sensory perceptions, allowing him to hear and see across great distances. However, one of his most terrifying powers is his heat vision, which can cut through virtually any material which he uses to a devastating effect.
So, what exactly makes Homelander so powerful? In short – a fictional drug called Compound V created by Vought International. The substance enhances individuals, giving them superhuman abilities. And since Homelander has been exposed to Compound V from infancy, the effect on him is by far the strongest, making him Vought’s ultimate weapon and public relations asset.
Why Is Homelander So Evil?
In Homelander’s case, his vile temper and evil nature are rooted in an unfortunate combination of upbringing, personality, and the corrosive influence of absolute power. Vought International engineered and raised Homelander in a controlled environment, and because he was deprived of any kind of normalcy in his childhood, he had no grounding influence whatsoever.
Homelander was raised to view himself as superior to ordinary humans, which gave him a sense of entitlement and disdain for those he perceived as weaker. This, the rigorous training and psychological manipulation he endured, combined with a lack of empathy, has made him into a bona fide sociopath.
Does Homelander Die in the Comics?
While in the TV series, Homelander’s story is still unfolding, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us, the original comic books created by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson gave Homelander a pretty violent end. The comics reveal that Black Noir, a fellow member of The Seven, is actually a clone of Homelander created to kill him should he become uncontrollable. Over time, Black Noir’s mental stability deteriorates, and the constant clashes between him and Homelander culminate in a brutal fight where Black Noir kills Homelander. His demise highlights the ultimate irony of Homelander’s existence: despite his incredible power, he was just a pawn in a larger corporate game.
Now, back to the series. As the seasons continue, we see that the writers took significant creative liberties, suggesting that Homelander’s fate might diverge from the source material. Homelander’s character in The Boys series is one of the most compelling antiheroes we’ve ever seen. Antony Starr’s masterful performance, combined with the character’s terrifying abilities and dark psyche, makes Homelander a villain to be remembered. The story behind his attraction to evil adds layers of complexity, making him horrifying and truly fascinating. We can’t wait to see how this diabolical antihero’s story unfolds and whether he’ll meet his end in the same dramatic way he did in the comic books. If you liked reading about Homelander, here’s why The Boys might end after five seasons.
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