Antony Starr Firmly Believed Henry Cavill Ruined His Chances at Playing Homelander: “Built like a 12 foot brick sh*t house”
When Antony Starr first saw the script for The Boys, he initially dismissed any real chance at landing the lead role of Homelander. Despite becoming a fan-favorite actor through his work on Banshee, Starr lacked faith that he could convince the show’s creative team to cast him as the Superman-esque superhero.
What Initially Discouraged Antony Starr From Pursuing Homelander?
Feeling insecure next to more imposing stars like Henry Cavill, he avoided engaging with the script for over a week, convinced the role would go to a more classically masculine physical type. According to an interview Antony Starr gave to Metro UK, the actor lacked faith that he could convince the show’s creative team. Starr said, citing the imposing Superman star,
“I’m not made for that. Henry Cavill’s 12 feet tall, built like a 12-foot brick sh*t house.”
However, encouragement from his representatives and seeing the depth of Homelander’s character convinced Starr to go for it. And the rest is history.
“They’re not going to pick me anyway,” he thought, imagining the role would go to a hugely jacked actor like Henry Cavill.
The New Zealand native even avoided looking at the script for over a week, convinced he didn’t have the mighty frame deemed necessary for a leading superhero. But the rich layers of Homelander’s twisted persona ultimately hooked Starr.
How Did Antony Starr End Up Landing The Career-Making Role?
Despite his doubts, Starr’s representatives urged him to submit a self-tape audition. He filmed it quickly “almost out of spite” while in his dressing room on another project. But to the actor’s surprise, showrunner Eric Kripke raved about his performance.
Starr remembered realizing,
“This is actually really good and worth putting some time and energy into.”
He credits the complexity of Homelander’s villainous characterization for convincing him to seriously pursue the part. And he nailed the sinister yet charismatic essence in auditions.
After recently doing a cameo in the Prime Video spinoff Gen V, Antony Starr will reprise his fan-favorite role as Homelander in the upcoming fourth season of The Boys. Filming is already underway on the new episodes slated to premiere in 2023.
