The Boys actor Antony Starr has criticised fans who believe his character, Homelander, can still be redeemed, telling those who defend the fictional villain that he hopes they do not have children.
The remark was reportedly made during a Sony Pictures Television For Your Consideration panel in Los Angeles in October 2026. Clips of the exchange circulated online, showing Starr reacting to the suggestion that Homelander could change.
'Fucking hell, man...Eek,' Starr said before adding, 'Hope you don't have kids...don't breed.'
Celebrating AMAZON PRIME's THE BOYS.
— Amanda Baller (@dawnyb) October 15, 2026
SPOILERS abound.
Antony Starr, Chace Crawford and Jack Quaid talk Homelander, The Deep, Hughie and A-Train's endings.#TheBoys#TheBoysOnPrime#FYC pic.twitter.com/GC89nLqUDk
Antony Starr Responds to Fans Defending Homelander
Homelander, played by Starr, leads The Seven, a group of commercially-managed superheroes in The Boys. Although he presents himself as a patriotic protector, his actions frequently reveal a violent and controlling personality.
The character's need for affection and approval is a recurring aspect of the series, alongside his capacity for cruelty, manipulation and abuse of power. His complicated background has prompted discussions among viewers about how his experiences influence his behaviour.
Starr has previously spoken about the importance of exploring the character's motivations without excusing his actions. In an October 2020 interview with the Golden Globes, the actor said he did not believe Homelander was a character who should be redeemed.
'I don't think Homelander is a character that should be redeemed,' Starr said in the interview. 'I think he's pretty despicable.'
He also explained that developing the character's background was important to making him more than a one-dimensional villain. The series explores how Homelander's upbringing and emotional difficulties contribute to his behaviour.
Starr Compares Homelander to the Shark in 'Jaws'
Starr has also used a comparison with Jaws, Steven Spielberg's 1975 thriller, to explain why he finds a redemption arc for Homelander difficult to imagine. In an April 2026 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Starr compared the idea of Homelander changing fundamentally to the shark in Jaws becoming vegan, suggesting that such a transformation would be difficult to reconcile with the character's established nature.
'Homelander's gonna be Homelander, you know?' Starr said during the interview.
The actor has maintained a similar position in previous interviews. In a 2022 interview with Collider, he said he did not believe there was a redemption story for Homelander and that he would not particularly want to see one.
Celebrating AMAZON PRIME's THE BOYS.
— Amanda Baller (@dawnyb) October 15, 2026
SPOILERS.
Chace Crawford talks how his initial thoughts on how Antony Starr perceived him and Homelander and The Deep's relationship, last days on set and cast bonds.#TheBoys#TheBoysOnPrime#FYC pic.twitter.com/FERb4gX7ha
'The Boys' Challenges Traditional Superhero Stories
Created by Eric Kripke and based on the comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys presents a world in which superheroes are powerful public figures managed by a corporation. The series examines the relationship between celebrity, commercial interests and accountability, portraying superheroes whose public reputations often conceal their private behaviour.
Homelander is central to that approach. His carefully-maintained image contrasts with his actions, while his position within The Seven gives him considerable influence. Starr's performance balances moments of apparent vulnerability with behaviour that demonstrates the dangers of his unchecked power. The character's emotional struggles form part of the story, but they exist alongside his repeated acts of violence and intimidation.
Starr's portrayal of Homelander has remained a central part of the series as the character's influence over Vought Industries and the wider public continues to shape the storyline. Meanwhile, his comments about fans' interpretations of the character have also drawn attention to his approach to playing the role.
