Antony Starr Responds to ‘The Boys’ Criticizing Republicans: “I don’t want to alienate anyone”

“The Boys” is one of the most popular superhero series in the world, and its fourth season recently concluded with an explosive eight-episode run. Initially receiving mixed reviews, the show gained momentum and earned a Certified Fresh rating along with a substantial audience, as confirmed by Amazon and Nielsen. However, the season’s increasing political overtones led to some fans review-bombing it, but the showrunners seemed indifferent to the backlash.

Season 4 ended on July 18, 2024, with the final episode titled “Season Four Finale” (originally “Assassination Run”). As previously noted, it concluded with a bang. Additionally, this season will be remembered for its heightened political satire, particularly targeting Republicans and right-wing politics.

Many fans and commentators shared their opinions online about the satire in Season 4, but the creators of the show also weighed in on how the series addressed these issues. In an interview with Vulture magazine, Antony Starr, who portrays Homelander, discussed the impact of the satire on the show’s viewership and how his character was utilized in that context.

Antony Starr sat down with Vulture magazine to discuss how Homelander is used as a tool in the series’ satirical critique of the Republican Party, Donald Trump, and right-wing politics in general. He also explored how this approach might affect the series. Here is what he said:

So much of the series’ political commentary is housed in Homelander, and this season, some viewers have caught on and not liked that. How much of that do you carry?

I don’t carry any of it, to be honest, because I don’t write the scripts. That’s not my job. I turn up, and I do what I can with the material provided and try to add whatever creative input I can. But I’m a big fan of the Michael Jordan quote, “Republicans buy sneakers, too.” I don’t want to alienate anyone. Antony Starr as a brand has room for everyone. And politically in this country, I think there’s a lot of people who are afraid on both sides.

What’s driving a lot of the discourse out there is fear. I am of the belief that it would be really wonderful if everyone could take a beat, stop trying to talk at each other, stop trying to ram their own message down each other’s throat, and actually look at why people are thinking the way they’re thinking.

I think there’s a lot of commonality on both sides, and I think people feel left behind. They respond to whoever gives them hope. Even if it’s lies. The truth has become a scarce commodity now that we live in a world with alternative facts. But if you hear someone say, “I’m going to make your life better,” and you feel disillusioned, you’re gonna respond to that.

When it comes to the show, first of all, I do play a character. That’s not me. It’s not representative of what I think. Once I take the Spandex off at the end of the day, I leave it at work. [Laughs.] This country has been very, very good to me. Because I’m not originally from here, I can be a little more objective, maybe.

And I see a lot of people hurting and wanting change and reaching for whatever and whoever they think will give them that change. It’s very easy to demonize the other side, and I’m not interested in doing it. I encourage people to get involved in the democratic system that they’re afforded, because not everyone in the world is. It’s like voting with your dollar. Well, you’re voting with your own heart. What country do you want to live in?

Source: Vulture

Starr acknowledges that the series is highly political but believes Republicans should still watch it. He encourages them to tune in, emphasizing that, despite satirizing prominent Republican figures and ideas, the show’s intent is not to alienate anyone.

This concludes our report, but stay tuned for more intriguing behind-the-scenes insights. Keep following us for more updates!

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