In a revealing chat on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” Antony Starr, acclaimed for his role as the complex anti-hero Homelander in Amazon Prime’s hit series “The Boys,” delved into what he described as the most bizarre scene of his career. The episode in question, which features a controversial scene in Season 4, has both stunned fans and sparked discussions about the ever-blurring lines between shocking and innovative television.
Antony Starr: From ‘The Notebook’ Romance to Bizarre Reality
In “The Boys” Season 4, Episode 6, Starr’s character Homelander encounters an unexpected and cringeworthy moment with Valorie Curry’s character, Firecracker. This particular scene transitions from what starts as a sappy, romantic setup into a surreal and cringe-inducing act involving induced lactation—a bold choice even for a show known for pushing boundaries.
“The weirdest scene I’ve ever done,” Starr confessed to Meyers. “It started feeling all emotional and romantic, almost like something out of ‘The Notebook,’ and then it just flipped on its head into something else entirely… there I was, getting almond juice squirted in my face.”
Behind the Scenes with Starr and Curry
Starr’s commitment to embodying the twisted superhero Homelander has been evident throughout the series, where he often navigates through a range of bizarre and extreme scenarios. However, this scene was particularly outlandish even for him. He humorously reflected on his career choices post-scene, jokingly lamenting, “What are we doing? I could have been a lawyer.”
Valorie Curry’s portrayal of Firecracker also received special attention for her dedication to her role, going to great lengths to authenticate her character’s peculiar expression of loyalty to Homelander. This scene underscored her character’s twisted devotion, raising eyebrows and pulses alike as it unfolded.
Eric Kripke’s Take on the Scene
Eric Kripke, the series creator, praised both Starr and Curry for their audacity in executing such a challenging scene. Speaking to “Variety,” Kripke highlighted the impact of the scene, not just for its shock value but for what it represented in the broader narrative of the series.
“The fact that we cut to the actual breastfeeding scene makes me cover my mouth every time. It’s just so stunning, and wow. Just what it means to the characters—the actors’ courage in pulling it off,” he remarked, offering a metaphorical chef’s kiss to their performances.
A Bold Antidote to Superhero Fatigue
“The Boys” continues to serve as a darkly comedic and critical take on the superhero genre, exploring themes of power corruption, celebrity culture, and the human condition. Starr believes that it’s precisely these elements—the willingness to explore the absurd and the uncomfortable—that make “The Boys” a potent antidote to the typical superhero narrative, keeping viewers engaged and eager for more.
As the series progresses, it remains a testament to the creative risks television can take. Starr’s reflection on the unforgettable scene serves as a reminder of the show’s unique place in the landscape of modern TV—a place where even the most outrageous scenes can spark significant conversation and debate about the limits of storytelling in the superhero genre.