Antony Starr has bid an emotional farewell to Homelander ahead of the fifth and final season of the Boys.
The hit Amazon Prime Video series first hit our screens in 2019, introducing us to the abusive, bloodsoaked and brutal superheroes – aka Supes – working for a powerful company, and the gang of vigilantes hoping to bring them down.
Jack Quaid, Jessie T Usher, Karl Urban, Erin Moriarty, Chace Crawford, Laz Alonso and Simon Pegg are also among the star-studded cast.
The show became a huge hit and landed a string of Emmy nominations, spawning spin-off series Gen V, which focuses on young Supes attending Godolkin University to hone their powers.
It was previously announced that the upcoming season would be the final outing for the gang, and Antony has shared a heartfelt message on social media after production officially wrapped.
Taking to Instagram with a string of photos from his time as the head of the Supes, the 49-year-old began a lengthy post: ‘Ok. Been waiting a little to let things settle and try and process the end of this show.
‘Difficult (for me) to put into words what an incredible ride this has been. How much life and growth has occurred. How amazing the team is. It’s truly been the highlight of my career.
‘When we began, I had no idea what was coming. This juggernaut left the station and never stopped. Except for that Covid moment. Oh and the strikes. That was a thing too. But apart from those two times, it never stopped, boldly making its mark on the television landscape.
There’s nothing else like it. It lives in its own lane.
‘And at the end of the shoot, all there really is to say is – thank you. The incredible Canadian crew. The amazing production team. The insanely talented cast.
‘The people at Amazon and Sony that took a chance on this insane thing (and made the great choice in casting me) and all the other people that contributed in some way, big or small, to this beautiful, complex, warped, delicious show.’
‘I love this show. And I love this character. Truly,’ he continued. ‘I will dearly miss heading to work, knowing what we were aiming for but never knowing where we would find ourselves by the end of the day…only that we would have fun and it would be creatively rewarding in the extreme.
‘This complicated character allowed the space and range to discover and push boundaries in a way I never expected and I will always be grateful for this experience.
‘And of course huge gratitude to my co-parent with this twisted gem of a character – @erickripke1. We created a monster, sir. And I will miss him, and you. Til we roll out the last season. When I’ll see you.
‘But this creative chapter is closed , and I’ll miss it, brother.’
‘And finally – massive thank you to the fans. You are the life blood. Without you, we don’t get to do this. And our fans are second to none. Mad love to you….and deepest respect for your taste ;),’ he added.
‘Okidoke people. We cooked for the last time. Can’t wait to show you what we made. TIL that day, Homelander, signing off. Xo.’
Right on cue, Antony’s castmates and fans rushed to share sweet messages in the comments below, praising him for his efforts as the creepy villain.
Karen Fukuhara, who stars as Kimiko, replied: ‘What a f**king time we had. Grateful to have had this experience with you + greatly miss it already.’
Starlight actress Erin agreed: ‘A gift to get to watch your masterclass in acting, let alone boogie w you during it.’
A-Train’s Jessie penned: ‘You did a damn good job as Homelander.’
‘The best villain played by the best actor! You inspire me so much, looking forward to your next iconic role, we love you and we will support you forever,’ fan Elsie Bunny commented.
As Dynasty Reyes added: ‘You are literally the best person to play Homelander. You’ve brought him to life in a way I thought no actor could but you just proved how amazing and talented you are!
‘This is such an incredible show and cast. I love how you all were able to bring your characters to life and play them so well.’
The Boys became an instant hit when it arrived on Amazon Prime Video in 2019, leaving fans reeling with gory fights, graphic deaths and an unforgettable octopus sex scene.
It has not yet been confirmed when Homelander, Starlight and co will hit our screens for the final time, but season two of Gen V will be premiering on September 17, so we can get our Supe fix.
The Boys is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now.
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