Despite the fact that he’s playing the evil incarnation of Superman - the strongest man on earth - onThe Boys, Antony Starr explained why he believes Homelander is the weakest character on the show.Starr explained that the reason why he believes Homelander is the weakest character, despite physically being the strongest, is because of his desire to be loved. Being loved unconditionally loved was something Homelander never had growing up, which is why he craves it from the public.RELATED:Erin Moriarty Teases Big Change In The Boys Season 4Starr used Homelander’s scene where he talks to his own reflection to delve into Homelander’s weakness. “The mirror scene was really interesting because I’ve always looked at my guy as the weakest character on the show, despite being the strongest, right?” Starr then added how Homelander’s weakness has twisted his mind. “Because he craves connection, has always wanted that, the mirror came up, and so we created this imaginary friend character that little Homelander would have created that he’s kept with him through his life that’s gotten more warped as Homelander’s psyche got more warped.” Starr then went back to how it all stems from his traumatic childhood. “But at the base of it all is just - this is going to sound a little corny, bear with me - it’s just a little boy that wants love.”
The scene Starr talked about came during season 3 after Homelander wasnearly killed by Soldier Boy, Billy Butcher, and Hughie Campbell when they ambushed him during Herogasm. It was the first time in which Homelander had to confront his own mortality, which was something he believed was not in any danger knowing how his powers had previously made him believe that he was invincible. Homelander’s near-death experience clearly made his state of mind worse, knowing that all he wants, as Starr points out, is to be loved, on top of knowing that those who hate him are doing everything in their power to kill him.
Time will tell if this will be elaborated on furtherin season 4. Homelander knows full well that his enemies are getting closer to beating him and probably would have succeeded at the end of season 3 had it not been for his son, Ryan, intervening to inadvertently stop Butcher. Homelander may take comfort that Ryan is back in his good graces, but now he also knows that the time is ticking on exterminating his biggest foes before they kill him.
And that’s not the only thing Homelander will have on his mind. After murdering a Starlight supporter in broad daylight in front of many civilians,he may have to stand trialfor what he’s done. While his trial may very well put Vought’a future in jeopardy, the bigger ramifications is that, regardless of his punishment, Homelander realizes that his supporters will stand by him no matter what he does, meaning that it may potentially open season for the psychopathic supe.
