Movies News Talk
With startling turns, character deaths, and an amazing mid-credits scene, The Boys Season 4 finale left viewers reeling. The news of Soldier Boy's comeback shocked and confused Homelander one of the biggest surprises. In a recent interview with TVLine, Antony Starr, who plays Homelander, explores the ramifications of this unplanned meeting, so clarifying the intricate dynamics between the two characters.
Starr underlines that Homelander's response to seeing Soldier Boy is a complicated one full of contradictory feelings and uncertainty. Deep need for his father's love and approval has defined Homelander's path. Soldier Boy has regularly turned him down, though, seeing him as weak and unworthy. Homelander's awareness that the father he so sorely needed approval from also tried to kill him clearly shows the influence of the scene.
Starr profoundly captures the state of Homelander as "a loaded moment. You know those times in life when you know something very strong is happening but you cannot process events in the moment?" Homelander knows what's happening, he underlines, but he is paralyzed by the emotional weight of the circumstances. " Personally, I didn't want to take it further than, 'Wow, what does that mean?'" the actor notes, stressing the uncertainty of this moment. It has loads. Though as to what it implies, I'm not sure. It's rather packed. Still not sure. Since I don't think the character should know, Antony doesn't know what that meant for him."
The Boys universe's terrain has changed dramatically with the ending for Season 4. The heroes have an uphill fight in Season 5 with Neuman dead, the Boys imprisoned, Ryan siding with Vought, and Homelander essentially under control the American president. Soldier Boy's comeback throws a layer of uncertainty over the story and begs questions about his part in the next season.
Although Homelander's biological father is Soldier Boy, their relationship is unlike traditional. Almost succeeding in his goal, Butcher hires Soldier Boy to kill Homelander in Season 3. Homelander struggles with contradictory feelings toward Soldier Boy despite his behavior—yearning for his father's affection. Soldier Boy, on the other hand, writes Homelander as weak and unable of offering the expected love and respect.
Soldier Boy's arrival in Season 5 creates some interesting avenues. Driven by his need for approval, Homelander could try to persuade Soldier Boy over by displaying his newly acquired force and influence. On the other hand, Homelander's insecurity and instability could cause him to destroy Soldier Boy, so guaranteeing no one questions his authority. The writers of the show have deftly spun a convoluted and gripping narrative, and Soldier Boy's comeback looks to be essential for the last episode.