Antony Starr, the acclaimed actor renowned for his chilling portrayal of the megalomaniac superhero Homelander in Prime Video's hit series The Boys, is embarking on a dramatic career shift. The New Zealand star has secured a leading role in Netflix's forthcoming surfing drama, Breakers, marking a significant departure from the dark, violent world of superheroes.
A Complete Character Transformation
Starr, who has captivated audiences across all four seasons of The Boys with his performance as the clean-cut yet psychotic Homelander, will now immerse himself in the sun-drenched, wave-riding culture of Australia. In Breakers, he is set to portray a character named Brando, though specific details about whether he will be one of the two backpacking friends or the enigmatic leader of a surfer community remain under wraps. This role promises to showcase a vastly different side of the actor's range, far removed from the super-powered antagonist that has defined his recent career.
Behind the Scenes of the New Netflix Series
The upcoming series is being developed with considerable creative firepower. Pete Jackson, known for his work on The Death of Bunny Munro, is at the helm as the director. Production is handled by BBC Studios' Clerkenwell Films, the acclaimed team behind streaming sensations like Baby Reindeer and The End of the F***ing World, ensuring a pedigree of quality and compelling storytelling.
Episodes will be directed by Mary Nighy, whose credits include Say Nothing and Industry, and Ng Choon Ping, recognised for What It Feels Like for a Girl and Femme. The executive production team features Gavin O'Grady, associated with Somewhere Boy and This Way Up, alongside Petra Fried and Wim De Greef, both instrumental in the success of Baby Reindeer and The End of the F***ing World.
Plot Details and Production Status
The official synopsis for Breakers reveals: "Two best friends go backpacking in Australia and are soon drawn into a seemingly perfect community of surfers led by a charismatic but mysterious figure." While plot specifics and a release date are currently sparse, the series is actively in production in Western Australia, with Starr being the only actor confirmed to be attached so far. Images from the set have yet to be released, but fans can anticipate a stark visual contrast from Starr's Homelander persona.
Balancing Projects: The Boys Final Season and Beyond
This new venture coincides with a pivotal moment in Starr's career. He is preparing to reprise his role as Homelander for the fifth and final season of The Boys, which premieres on Prime Video on 8th April with a two-part launch, followed by six weekly episodes concluding on 20th May. The final season promises another intense showdown between Homelander and his adversaries, Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) and Hughie (Jack Quaid), with new cast additions including Hamilton star Daveed Diggs.
Furthermore, Starr's recent projects highlight his versatility. Just months ago, he was spotted filming in New York City for the upcoming biopic Samo Lives, where he appears nearly unrecognisable as pop artist Andy Warhol, complete with facial prosthetics and signature white hair. Directed by Julius Onah, the film stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Jean-Michel Basquiat alongside a stellar cast including Danny Ramirez, Dane DeHaan, Kathryn Newton, Chase Sui Wonders, and Jeffrey Wright.
Netflix's Breakers does not yet have a confirmed release date, but with its compelling premise and talented ensemble behind the scenes, it is poised to be a noteworthy addition to the streaming landscape, offering audiences a fresh perspective on Antony Starr's acting capabilities.
