For months, fans have speculated that Antony Starr, best known for his terrifying yet charismatic portrayal of Homelander in The Boys, could be making the leap to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Many believed he was the perfect choice for Wolverine, while others thought he could bring a villainous edge to iconic Marvel antagonists like Doctor Doom or Sentry.

But all of that speculation came crashing down when Starr bluntly rejected the idea with a brutal 11-word response—leaving Marvel fans devastated.

So, what exactly did he say? Why is he shutting down the possibility? And is there still a chance we might see him in a Marvel film one day?

Let’s break it all down.

🔥 Antony Starr’s 11-Word Response That Ended MCU Speculation—For Now

In a recent interview, Starr was asked directly about the possibility of joining the MCU. Fans expected him to dodge the question, tease a future project, or at least leave the door open.

Instead, he shut it down completely with a cold and direct response:

“I have no interest in joining the MCU. That’s not me.”

Just 11 words, but they were enough to crush fans’ hopes of seeing him as a Marvel character anytime soon.

The internet exploded with reactions. Some were disappointed, others were frustrated, and a few respected his honesty—but one thing was clear: Starr doesn’t seem to want anything to do with Marvel.

But why?

🧐 Why Is Antony Starr Rejecting the MCU? Here Are the Possible Reasons

At first glance, it’s shocking that one of Hollywood’s hottest actors would outright reject Marvel, given the massive financial and career opportunities it provides.

But digging deeper, Starr’s MCU rejection actually makes a lot of sense.

1️⃣ He Values Creative Freedom Over a Strict Franchise

One of the biggest complaints actors have about joining Marvel is the strict contracts, long commitments, and lack of creative freedom.

For someone like Starr—who thrives on complex, morally ambiguous roles like Homelander—the idea of being locked into a multi-movie deal might feel too restrictive.

Marvel actors often have to:
✔️ Follow the studio’s strict script and vision
✔️ Commit to years of playing the same role
✔️ Avoid taking other projects that could interfere with their MCU schedule

For an actor who loves exploring darker, more unpredictable characters, Marvel’s structured storytelling might feel too safe or limiting.

2️⃣ He’s Already the Face of an Iconic Superhero (Homelander)

Let’s be real—Antony Starr is Homelander.

His performance in The Boys is so perfectly unhinged, terrifying, and compelling that it’s hard to imagine him as anyone else in the superhero world.

And Starr might feel the same way.

Jumping from one major superhero franchise to another could:
🔹 Overshadow his work as Homelander
🔹 Lead to comparisons between his characters
🔹 Dilute the impact of his performance in The Boys

For some actors, playing multiple superhero roles works (Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool & Green Lantern, Chris Evans as Captain America & Human Torch).

But for someone as deeply connected to a single character as Starr is to Homelander, he might prefer to keep that legacy untouched.

3️⃣ He Prefers Smaller, Grittier Projects Over Blockbusters

Starr has never been the type of actor who chases massive Hollywood blockbusters.

His filmography is filled with character-driven dramas, dark thrillers, and unique TV shows rather than big-budget franchises.

Marvel movies, while exciting, are often massive CGI spectacles with huge ensemble casts, and that might not appeal to him as much as:
✔️ Smaller, more intimate roles
✔️ Gritty storytelling with mature themes
✔️ Characters that don’t have to fit into a larger cinematic universe

Starr is the kind of actor who values storytelling over spectacle, and that could explain his disinterest in joining the MCU.

💭 Is There ANY Chance He Could Change His Mind?

Even though Starr has publicly dismissed the MCU, history has shown that actors can and do change their minds.

Here’s why there’s still hope:

🔹 Money Talks – Marvel has a history of offering massive contracts that even the most reluctant actors can’t refuse. If they really want Starr, they’ll make it worth his time.

🔹 Right Role, Right Time – If Marvel presents him with a character that excites him creatively, he might reconsider. A dark, complex villain like Doctor Doom or Sentry could be intriguing enough for him to join.

🔹 The Boys Won’t Last Forever – The Boys is a massive hit, but it won’t run forever. Once it ends, Starr might be more open to new opportunities, including Marvel.

We’ve seen actors go from rejecting Marvel to fully embracing it—Christian Bale, Ethan Hawke, and even Joaquin Phoenix all once dismissed superhero roles before eventually taking them.

So while Starr’s 11-word rejection was brutal, it might not be the final word on his MCU future.

🎬 Final Thoughts: Will Antony Starr Ever Join the MCU?

Right now, Antony Starr seems completely uninterested in joining the MCU, and his blunt rejection has left fans disappointed.

🚫 He values creative freedom over franchise commitments
🚫 He’s already the definitive Homelander
🚫 He prefers dark, gritty roles over CGI-heavy blockbusters

But…

🔥 Money, time, and the right role could change everything
🔥 The end of The Boys could make him more open to new opportunities
🔥 Marvel has a way of turning skeptics into believers

So while his MCU future looks unlikely right now, never say never.