Homelander (Antony Starr) looking sideways in The Boys season 4, episode 3.

Anthony Starr’s performance in The Boys season 4 has fans online giving strong reactions. Starr plays the role of Homelander in The Boys, the leader of the Seven and an all-controlling force at Vought and within the show’s world. In The Boys season 4, Starr’s Homelander is joined by a leading cast that includes Karl Urban as Billy Butcher, Jack Quaid as Hughie Campbell, Erin Moriarity as Starlight, Jessie T. Usher as A-Train, Laz Alonso as Mother’s Milk, Chace Crawford as The Deep, and Tomer Capone as Frenchie.

Now, audiences are reacting strongly to Starr’s Homelander performance in The Boys season 4. Specifically, fans called out Starr’s performance in episode 4, which floored a number of viewers. Audiences are calling for Starr to be nominated for Emmys and other awards for his stirring performance in the latest, shocking episode. Multiple viewers specifically called out Starr’s Homelander laugh in one scene as a standout part of the episode. Check out some of their responses below:

Some were quick to point out how long overdue awards recognition is for Starr, who has never been nominated for an Emmy for his role in The Boys. This includes @anthonystarrgifs, who said that they “still have no words” in reaction to the previous episode.

Echoing this sentiment, @ReelRhapsody says “GIVE ANTHONY STARR ALL THE AWARDS.”

@AmanVats01 specifically calls out Starr’s maniacal laugh in the episode, saying that the actor is “f*ckin wild for this laugh.”


Others point to a bloodsoaked moment, that includes a quiet shot of Homelander’s back in an elevator. @PETITEHUGHIE noted that there is an “uneasy feeling this gives without any words.”

As in the case of previous viewers, @Vahni_7 also points out Starr’s laugh in The Boys season 4, episode 4, and says that the actor deserves an Emmy.

@scenesoftheboys calls episode 4 “one of the most unhinged episodes in television history,” and praises Starr’s performance.

@zerowontmiss writes simply that “Homelander is HIM.”

The laugh is still a particular obsession among fans, such as @musstmelonn, who says “That evil laugh from homelander is going to be iconic in coming years.”

Why Starr Is The Best Part of The Boys

Homelander Makes For A Terrifying Villain

Homelander laughing with his mouth wide open in The Boys season 4 episode 4.

The Boys season 4, episode 4 is only a further continuation of the already-unhinged character of Homelander. In The Boys season 3, audiences were introduced to just how ruthless the character could be, confronted by the Supe’s violent visions and his often equally violent actions. The start of season 4 saw Homelander in a more dialed-back form, as he was exhausted with all the pushovers who surrounded him, obeying his every whim. Episode 4 returns Homelander to his utterly unhinged season 3 form.

Starr is giving one of the best performances of the year, as was universally recognized by those who saw the episode. In The Boys, Starr has the challenge of giving over-the-top performances without seeming overwrought and exhausting. He does this stunningly throughout the series, providing a chilling performance with a measured dialogue delivery that still makes Homelander seem grounded.