Prime Video’s Emmy-winning satirical superhero series “The Boys” follows a group of misfit vigilantes who call themselves “The Boys” who fight corrupt superpowered people called “The Seven.”
For the show’s fourth season, show creator Eric Kripke wants to give a helpful warning about following the wrong leaders, especially when it comes to those who strive to divide people, like Homelander, the most powerful “Seven,” who believes that humans should be subservient to super-powered individuals.
“This reflects very well where we are now. The point I think the show is trying to make is that there’s this intense polarization, this sort of us versus them, demonization of the other side, this idea that there can only be one winner and one loser,” Kripke said.
“What the show is trying to prove is that we are all being manipulated into this position through algorithms and social media. And misinformation and billionaires and politicians, because it benefits them financially and politically, to have all of us angry at each other,” he added.
The fourth season stars Antony Starr, who plays Homelander, the petty leader of the “Seven,” Karl Urban as William Bruto, the uptight leader of the “Boys,” Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, Chace Crawford, Laz Alonso, Tomer Capone, Jessie T. Usher and Karen Fukuhara.
This season, which premieres this Thursday (13), addresses heavy political topics such as abortion, racism, feminism and other issues that are also points of contention in the 2024 US elections.
The story is inspired by an arc in the comic book that follows a fictional presidential election that leads to a plot to overthrow the president.
Captain Patria takes on a strong voice that highlights the political right, while Luz-Estrela, played by “Jessica Jones” actress Moriarty, highlights the political left, particularly defending women’s rights this season.
“I want female characters who are as flawed as they are powerful,” Moriarty said.
“I want them to exist because otherwise these powerful women in real life won’t exist,” she added.
Antony Starr, who is from New Zealand, is fascinated by the psychology of his character Homelander and how Season 4 of “The Boys” explores its super-powered antagonist like never before.
“It comes down to isolation. He is the loneliest man in the world because he believes there is no one like him. So, it’s always about trying to find connection and trying to find a way out of this prison,” Starr said.
“Let’s go home and find out what this was like for this guy and why he is what he is,” the actor added.
Homelander coming to terms with his mortality is a central focus.
“He is disgusted by the parts of him that are human, but because he is human, those parts are inevitable and keep coming up,” Kripke said.
*With reporting by Danielle Broadway and Rollo Ross; and editing by Reuters’ Mary Milliken and Nick Zieminski
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
