Antony Starr Shoots Down Hopes of Playing Iconic Video Game Character

March 30, 2026 - 13:02

Actor Antony Starr has publicly dismissed recent fan speculation and campaigns casting him as the live-action version of video game icon Handsome Jack from the Borderlands franchise. The star, renowned for his chilling portrayal of the narcissistic superhero Homelander in the hit series The Boys, suggested that taking on another famously psychotic blonde character might be overkill.

Starr humorously acknowledged the physical resemblance and shared penchant for villainy between the two characters, but ultimately shot down the hopes of eager gamers. His reasoning was succinct: portraying two distinct yet similarly murderous and charismatic blonde antagonists could risk blending the roles or typecasting him in a narrow niche.

While fans have long championed Starr as the perfect fit for the charismatic and ruthless CEO of the Hyperion Corporation, the actor's comments indicate he is keen to explore roles that diverge from this now-signature archetype. This decision leaves the potential casting for a live-action Handsome Jack, a role long rumored for various adaptations, wide open for another performer to potentially claim. Starr's commitment to avoiding repetition demonstrates a strategic focus on his career's longevity and variety, even if it means disappointing a segment of his dedicated fanbase.