Key Takeaways
- Antony Starr posted an Instagram carousel showing his exhaustion during a 12‑hour overnight shoot for The Boys Season 5.
- Jensen Ackles filmed the clip at 5 a.m., after filming began the previous evening at 5 p.m.
- The video captures Starr as Homelander looking visibly irritated while Ackles jokes and maintains a lighter mood.
- The scene depicts Homelander finally obtaining the V‑1 serum with Soldier Boy’s help, a pivotal plot point in Episode 6.
- Fans flooded the comments with Homelander‑themed memes, praising the payoff and joking about Starr’s right to feel any way he chooses.
- With only two episodes left in the final season, the BTS glimpse heightens anticipation for how the V‑1 acquisition will shape the show’s climax.
Antony Starr recently gave fans a candid look behind the scenes of The Boys Season 5 by sharing an Instagram carousel that documented a particularly grueling overnight shoot. The first slide in the carousel features a video shot by his co‑star Jensen Ackles, who portrays Soldier Boy in the series. Ackles is seen holding the camera as he turns it toward Starr, who is seated across from him looking visibly worn out. According to Ackles’s caption, the clip was filmed at 5 a.m., even though production had begun the previous evening at 5 p.m., meaning the crew had been on set for a full twelve hours. The timing underscores the demanding schedule that the show’s final season has imposed on its cast and crew as they race to wrap up the story.
In the video, Ackles asks Starr, “How do you feel, buddy?” Starr responds by shaking his head and displaying an exhausted expression that perfectly mirrors the weary, irritable demeanor of his character, Homelander. Despite the early hour, Ackles maintains a comparatively light‑hearted tone, joking with Starr and even pointing the camera toward the brightening sky to emphasize that dawn was breaking. The contrast between Ackles’s buoyant mood and Starr’s palpable fatigue highlights the different ways the two actors cope with long shooting days—while Ackles seems to draw energy from the camaraderie on set, Starr’s frustration is evident, offering fans a rare, unfiltered glimpse of the toll that portraying a supremely powerful yet morally corrupt superhero can take.
The footage was captured during the production of Episode 6, a chapter in which Homelander finally secures the V‑1 serum with the reluctant assistance of Soldier Boy. The V‑1, a potent variant of the compound that grants superhuman abilities, represents a major power shift for Homelander and has been a focal point of the season’s narrative buildup. Obtaining the serum not only amplifies his already formidable strength but also deepens the volatile alliance—and inevitable clash—between him and Soldier Boy, whose own agenda remains ambiguous. The twelve‑hour shoot likely involved complex stunt work, special‑effects preparations, and extensive dialogue as the characters negotiate the terms of the exchange. By sharing this behind‑the‑scenes moment, Starr inadvertently underscores how the high‑stakes narrative moments on screen are often matched by equally intense logistical challenges behind the camera.
The post quickly ignited a flurry of responses from The Boys’ devoted fanbase. Commenters flooded the carousel with Homelander‑themed memes and GIFs, riffing on Starr’s exhausted stare and the absurdity of a god‑like superhero complaining about a long day. One fan wrote, “Long day. At least it paid off. You found it,” directly referencing the V‑1 reveal in Episode 6. Another quipped, “He’s Homelander, he can feel however the f**k he wants,” celebrating the character’s unrestrained arrogance even in moments of vulnerability. The humor and affection evident in the replies demonstrate how deeply the audience connects with both the show’s over‑the‑top storytelling and the humanity of its actors, turning a simple behind‑the‑scenes clip into a communal joke.
With only two episodes left in the final season, the BTS glimpse serves as a timely reminder of the intense effort required to bring The Boys’ satirical superhero saga to a close. The acquisition of the V‑1 in Episode 6 is poised to shift the balance of power dramatically, setting the stage for the showdowns that will define the series’ conclusion. As fans stream the first six episodes on Prime Video, anticipation builds for how Homelander’s newfound advantage will influence his confrontations with Butcher, the Boys, and the remaining supes. Starr’s candid video not only humanizes the actor behind the cape but also amplifies the excitement surrounding the final chapters of a show that has consistently blended visceral action with sharp social commentary.