Antony Starr Reveals What Sets His G20 Villain Rutledge Apart From His Iconic The Boys Character Homelander

Antony Starr, acclaimed for his portrayal of the sinister Homelander in The Boys, has made a compelling return in the action-thriller G20 on Prime Video. Stepping into the shoes of Rutledge, a once-decorated military operative who has turned insurgent, Starr showcases a new facet of villainy. Unlike his previous role, Rutledge embodies a more relatable form of darkness, driven by deeply human motivations.

Starr's approach to portraying villains is nuanced, focusing on understanding their motivations rather than merely depicting them as evil. He emphasizes that from the villains' perspectives, their actions are justified. "Bad guys don't know that they're bad," Starr explains. "These characters are doing what they're doing because they believe it's the best thing to do." This insight into his character development process reveals Starr's commitment to bringing depth and complexity to his roles. In G20, this complexity is evident as Starr portrays Rutledge's actions as driven by a mix of personal grief and the trauma of war, including struggles with PTSD.

The actor also muses on the intriguing possibility of Rutledge and Homelander's interaction, suggesting that Rutledge would skillfully manipulate Homelander. Starr imagines a scenario reminiscent of the manipulative Gríma Wormtongue from Lord of the Rings, hinting at the psychological depth and cunning he brings to his characters. "Rutledge, I think he's smart enough that he would grease Homelander up and know how to manipulate him," Starr speculates, showcasing his deep engagement with both characters.

G20, under the direction of Patricia Riggen, features a star-studded ensemble including Viola Davis, Anthony Anderson, and Marsai Martin, among others. The film benefits from the combined efforts of producers Andrew Lazar, Viola Davis, and Julius Tennon, and represents a partnership between Amazon MGM Studios, MRC, Mad Chance Productions, and JuVee Productions. Since its premiere on April 10, the film has been accessible for streaming in over 240 countries and territories, exclusively on Prime Video.

The collaboration boasts a remarkable cast and crew, with Antony Starr's performance as Rutledge standing out as a testament to his versatility as an actor. His ability to delve into the psyche of his characters, understanding their motivations and portraying them with a human touch, sets him apart. G20 not only offers audiences an action-packed thriller but also a nuanced look at its antagonist, further solidifying Starr's reputation as a master of villainy.