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Antony Starr penned an emotional goodbye to his “The Boys” character Homelander on Wednesday as the Amazon series wrapped production on its fifth and final season, calling the experience “the highlight of my career.”

In a lengthy Instagram caption alongside behind-the-scenes photos from the superhero satire, Starr said he’s “been waiting a little to let things settle and process the end of this show” before posting.

“Difficult (for me) to put into words what an incredible ride this has been. How much life and growth has occurred. How amazing the team is. It’s truly been the highlight of my career,” Starr wrote. “When we began, I had no idea what was coming. This juggernaut left the station and never stopped. Except for that Covid moment. Oh and the strikes. That was a thing too. But apart from those two times, it never stopped, boldly making its mark on the television landscape. There’s nothing else like it. It lives in its own lane.”

With production on the final season having wrapped, Starr then handed out thank yous to “the incredible Canadian crew. The amazing production team. The insanely talented cast. The people at Amazon and Sony that took a chance on this insane thing(and made the great choice in casting me😂)and all the other people that contributed in some way, big or small, to this beautiful, complex, warped, delicious show.”

Of playing Homelander, the extremely powerful and egotistical leader of corrupt superhero group The Seven, Starr said: “This complicated character allowed the space and range to discover and push boundaries in a way I never expected and I will always be grateful for this experience.”

He then thanked showrunner Eric Kripke, who he called his “co-parent with this twisted gem of a character.”

“We created a monster, sir. And I will miss him, and you,” he continued. “Til we roll out the last season. When I’ll see you. But this creative chapter is closed , and I’ll miss it, brother.”

Finally, Starr gave a “massive thank you to the fans. You are the life blood. Without you, we don’t get to do this. And our fans are second to none. Mad love to you….and deepest respect for your taste.”

He concluded: “Okidoke people. We cooked for the last time. Can’t wait to show you what we made. TIL that day, Homelander, signing off.”

“The Boys” first debuted in 2019 and has received both commercial and critical acclaim, landing eight Emmy nominations including for outstanding drama series. Though the final season of “The Boys” isn’t expected to air until next year, spinoff series “Gen V” — which follows college-aged supes — is set to premiere its second season on Sept. 17.

For fans, the farewell to Homelander feels bittersweet. While many have grown to loathe the character’s actions on screen, Starr’s performance has been universally praised for bringing complexity, charisma, and menace to one of television’s most terrifying antiheroes. His ability to humanize a villain while keeping audiences at the edge of their seats has cemented Homelander as one of the most iconic TV characters of the last decade.

The show’s impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. “The Boys” flipped the superhero genre on its head by deconstructing the idealized image of caped saviors and exposing the corruption, greed, and violence that could come with unchecked power. In many ways, Homelander became the face of this critique — a dark mirror to traditional superheroes who always saved the day. By showing what happens when absolute power meets fragile ego, the series forced viewers to reflect on real-world parallels of authority and celebrity.

Starr’s farewell also reminds fans of the unique bond between actors and their characters. For five seasons, he lived in the skin of Homelander, shaping his movements, tone, and psychological depth. It is no small task to say goodbye to such a role, especially one that has defined a major portion of his career. Many actors struggle with closure after embodying such intense characters, and Starr’s emotional words suggest that Homelander will remain a part of him long after the cameras stop rolling.

Looking forward, the franchise still has life beyond Starr’s exit. With “Gen V” returning and talks of other spinoffs, Amazon clearly sees “The Boys” universe as fertile ground for continued storytelling. However, the absence of Homelander will mark a turning point, forcing writers to explore new villains, dynamics, and power struggles. For fans, the question will be whether anyone can fill the void left by such a commanding presence.

In the end, Starr’s gratitude highlights the collaborative spirit that made “The Boys” special. From castmates to crew, producers to fans, the show thrived because of its fearless willingness to push boundaries while never forgetting the people who brought it to life. His message serves not just as a goodbye but as a celebration of creativity, courage, and connection.