Antony Starr Says He's Too Old to Play Wesker at 50, Despite Fan Pressure
The Boys star dismisses fan casting campaigns for Resident Evil's Wesker, citing his age as the main barrier. Despite co-star Jensen Ackles' endorsement and fan enthusiasm, Starr admits he knows little about the iconic villain beyond sharing blonde hair.
Antony Starr has addressed persistent fan campaigns to cast him as Resident Evil villain Wesker, but the 50-year-old actor believes he's too old for the role. As reported by Comicbook.com, Starr admits he knows little about the character beyond fan comparisons to his blonde-haired supervillain Homelander from The Boys.
Key Takeaways
- Antony Starr believes he's too old at 50 to play Resident Evil's Wesker, despite persistent fan requests.
- The actor admits he knows little about the Wesker character beyond fan comparisons to his Homelander role.
- Jensen Ackles supports the fan casting, calling Starr 'perfect' for the Wesker role.
- Zach Cregger's upcoming Resident Evil reboot won't feature existing game characters like Wesker.
- Starr attributes the fan casting primarily to Homelander's blonde hair, which he's since changed.
Why fans want Starr as Wesker
The fan casting movement stems largely from Starr's commanding performance as Homelander in The Boys. Fans see parallels between the blonde-haired, morally corrupt superhero and Resident Evil's iconic antagonist Albert Wesker. The character's menacing presence and calculated villainy seem tailor-made for Starr's particular brand of unsettling charisma.
At a recent convention, Starr initially seemed receptive to playing Wesker when asked by a fan. However, he later clarified this was simply his standard response as an actor from New Zealand, where opportunities are limited.
Starr's honest assessment of the role
"I don't even know what it is, man," Starr admitted when discussing the Wesker character. He explained his initial enthusiasm was more about professional instinct than genuine knowledge of the role. "I'm an actor from New Zealand, and if people offer you a job you go yeah, cuz there's not many jobs in New Zealand," he said.
The actor believes age is the primary barrier to taking on Wesker. "So people keep bringing this up. The only thing I have in common with that is blonde hair, which I've gotten rid of as you can see. I think you probably need someone younger. I'm 50."
Support from The Boys co-star
Not everyone agrees with Starr's age concerns. Jensen Ackles, who plays Soldier Boy alongside Starr in The Boys, enthusiastically endorsed the potential casting. "That would be amazing. I would watch it," Ackles said when asked about Starr playing Wesker.
Many fans share Ackles' sentiment, arguing that 50 isn't too old for a character like Wesker, especially given Starr's proven ability to embody menacing authority figures. The Resident Evil franchise has always featured mature antagonists, making age less of a concern for the role.
The reality of upcoming Resident Evil adaptations
Even if Starr changed his mind about age restrictions, current Resident Evil film projects wouldn't accommodate the casting. Zach Cregger's upcoming reboot deliberately avoids existing game characters, including Wesker.
Cregger has stated his film will be "obedient to the lore of the games" while telling an entirely new story. "I'm not going to tell Leon's story, because Leon's story is told in the games," the director explained. This approach means established villains like Wesker won't appear in the immediate future of Resident Evil cinema.
What's next for Starr
While Wesker remains a fan fantasy, Starr has confirmed his next project: playing artist Andy Warhol in 'Samo Lives', a biopic about Jean-Michel Basquiat. The role represents a dramatic departure from his superhero villain persona, requiring spectacles and a white wig instead of a cape and blonde hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Antony Starr playing Wesker?
No, Antony Starr is not cast as Wesker. He has downplayed fan suggestions, citing his age at 50 and unfamiliarity with the character. No official casting has been announced for any upcoming Resident Evil films featuring Wesker.
Why do fans want Antony Starr to play Wesker?
Fans suggest Starr due to his performance as blonde-haired supervillain Homelander in The Boys. They believe his commanding presence and ability to portray calculated evil make him ideal for Resident Evil's iconic antagonist Albert Wesker.
What is the next Resident Evil movie about?
Zach Cregger's upcoming Resident Evil reboot will be 'obedient to the lore of the games' but tells a completely new story. It won't feature established characters like Leon or Wesker, as Cregger believes those stories are already told in the games.
How old is Antony Starr?
Antony Starr is 50 years old. He believes this makes him too old to play Wesker, though co-star Jensen Ackles and many fans disagree, arguing his age wouldn't be a barrier for the role.
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