Antony Starr Promises Deaths in The Boys Finale After Taking Dig at Stranger Things

Antony Starr has promised The Boys season 5 finale won't shy away from character deaths, taking a subtle dig at Stranger Things' controversial ending. According to an interview with Wired, the Homelander actor believes some recent series finales play it too safe — and he's determined his show won't make the same mistake.

What did Antony Starr say about series finales?

According to Wired, Starr acknowledged the impossible task of satisfying all fans but made his position clear on character mortality. "Has any show ever provided an ending that satisfies everyone? I don't know that you can, because everyone's different and everyone wants different things," he said.

Then came the pointed observation: "But something just finished — I won't say what — and nobody died. I was scratching my head at the end going, 'There's nowhere else to go. This is the end of the run. Kill some people.'"

While Starr didn't name names, the timing and context strongly suggest he was referring to Netflix's Stranger Things, which concluded earlier this year without killing off main characters.

Why The Boys finale will be different

Starr's comments align with showrunner Eric Kripke's previous warnings about the brutal finale ahead. "Don't get attached to any characters on this show because everyone's head is potentially on the block," Kripke has said.

This promise of consequences feels deliberately positioned against shows that pull their punches. Kripke himself has expressed anxiety about fan reception of the final season, suggesting major story decisions are coming.

Warning! Spoilers for Stranger Things follow:

The Stranger Things finale controversy explained

Stranger Things ended with Eleven apparently sacrificing herself to prevent future catastrophes, but the show left her fate deliberately ambiguous. The finale suggested she might have faked her death to live peacefully, avoiding the definitive character deaths fans expected.

Before the finale aired, co-creator Matt Duffer insisted it wouldn't be "Game of Thrones" with shocking deaths. "There's not going to be a Red Wedding situation," he said. "We're not trying to shock or upset anyone."

This approach divided fans who felt a definitive ending should include genuine stakes and consequences — exactly the criticism Starr seems to be making.

What this means for entertainment audiences

Starr's comments highlight a broader debate about series finales and audience expectations. Should endings prioritise fan comfort or narrative honesty? The Boys appears firmly in the latter camp.

The expectation for "shocking deaths" in every finale might be becoming limiting for writers, but Starr's argument suggests some stories genuinely require that level of commitment to consequences.

Where to watch in UAE

UAE viewers can stream The Boys on Amazon Prime Video, with all five seasons currently available, while Stranger Things is available on Netflix in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will characters die in The Boys finale?

Yes, Antony Starr and showrunner Eric Kripke have strongly indicated that there will be character deaths in the fifth and final season of The Boys.

Which show did Antony Starr imply had a disappointing finale due to no character deaths?

While Antony Starr didn't explicitly name it, the context and timing strongly suggest he was referring to Netflix's Stranger Things finale.

Did anyone actually die in Stranger Things finale?

Eleven appears to sacrifice herself but the ending suggests she may have faked her death, leaving her fate deliberately ambiguous rather than definitively killing main characters.

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