Florida governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis attracts comparisons to The Boys‘ antagonist, Homelander, whereas answering questions in regards to the upcoming GOP main debate. Prime Video’s satirical superhero sequence has skewered the present state of American politics and popular culture because it premiered in 2019, and lots of of its strongest jabs have come by way of the character of Homelander. Possessing the powers of Superman however none of his goodness, Homelander’s brutal character has drawn quite a few comparisons to controversial actual life figures.

Customers on social media have been fast to match the 2024 hopeful’s facial tics throughout a latest line of questioning in regards to the upcoming GOP debate to that of Homelander from The Boys. In a now-viral tweet, journalist Matt Binder posted a side-by-side comparability of DeSantis and the fictional villain portrayed by Antony Starr.

The video in Binder’s tweet zeroes in on a particular second the place DeSantis appears to be like uncannily like Homelander. By zooming in on each faces, the video highlights these minute facial expressions that recall The Boys‘ antagonist.

Why Homelander Is Typically In contrast To Proper-Wing Leaders

A number of Homelander scenes from The Boys have change into in style memes on social media, largely resulting from Starr’s expressive face and total chilling efficiency. Nevertheless, the linking of DeSantis to Homelander runs deeper than simply having related facial expressions. The comparability accommodates an underlying commentary about DeSantis’ right-wing ideology. The Boys showrunner Eric Kripke has acknowledged prior to now that he is all the time considered Homelander as an analogue for former U.S. President Donald Trump, so the character has lengthy represented the nation’s present conservative celebration.

DeSantis has not too long ago been the topic of quite a few controversies, together with his marketing campaign sharing a video attacking LGBTQ+ rights and considered one of his now-fired staffers sharing one other pro-DeSantis video that included neo-Nazi imagery. Below his management, the state of Florida additionally not too long ago accepted using movies by an unaccredited group in public colleges that downplay the horrors of slavery all through American historical past. The governor’s American exceptionalism ideology and ties to the far-right are eerily harking back to Homelander.

In a well-known scene from The Boys season 3, Homelander murders a protestor and, to his shock, is cheered on by his supporters. This scene was praised for its commentary on the rising anti-protest sentiment displayed by many right-wing leaders. DeSantis was amongst leaders who signed anti-protest laws into legislation, granting civil immunity to those that drive their automobiles into crowds of protestors. The Boys has acquired a lot approval for bringing sharp and related political satire to the superhero style, and this DeSantis and Homelander comparability is one other instance of why.

Sources: Matt Binder/Twitter