Ron DeSantis's Shocking Interview Prompts Startling Comparison to 'The Boys' Hero

Summary

Florida governor Ron DeSantis is being compared to the fictional character Homelander from The Boys due to their similar facial expressions.

The comparison extends beyond appearances and offers insight into DeSantis' right-wing ideology. DeSantis' controversies and actions mirror Homelander's character, illustrating a growing resistance to protests among right-wing leaders.

While answering questions about the upcoming GOP primary debate, Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor and presidential candidate, has been likened to Homelander, the antagonist from The Boys. The satirical superhero series on Prime Video has been known to mock American politics and pop culture, with Homelander serving as one of its strongest critiques. Despite possessing Superman-like powers, Homelander lacks the morality associated with the iconic superhero, leading to numerous comparisons with controversial real-life figures. The comparison between DeSantis and Homelander gained traction on social media, particularly due to the 2024 hopeful's facial tics during a recent line of questioning about the upcoming debate. Journalist Matt Binder even tweeted a viral side-by-side comparison of DeSantis and the fictional villain played by Antony Starr.

Why Homelander Is Often Compared To Right-Wing Leaders

The Boys, a popular television series, has generated numerous memes on social media featuring Homelander, a character known for actor Antony Starr's expressive face and chilling performance. However, the connection between Homelander and DeSantis extends beyond their similar facial expressions. This comparison reflects a deeper message about DeSantis' right-wing ideology. The show's creator, Eric Kripke, has previously described Homelander as a representation of former U.S. President Donald Trump, thereby illustrating the character's association with the current conservative party in the country.

DeSantis has recently faced numerous controversies, including his campaign sharing a video that criticized LGBTQ+ rights, as well as a now-dismissed staffer sharing a pro-DeSantis video that contained neo-Nazi imagery. Additionally, under his leadership, the state of Florida recently approved the use of videos from an unaccredited group in public schools that downplay the atrocities of slavery in American history. The governor's strong belief in American exceptionalism and affiliations with the far-right evoke unsettling similarities to Homelander.

In a well-known scene from season 3 of The Boys, Homelander shockingly murders a protestor and is surprisingly met with cheers from his supporters. This scene was widely praised for its commentary on the growing anti-protest sentiment exhibited by many right-wing leaders. DeSantis was among these leaders, as he signed legislation aimed at suppressing protests and providing legal protection to those who drive their vehicles into crowds of demonstrators. The Boys has been commended for its sharp and timely political satire within the superhero genre, and this comparison between DeSantis and Homelander serves as yet another example of its effectiveness.

Sources: Matt Binder/Twitter