Homelander's Shocking Transformation: Antony Starr Becomes Andy Warhol in 'Samo Lives'

Get ready to do a double-take! Antony Starr, the actor we all know and love (or maybe fear) as Homelander in Prime Video's hit series The Boys, has made an utterly unrecognizable transformation into the iconic pop artist Andy Warhol for the upcoming Jean-Michel Basquiat biopic, Samo Lives.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on Antony Starr's Latest Role

• Antony Starr, famous for playing Homelander, is completely transformed into Andy Warhol for the Basquiat biopic Samo Lives.
• The film stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Jean-Michel Basquiat and explores his rise in the New York art scene, as well as his complex friendship with Warhol.
• Filming for Samo Lives has already wrapped, meaning we might see Starr's incredible performance before The Boys' fifth and final season premieres.

From Vought Tower to The Factory: Antony Starr's Stunning New Look

If you thought you knew Antony Starr, prepare to be absolutely floored. We've all gotten used to seeing him as the supremely narcissistic, cape-wearing Homelander, the unhinged leader of The Seven in The Boys. But his latest role is a dramatic departure, both in character and appearance.

New images from the set of Samo Lives show Starr as Andy Warhol, and honestly, you wouldn't know it was him without being told. He’s ditched the immaculate blond coif for silvery-gray, wavy hair and is sporting large glasses that obscure much of his face. Dressed in a blue turtleneck sweater, a black jacket, and blue jeans, he looks uncannily like the real Warhol, even carrying an album and a camera draped around his neck in some shots. It's a complete physical immersion into one of art history's most recognizable figures, a far cry from the terrifying supe fans are accustomed to.

Diving Deep into the NYC Art Scene with 'Samo Lives'

So, what exactly is Samo Lives all about? This highly anticipated biopic centers on the life and career of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a pivotal figure in the 1980s New York City art scene. The title itself is a clever nod to Basquiat’s early days as a graffiti artist, where he collaborated with a friend under the tag "SAMO," a shorthand for "same old."

The film aims to tell Basquiat's full story, from his beginnings creating thought-provoking graffiti on Lower Manhattan buildings in the late 1970s to his meteoric rise as a world-famous neo-expressionist painter. Born in Brooklyn in 1960 to a Haitian father and Puerto Rican mother, Basquiat's art often tackled complex themes of race, class, and identity with raw, expressive power. By 1983, he had become the youngest artist ever to exhibit at the prestigious Whitney Biennial.

Directed by Julius Onah, known for his critically acclaimed 2019 drama Luce (which also starred Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, Samo Lives promises to explore Basquiat's unique vision with the same vibrancy and invention found in his groundbreaking work. Onah co-wrote the screenplay with Peter Glanz, his collaborator on the Captain America film.

The Unlikely Friendship of Warhol and Basquiat

A significant part of Basquiat's story, and a key element of Samo Lives, is his fascinating and, at times, turbulent friendship with Andy Warhol. The two artists were introduced in 1982 by art dealer Bruno Bischofberger. Despite their different generations and artistic approaches – Warhol the established pop art master, Basquiat the fiery young prodigy – they formed a deep bond. This connection wasn't just personal; it was also highly collaborative, leading to more than 150 joint works.

Their unlikely partnership captured the imagination of the art world, merging Warhol's commercial savvy and iconic imagery with Basquiat's raw energy and social commentary. Tragically, their friendship was cut short. Warhol died suddenly in February 1987 following complications from a gallbladder operation. Just 18 months later, Basquiat himself passed away at the young age of 27 from an accidental heroin overdose, leaving behind a colossal legacy that continues to influence artists globally and fetch millions at auction houses like Sotheby's.

"I love this show. And I love this character. Truly. I will dearly miss heading to work... 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."

— Antony Starr on his emotional farewell to The Boys

An Impressive Ensemble Cast Bringing Art History to Life

Beyond the incredible pairing of Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Basquiat and Antony Starr as Warhol, Samo Lives boasts a truly stacked cast, promising a rich tapestry of characters from the vibrant 1980s art world. Kelvin Harrison Jr., who previously impressed audiences in films like Cyrano and the A24 drama Waves, and is set to appear in an upcoming Hunger Games film, is sure to deliver a powerful performance as Basquiat.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the cast is Oscar nominee Jeffrey Wright, who will also appear in the film. Interestingly, Wright himself played Basquiat in Julian Schnabel’s acclaimed 1996 biopic Basquiat, making his involvement in Samo Lives a unique full-circle moment. While character details for most of the ensemble are still under wraps, the lineup includes a mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans:

• Danny Ramirez (Top Gun: Maverick)
• Dane DeHaan (Oppenheimer)
• Kathryn Newton (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania)
• Thomas Kretschmann (King Kong)
• Lukas Gage (The White Lotus)
• Chase Sui Wonders (The Studio)
• Lucy Fry (Godfather of Harlem)
• Yolonda Ross (The Chi)
• Priah Ferguson (Stranger Things)
• Phillip Johnson Richardson (Sharper)
• Michael Angelo Covino (The Climb)
• Samiya Allen-Graham (Lodged)

The film is produced and financed by Fifth Season and Macro Film Studios, with Julius Onah, John Baker, Rob Feng, Eric Ro, James Lopez, and Charles D. King serving as producers. Kelvin Harrison Jr., Charles Miller, Sterling Brim, and DC Wade are the executive producers.

Behind the Scenes: Filming Locations and Production Insights

Excitingly for film buffs and locals alike, production for Samo Lives has already wrapped! Filming took place across various locations in Hudson County, New Jersey, turning parts of Hoboken and Jersey City into the bustling New York of the 1980s. Crews were spotted in Jersey City Heights in September 2025, and later in Hoboken on Garden Street and at the popular restaurant Dino + Harry's on October 14th and 15th, 2025.

Hudson County has become a popular spot for both independent and major film productions. Its close proximity to New York City, combined with diverse architecture and recognizable cityscapes, offers authentic urban settings without the higher costs often associated with filming in Manhattan. It's a testament to the area's versatility that it could so effectively recreate the gritty, artistic vibe of Basquiat's era.

When Can You Catch Antony Starr's Andy Warhol on the Big Screen?

While filming is complete, an official release date for Samo Lives hasn't been announced yet. However, there's a strong possibility that audiences could see Antony Starr's portrayal of Andy Warhol before they get their final dose of Homelander! The Boys' fifth and final season recently wrapped production as well, with a tentative premiere slated for 2026 on Amazon's Prime Video. Starr himself shared an emotional farewell message on Instagram for his time as Homelander, calling the experience "the highlight" of his career and expressing gratitude for the character's range.

This means Samo Lives could hit theaters or streaming platforms sometime in late 2025 or early 2026, potentially giving us a look at Starr's artistic side before we say goodbye to his superhero alter ego. It's an incredible opportunity for fans to see the actor stretch his talents in a dramatically different, real-life role. Keep your eyes peeled for more news on both projects!

Frequently Asked Questions About 'Samo Lives' What is Samo Lives about? Samo Lives is a biopic detailing the life and artistic journey of Jean-Michel Basquiat, from his early graffiti art days under the tag "SAMO" to his rise as a celebrated neo-expressionist painter in the New York City art scene, including his significant friendship with Andy Warhol. Who plays Jean-Michel Basquiat in Samo Lives? Kelvin Harrison Jr. takes on the leading role of Jean-Michel Basquiat. When is Samo Lives expected to be released? An official release date has not been announced, but filming has wrapped. It's possible the film could be released before The Boys' final season in 2026. Where was Samo Lives filmed? The movie was filmed in various locations across Hudson County, New Jersey, including parts of Hoboken and Jersey City, which stood in for 1980s New York City. Sources

• TV Insider - ‘The Boys’ Star Antony Starr Is Unrecognizable as Andy Warhol for Basquiat Biopic ‘Samo Lives’
• Deadline - ‘Samo Lives’: Danny Ramirez, Dane DeHaan, Kathryn Newton, Antony Starr & More Join Kelvin Harrison Jr. In Basquiat Biopic As Production Wraps
• Entertainment Weekly - Antony Starr is unrecognizable as Andy Warhol in Basquiat biopic Samo Lives
• ScreenRant - Antony Starr Unrecognizable As Andy Warhol In Basquiat Biopic Samo Lives
• Hoboken Girl - ‘Samo Lives’ Biopic Begins Filming Across Hudson County