Antony Starr Transforms Paint-By-Numbers G20 Villain into a Compelling Character in New Action Thriller

G20 – A Thrilling New Film from Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video has unveiled its latest film, G20, a gripping drama that explores an audacious terrorist attack on one of the world’s most pivotal annual economic forums. This intense narrative, directed by Patricia Riggen—whose previous works include The 33 and Under the Same Moon—centers on United States President Danielle Sutton, portrayed by Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis. As chaos erupts at the summit, Sutton must protect not only her family but also her fellow global leaders from the imminent threat.

In this dramatic landscape, Davis is pitted against the character Rutledge, a military veteran turned terrorist leader played by Antony Starr. Renowned for his chilling role as Homelander in The Boys, Starr brings a nuanced complexity to Rutledge, exploring deeper layers of the character that resonate with audiences. His ability to infuse humanity into villainous roles makes them compelling, even when they evoke unease.

Character Development: Bringing Rutledge to Life

In an insightful conversation with ScreenRant, Starr disclosed the intricacies involved in his portrayal of Rutledge. Following his initial reading of the script, he emphasized a collaborative approach with director Patricia Riggen, stating, “When I first read the script… I said, ‘Okay, the character, for me, is not quite on the page yet.'” This commitment to character development proved essential for creating a well-rounded villain.

“We fleshed [the character of Rutledge] out a lot,” Starr recalled, highlighting the creative dialogue between himself and Riggen. Their partnership focused on constructing a believable character backstory, where “there’s a life that has been lived that’s led to this moment,” ultimately enriching the narrative. This depth significantly influences Rutledge’s complex relationship with President Sutton, as Starr reflects, “she got everything that I wanted, and I lost everything.” This emotional underpinning makes Rutledge a tragically relatable antagonist.

The Man Behind the Villain

While Antony Starr captivates audiences with his portrayal of antagonists, he insists that his off-screen persona is rather ordinary. When discussing public perceptions, he quipped, “The funny thing is, I get a lot of people that say, ‘Oh, I was really scared to meet you, but you’re normal.'” This humorous contrast emphasizes Starr’s intention to separate his real self from his characters.

He further elaborated on the allure of villainy in performance, noting that, “playing the bad guy is such a safe zone.” He believes that everyone harbors both light and dark aspects within them, making it intriguing to delve into these themes on screen. “Exploring [darkness]… is doable because it’s safe—because it’s not real,” he remarked, indicating a conscious choice to engage with the complexities of human nature.

G20 is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, offering audiences a unique blend of suspense, drama, and character exploration.

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