Antony Starr Leads Breakers In Netflix Surf Thriller

Antony Starr, the actor who made waves as the menacing Homelander in Prime Video’s The Boys, is trading his cape for a surfboard in his next television outing. As The Boys approaches its highly anticipated conclusion this April, fans won’t have to wait long to see Starr back on their screens. The New Zealand-born actor has taken on the starring role—and an executive producer credit—in Netflix’s new thriller series Breakers, a project already generating buzz for its enigmatic premise and ambitious production.

According to Netflix and confirmed by BBC, Breakers follows two best friends from the United States who embark on a backpacking adventure in Australia. Their journey takes a dramatic turn when they stumble upon a seemingly idyllic community of surfers, led by Starr’s character, Brando—a charismatic yet mysterious figure whose true intentions are shrouded in secrecy. The setup hints at a classic fish-out-of-water story, but with an undercurrent of suspense and cult-like intrigue that promises to keep viewers guessing.

The series is the brainchild of writer-executive producer Pete Jackson, known for his work on Somewhere Boy and The Death of Bunny Munro. Production duties fall to Clerkenwell Films, the British company behind the acclaimed Netflix hit Baby Reindeer and the BAFTA-nominated Somewhere Boy. This marks another collaboration between Jackson and Clerkenwell, now operating under the umbrella of BBC Studios after their 2021 acquisition. Mary Nighy (Say Nothing, Industry) and Ng Choon Ping (What It Feels Like for a Girl, Femme) are helming the directorial duties, bringing a blend of dramatic and visual flair to the project.

Filming for Breakers began in Western Australia and is set to wrap in June 2026, just a month after The Boys airs its final season. This timing is hardly coincidental—Starr’s transition from one major series to another is a testament to his rising star power. As reported by BBC, Starr is currently the only cast member announced, underscoring his central role in the series and his growing influence behind the camera. He joins a roster of executive producers that includes Jackson, Gavin O’Grady, Petra Fried, and Wim De Greef, all of whom have worked on high-profile projects in the UK and Australia.

For Netflix, Breakers marks a significant milestone: it is the streaming giant’s first scripted series to be filmed in Western Australia. The production is supported by Screenwest and the Western Australian Government’s Production Attraction Incentive, signaling a broader push to attract international projects to the region. As noted by Amazon Studios, the series will be released globally on Netflix after production concludes, joining a growing slate of Australian content such as The Survivors, Apple Cider Vinegar, Surviving Summer, and the upcoming third season of Heartbreak High.

While much about the plot remains under wraps, the official synopsis suggests that the two American friends may find themselves in over their heads as they are drawn deeper into Brando’s world. The surf community’s seemingly perfect exterior belies a more sinister reality, hinting at psychological drama and perhaps even danger lurking beneath the sun-soaked waves. As Netflix teases, there is "more beneath the surface"—a phrase that could refer just as much to the show’s themes as to its oceanic setting.

Starr’s involvement as both lead actor and executive producer is a notable evolution in his career. After years of captivating audiences with his intense, often unsettling portrayal of Homelander—a role that earned him global acclaim and a reputation as one of television’s most compelling villains—Starr is now expanding his creative reach. He previously earned a producing credit on The Boys, but Breakers marks his first time shaping a project from its inception in such a hands-on way. According to Netflix, Starr recently wrapped filming on the biopic Samo Lives, where he played artist Andy Warhol, and made a cameo in Apple TV’s comedy The Studio, further diversifying his acting portfolio.

Fans eager for more details about Breakers will have to be patient. Netflix has yet to announce a specific release date, stating only that it will debut "sometime soon" after production ends. Still, the anticipation is palpable. The creative pedigree behind the series—combining Jackson’s knack for dark, character-driven storytelling with the visual talents of Nighy and Ng—has set expectations high. The involvement of Clerkenwell Films, fresh off the success of Baby Reindeer, only adds to the sense that Breakers could be a breakout hit.

The move to film in Western Australia is also drawing attention within the industry. The region, known for its dramatic coastlines and vibrant arts scene, is increasingly being seen as an attractive destination for international productions. With government support and the backing of Screenwest, Breakers could pave the way for more high-profile projects to follow suit. As Amazon Studios points out, the production joins a growing list of Australian-based shows and films that are finding global audiences through streaming platforms.

In the meantime, Antony Starr’s fans can reflect on his journey from the chilling heights of Homelander to the enigmatic depths of Brando. While the two characters may seem worlds apart—one a superpowered antihero, the other a mysterious surfer—they share a certain magnetic charisma and an ability to command attention. As The Boys wraps up, Starr’s next chapter is just beginning, promising new thrills, secrets, and perhaps a few unexpected twists along the way.

With production underway and an intriguing premise at its core, Breakers is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most anticipated releases in the coming years. Whether it’s the lure of the Australian surf, the dark allure of a cult-like community, or simply the chance to see Antony Starr in a new light, there’s plenty of reason to keep an eye on this one.

As the cameras roll on the beaches of Western Australia, both the streaming world and Starr’s devoted following are watching closely, eager to see just how deep these waters go.