In the ever-evolving world of video game adaptations, few casting ideas have ignited as much passion among fans as Antony Starr stepping into the role of Albert Wesker, the sunglasses-wearing, superhuman mastermind behind Umbrella Corporation’s apocalyptic schemes in the Resident Evil series. Born from years of fan art, Reddit threads, and viral social media campaigns, this “dream” casting has become one of the most enthusiastically supported in gaming fandom.

With a new Resident Evil live-action film slated for theatrical release on September 18, 2026, directed by Zach Cregger (Barbarian), the buzz around Starr has reached fever pitch—especially after the actor himself gave it a resounding thumbs-up.

Albert Wesker debuted in the original 1996 Resident Evil as the treacherous captain of the S.T.A.R.S. Alpha Team, betraying his comrades amid the zombie outbreak at the Spencer Mansion. Over the series, he evolves into a god-complex-driven antagonist, enhanced by the Uroboros virus in Resident Evil 5, delivering iconic lines like “Chris! Over here!” before unleashing superhuman speed and strength. Past live-action attempts—Shawn Roberts in the Milla Jovovich films, Tom Hopper in Welcome to Raccoon City, and Lance Reddick in Netflix’s ill-fated series—have fallen short of capturing Wesker’s essence: a blend of icy sophistication, ruthless ambition, and barely contained madness.

Enter Antony Starr, the New Zealand-born actor whose portrayal of Homelander in The Boys has fans convinced he’s the perfect fit.

1. Appearance and Demeanor: A Striking Visual Match

At 50 years old in 2026 (born October 25, 1975), Starr possesses the sharp, angular facial features, piercing blue eyes, and blonde hair that mirror Wesker’s design, particularly from Resident Evil 5. Digital artist BossLogic’s fan edits, which went viral in 2024 and again in May 2025 after Starr’s thriller G20, transform him effortlessly—add aviator shades, a black trench coat, and slicked-back hair, and it’s indistinguishable from the game’s render.

Fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) rave: “He looks like Wesker walked out of the game.” His tall, lean frame (6’1″) exudes the same cold, predatory demeanor, evoking Wesker’s commanding presence without needing heavy CGI.

Starr’s real-life poise amplifies this. In interviews, he carries himself with understated intensity, much like Wesker’s calm facade before chaos erupts. Mods for Resident Evil 4 Remake even swap in Starr’s face, proving the seamless integration.

2. Subtle Danger: Mastering the Mask of Sanity

Homelander isn’t just a villain; he’s a powder keg of narcissism and volatility disguised as America’s golden boy. Starr nails the “subtle danger”—the chilling smile hiding psychopathic impulses—that defines Wesker. In The Boys, he shifts from charismatic savior to unhinged monster in seconds, echoing Wesker’s betrayal in Resident Evil 1 or his volcanic showdown in RE5. Fans argue this is “the core of Wesker’s personality: calm on the surface, ruthless underneath.”

Starr’s range shines beyond Homelander. As Lucas Hood in Banshee, he played a shape-shifting anti-hero with lethal composure. In G20, his tactical villain Rutledge inspired BossLogic’s pivotal edit, prompting Starr’s “I agree” comment. This proves he can embody Wesker’s intellectual menace, plotting bioweapon Armageddon while monologuing contemptuously.

3. Top-Notch Villain Acting Ability: Charisma That Compels

Great villains aren’t forgettable; they’re magnetic. Starr’s charisma turns Homelander into The Boys‘ breakout star, earning Emmy nods and making audiences root for (and fear) him. Wesker needs this to transcend one-note evil—fans recall how Roberts’ version devolved into posing, while Reddick’s felt detached. Starr’s layered performance could make Wesker “incredibly compelling,” as one Reddit user put it, elevating him to Thanos-level icon status.

His villainous track record—psychotic twins in Outrageous Fortune, brutal enforcers in The Covenant—shows he infuses baddies with humanity’s dark side. Imagine Starr delivering Wesker’s “complete global saturation” with Homelander’s smirk: box office gold.

4. Deadly Composure: Sarcasm, Contempt, and That Chilling Gaze

Wesker’s hallmark is his sarcastic barbs and disdain for “lesser” humans, paired with a gaze that pierces souls. Starr’s repertoire is tailor-made: Homelander’s laser eyes and smug grins are Wesker prototypes. His chilling smile in Banshee fight scenes mirrors Wesker dodging bullets. “Starr perfectly embodies these traits,” fans say, flooding myCast.io with thousands of votes for him.

5. Support from the Actor Himself and the Fan Community

The cherry on top? Starr’s enthusiasm. In May 2025, responding to BossLogic’s G20-inspired fan art urging the Resident Evil team to “Do it,” Starr commented: “I agree ❤️🙌🔥😂.” Later, at a fan meet, he doubled down: “Then yeah, I want that job.” Platforms like Reddit’s r/residentevil and X explode with support—posts like “Antony Starr not playing Wesker is a war crime” rack up thousands of upvotes.

6. Fan Expectations: The Potential Franchise Savior

Resident Evil‘s live-action track record is grim: the Anderson films prioritized action over horror, Raccoon City flopped, and Netflix’s series bombed. Fans believe Starr, with a quality script from Cregger, could “save” the franchise. “Turn Wesker into the next Thanos,” one ResetEra thread pleads. Amid production rumors (Austin Abrams as a lead courier), Starr’s casting could anchor a faithful reboot, blending survival horror with blockbuster appeal.

The Only Major Drawback: Age Concerns

Yet, not all is perfect. At 50, Starr might seem “a bit old” for a multi-film arc starting from Wesker’s RE1 days in the 1990s, when the character appeared mid-30s. Wesker’s canon longevity via viruses helps, but flashbacks could require de-aging tech or recasts. Still, his mature gravitas suits post-enhancement Wesker, and fans prioritize acting over exact youth.

As Resident Evil‘s reboot hurtles toward 2026, Antony Starr as Albert Wesker remains the fan dream that feels tantalizingly real. With his look, talent, and buy-in, he could redefine the villain for a new generation. Capcom, Sony—make it happen.