Daveed Diggs has recently made headlines for his role as Oh Father in the fifth and final season of the hit Prime Video series, *The Boys*. The character, a charming pastor who proclaims that Homelander is a deity, has allowed Diggs to explore the intricacies of televangelism while adding his unique flair to the show. In a recent interview, he discussed his journey to embodying Oh Father, a role that has elevated his career and excited his long-time fanhood for the series.
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Joining the cast of *The Boys* was akin to transferring schools in one’s final year, according to Diggs. He felt a mixture of excitement and nerves at the prospect of stepping into a well-established ensemble. The Tony Award winner expressed his astonishment upon receiving an invitation to join the show, exclaiming, “Why? You’re doing great. Why do you want me on your [show]?” His admiration for the series made him cautious about fitting into the established world crafted by the creators.
Diggs’ character, who preaches at the Vought-sponsored Democratic Church of America, had to possess a captivating charisma to persuade followers to emotionally and financially invest in the idea that Homelander is, indeed, a god. To prepare for this role, the actor immersed himself in the world of televangelists, watching countless hours of their performances. He aimed not to mimic any particular individual but to discern the common threads of charisma and manipulation that these leaders exhibited. “They’re doing a really impressive thing, and I found a lot of their work quite compelling,” he remarked, acknowledging that his lack of personal faith allowed him a unique perspective on the theatricality of their sermons.
The examination of televangelism provided Diggs with insights into the emotional depth required in his performance. He noted how these leaders often display a mixture of sincerity and showmanship, which can be both captivating and disturbing. “The performances are wonderful. When they are honest, they exude heart, passion, ecstasy, sadness—it’s quite a spectacle to observe,” he described.
As the series progresses toward its finale, Diggs’ character has endured while others, such as A-Train and Firecracker, have met their demise. Reflecting on his experience in the concluding season, he remarked that joining the cast was a delightful journey for a fan like him. The show’s intricate world-building gave him the confidence to develop his character within it.
Diggs noted the importance of collaboration in his role, particularly regarding his character’s attire. Oh Father dons a striking white, purple, and gold super suit, and Diggs was heavily involved in its design. He humorously acknowledged benefiting from the extensive research and development conducted over the show’s five seasons: “I probably had the most comfortable suit of anybody,” he quipped. The superhero costume not only enhances his character but also helped solidify Oh Father’s flamboyant personality.
The process of designing the suit was collaborative, with Diggs suggesting unique elements such as rings on every finger and a crucifix tooth gem—details that enhance the character’s extravagant flair. “It was wonderful to wear,” he shared, relishing how the outfit allowed him to embody Oh Father, though he joked about the challenges of getting in and out of the ensemble.
As the final episode approaches, the stakes could not be higher for the characters involved. However, Diggs expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this iconic series. He recalled feeling like a newcomer stepping into a senior class, but noted that the established cast welcomed him warmly. “It was kind of a scary thing to show up as a transfer in senior year, but everyone was really welcoming,” he reflected.
The much-anticipated series finale of *The Boys* is set to premiere on 20 May on Prime Video, promising fans an exhilarating conclusion to a season that has already captivated audiences. As Daveed Diggs steps into his role one last time, viewers will be eager to see how his character Oh Father navigates the intense dynamics of the show’s climactic events.