Jessie T. Usher, who plays A-Train on “The Boys”, discusses his character’s journey from villain to hero, expressing gratitude for the organic and unhurried nature of the arc. He emphasizes the importance of family and loved ones as motivation, both for A-Train and himself during the demanding filming process. When asked about a dream speed contest, Usher chooses The Flash, citing fan interest, but also mentions Silver Surfer as a cool matchup. He playfully dismisses Speedy Gonzales’s chances due to limited range.

Temple of Geek Interview with Jessie T. Usher at the 52nd Annual Saturn Awards

We spoke to Usher on the red carpet at the 52nd Saturn Awards, which celebrated the best in genre entertainment. The event took place on February 2, 2025, at the Hilton Universal City Hotel and was hosted by Joel McHale. It honored various actors, shows, and films.

DocInTheBox (Temple of Geek): I’ve been watching you on The Boys since the beginning, and it’s been fantastic seeing your character’s arc. Going from a member of The Seven and then transitioning into a hero… it’s been amazing. How are you feeling about that arc and your journey with it so far?

Jessie T. Usher: I’m just grateful we made it this far with the arc. Being on The Boys, you never know – your head’s on the chopping block every episode. The way we shoot, we get scripts as we’re filming, so you never really know what’s coming. A-Train started as such a bad person with so many enemies, I never expected him to even see this turn. So, to even be here is a huge blessing. I love that they’ve taken the time to give him an honest turn. It wasn’t rushed; they didn’t force a storyline just for the sake of it. We watched moments unfold in real time that influenced his decision to become, as you say, a good guy, or just to turn himself around. I appreciate them taking the time to let it happen organically.

DocInTheBox: It feels like it’s kind of been embedded in him the entire time, this sense of family and caring for others. Do you bring any of yourself to that aspect of the character?

Jessie T. Usher: Not to A-Train specifically in that way. But as far as the family dynamic and doing it for the people that matter most to you, absolutely. You know, that’s really what gets us through these long hours. We’re doing 16 to 18-hour days in Toronto in the winter, in the mud… it’s bananas! But I think about how happy it makes the people around me to see us excelling in this way, portraying these characters and telling these stories. It just makes it all worth it. The sleepless nights, the countless hours, the hypothermia, whatever it is – we do it for them.

DocInTheBox: If you could choose a speed contest between A-Train and anyone else with speed, who would your prime target be?

Jessie T. Usher: My prime target? The Flash. Because that’s what the people want, you know? Give the people what they want! But, you know, there are tons. Silver Surfer, I feel like, would also be a cool matchup. If we’re not talking fantasy, then maybe… No, I don’t know, I think it’d be fun to see him lined up against anyone, not that I’m challenging them because they’re clearly faster than me. But I think it’d be fun.

DocInTheBox: What about Speedy Gonzales?

Jessie T. Usher: Speedy Gonzales would be… but see, Speedy Gonzales is quick in short bursts. I don’t know if he could circle the world the way A-Train could. But I do like Speedy’s energy, though.

The Saturn Awards are a celebration of Geek and Pop Culture!

The 52nd Saturn Awards electrified Hollywood last night, celebrating the best in genre entertainment. The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror, the sole organization honoring these genres since 1972, hosted the star-studded event. Joel McHale (Animal Control, Community, The Bear) returned for his third consecutive year as host, leading the festivities as Hollywood’s elite gathered to recognize exceptional work and talent in these often-overlooked categories. Amidst the celebration, the Academy emphasized the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, providing viewers and attendees with information on how to donate and contribute to rebuilding efforts.

Held at the Hilton Universal City Hotel on February 2, 2025, fans across the nation enjoyed a live broadcast of the 52nd Annual Saturn Awards on The Roku Channel and ElectricNOW, Dean Devlin’s Electric Entertainment’s premium OTT app and FAST channel.

Beloved sci-fi icon, William Shatner, received the Saturn’s Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by his son-in-law, actor Joel Gretsch. LeVar Burton presented the second annual Lance Reddick Legacy Award to Laurence Fishburne, one of the industry’s most respected actors. Award-winning actor Hiroyuki Sanada, star of the Disney series “Shōgun,” accepted The Robert Forster Artist’s Award from writer/director/producer Jonathan Nolan.