Static Media
Victoria Neuman, a character from the hit series “The Boys,” is an intriguing figure who managed to hold her own against Homelander, despite her questionable ability to explode people’s heads. Portrayed brilliantly by Claudia Doumit, Neuman evolved from a potential single-faceted villain into a complex and entertaining character. However, before landing the role of Neuman, Doumit had initially auditioned for a completely different character: Ashley Barrett, the neurotic assistant at Vought who later becomes the equally neurotic CEO.
In a recent interview, Doumit shared her experience of auditioning for the role of Ashley, the publicist. “I knew I wasn’t the right fit for Ashley, and as expected, I didn’t get the part. However, when the first season of the show was released, I became a massive fan! When auditions for the second season were announced, the character of Victoria Neuman was presented to me.”
Doumit’s journey with the character of Neuman has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite not being informed about the significant plot twist involving her character until the season 2 finale, she portrayed Neuman flawlessly, both before and after the revelation. Doumit’s impressive performance led her to become one of the few “Boys” cast members to make an appearance on “Gen V.” Her character, Neuman, interacted with Marie (played by Jaz Sinclair), providing Doumit with a chance to reveal Neuman’s softer side, making it one of the most engaging episodes of an already captivating spin-off series. Neuman, you will be missed; your demise by giant tentacles was tragic, but at least you managed to inspire a struggling teen supe before your departure.
Could Doumit have portrayed Ashley effectively?
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Although it’s fun to speculate, it’s hard to disagree with Doumit’s own admission that she wouldn’t have been the right fit for Ashley. Doumit’s portrayal of the shrewd and composed Neuman was exceptional, and Ashley’s character is almost the polar opposite. Ashley, in her unique way, is still an enjoyable character, but she lacks the cunning and smooth nature that Doumit portrays so well.
As for Colby Minifie, who eventually landed the role of Ashley, Doumit had nothing but praise, describing her as “phenomenal” and “incomparable.” Doumit added, “The amount of improvisation she brings to her role is truly remarkable! It’s always a joy to watch her on set.”
It’s not hard to see why Doumit holds Minifie in such high regard. Similar to Doumit’s portrayal of Neuman, Minifie has significantly elevated the character of Ashley, transforming her from a potential one-dimensional corporate pawn into one of the show’s most humorous characters. Minifie’s portrayal of Ashley’s stress and desperation in the presence of Homelander is so convincing, it’s easy to believe that Ashley would resort to unconventional BDSM activities to relieve her stress.
As for Ashley’s fate following her ingestion of Compound V in the season 4 finale, we can only hope she meets a more favorable end than Neuman. While it’s unlikely Ashley will survive the finale, perhaps she’ll manage to take a few of her adversaries down with her.
FAQs
Who is Claudia Doumit?
Claudia Doumit is an actress known for her role as Victoria Neuman on the hit series “The Boys.”
Who did Claudia Doumit originally audition for on “The Boys”?
Claudia Doumit initially auditioned for the role of Ashley Barrett, a high-strung Vought assistant who later becomes the high-strung Vought CEO.
Who ended up playing Ashley on “The Boys”?
The role of Ashley was eventually played by Colby Minifie.
What is Victoria Neuman’s power on “The Boys”?
Victoria Neuman has the ability to explode people’s heads.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
