Anthony Boyle knows how to make an entrance. The House Of Guinness star stripped down completely for a bath scene in episode three of Netflix’s historical drama, and yes, it’s all him. No prosthetics. No body doubles. Just Boyle in all his glory.
Anthony Boyle and Louis Partridge in House Of Guinness. (Netflix)
The scene has fans talking, and not just because of what’s on display. What makes it truly interesting is that the full frontal moment was entirely Boyle’s idea.
It’s really him, and he’s proud of it.
When asked about the scene, Boyle told Men’s Health exactly what viewers were wondering. “It’s not a prosthetic. It’s my own body,” he confirmed.
The actor plays Arthur Guinness, the eldest son in the brewing dynasty, and he wanted to show the character’s power without saying a word. Mission accomplished.
How a boring costume change became television gold.
Here’s how it happened. The original script called for something far less memorable. “The night before we were filming, the character was originally supposed to be getting his cufflinks on by the mirror. And I just thought, ‘This feels a bit boring,'” Boyle explained.
So he picked up the phone and called the director with a different vision. “I think he should be smoking and drinking whiskey in the bath, and he should be completely naked and just get up, to show that he owns the whole fucking world,” he proposed.
The director agreed. Smart move.
Boyle wanted the scene to communicate Arthur’s complete dominance over his world.
“He wouldn’t even have to say anything to say, ‘I’m above these servants. This is my world. I am dominant, and I control everything.’ That’s what I wanted to show,” he said.
Boyle joins a growing trend of authentic male nudity on screen.
The actor isn’t new to on-screen nudity. He’s done it before in theatre and film. But this particular choice puts him in good company with other actors who’ve recently embraced full frontal scenes without prosthetics.
Cooper Koch made headlines for his shower scene in Monster. Barry Keoghan danced through Saltburn‘s most talked about moment with nothing to hide. These scenes work because they serve the story and character, not just shock value.
Boyle’s approach fits right into this shift. Male nudity doesn’t need to be gratuitous when it’s an intentional artistic decision.
What else is happening in House Of Guinness?
The show explores the dark side of the famous brewing family. Power struggles, family secrets, and the cost of ambition drive the narrative forward.
Anthony Boyle and James Norton in House Of Guinness. (Netflix)
The cast includes Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, Fionn O’Shea and James Norton. Each brings complexity to their roles in this twisted family saga.
There’s also speculation about Arthur’s sexuality, given the tension and dynamics within the Guinness family. Boyle hasn’t ruled anything out, leaving room for interpretation.
House Of Guinness is streaming now on Netflix. Whether you’re there for the performances, the history, or Anthony Boyle’s confidence, the series delivers. Pour yourself something strong and settle in.
