From Downton to Eurovision: Dan Stevens Loves Versatile Roles

Best known for his role as Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey, Dan Stevens continues to display his dramatic versatility in the upcoming Netflix comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. Starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams as Icelandic singers Lars and Sigrit who face ridicule for representing Iceland in the world`s most popular singing contest, Dan co-stars as their rival Alexander Lemtov, a singer from a Russian republic with an identity in flux.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q6Co-nd0lM

Dan said the research for the role opened his eyes to the perils faced by LGBTQ+ people in many territories. “It’s unbelievable that there are still countries that don’t acknowledge the existence of certain sexualities: it seems mad to me,” he said.”There are artists in so many countries who can’t admit it [being LGBTQ], because they’d be in danger. But the best thing about Eurovision is that it’s a haven and a celebration. It champions [LGBTQ rights].

He went on ”Lemtov is from Chechnya. I looked up Kadyrov’s and Putin’s attitude to gay people, and we didn’t want to belittle that danger in any way. We wanted to get it right and hit the right notes. Noting the initial reaction to his character Dan added “After some of the trailers, people wondered if a Russian villain wasn’t very progressive, but I think once people see the film they’ll realise that wasn’t the case.”

 

In the film Lemtov is “ the anti-hero. He’s an obstacle for Lars. Lars wants to be Lemtov and there’s tremendous jealousy and he worries he’s going to steal Sigrit. It was more interesting, though, that he wasn’t there to woo her. He has his issues with his identity and what he’s able to admit to.”

2020 is proving a busy year for the popular actor. As well as being a cover star for Attitude magazine, he has two more films due for release. This summer he stars in the horror/ thriller The Rental, then in the autumn he stars alongside Judi Dench in a retelling of Noel Coward`s beloved Blithe Spirit.

 

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK5_hesoqug

 

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is available on Netflix from June 26^th