Popcorn With Peter Travers Season 7 Episode 35 'Downton Abbey's' Dan Stevens Stars in 'The Guest'

In this episode of Popcorn With Peter Travers, the spotlight is on British actor Dan Stevens as he promotes his latest film, 'The Guest'. Best known for his role as Matthew Crawley in the hit series 'Downton Abbey', Stevens takes on a radically different character in this horror thriller.

Travers kicks off the interview by asking Stevens about his transformation from the aristocratic Matthew Crawley to the mysterious and dangerous character of David in 'The Guest'. Stevens explains that he was attracted to the script for its unpredictability and loved the opportunity to play a character that was so different from his previous roles. He also reveals that he did a lot of physical training to prepare for the role, which required him to perform his own stunts.

Stevens and Travers also discuss the tone of the film, which blends horror, comedy, and action elements. Stevens praises director Adam Wingard for his deft handling of the tricky genre mix and describes 'The Guest' as a "genre mash-up". Travers notes that the film has already gained a cult following and asks Stevens what he thinks makes it so appealing to audiences. Stevens mentions the film's stylish cinematography and soundtrack as well as its unpredictability, which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The conversation then turns towards Stevens' career in general. Travers asks him about his experience on 'Downton Abbey' and the impact the show had on his career, which led to his current success in Hollywood. Stevens discusses how much he loved working on the show and how grateful he is for the opportunities it opened up for him. He also talks about his experience working on the recent live-action remake of 'Beauty and the Beast', in which he played the Beast opposite Emma Watson's Belle. Stevens reveals that he tried to bring a bit of darkness and danger to the character, and Travers notes that his performance received praise from critics and audiences alike.

The interview wraps up with Travers asking Stevens about his upcoming projects. Stevens mentions the film 'Her Smell', in which he plays a record producer opposite Elisabeth Moss, as well as the TV series 'Legion', in which he portrays David Haller, a mutant with multiple personalities. Stevens talks about his excitement for these projects and his love for exploring a variety of roles in his career.

Overall, this episode of Popcorn With Peter Travers provides a fascinating look at Dan Stevens' career and his latest film, 'The Guest'. Stevens comes across as a thoughtful and talented actor who is not afraid to take risks and tackle challenging roles. Travers, as always, is a knowledgeable and engaging interviewer who asks all the right questions. Fans of horror thrillers or Dan Stevens in general won't want to miss this episode.