The King’s Man’s Big Betrayal Is Foreshadowed by… Watchmen?! – CBR.com – 28th December 2021

[matthew-goode.net note – beware spoilers!!]

The King’s Man has the heroes endure a massive betrayal, matching a similar trajectory as Watchmen’s big plot twist hinting at the major reveal.

BY SAM STONE

WARNING: The following contains spoilers for The King’s Man, now playing in theaters.The King’s Man showcases the formation of the United Kingdom’s independent intelligence agency Kingsman in the aftermath of World War I but not without the founders of clandestine organizations enduring immense tragedy and epic betrayal. With plenty of geopolitical intrigue between the warring monarchs of Russia, Great Britain and Germany and a shadowy cabal of international historical villains secretly pulling the strings, it is difficult for Orlando and his heroic associates to ascertain who they can trust. And as the British war effort faces a traitor in their midst, this plot twist mirrors a similar character arc in Watchmen, right down to the same actor cast as both traitorous roles, Matthew Goode.In The King’s Man, Goode portrays Captain Morton, the aide-de-camp to British War Secretary Herbert Kitchener who ostensibly helps Kitchener and eventual Kingsman founder Orlando, the Duke of Oxford, attempt to prevent World War Ifrom breaking out. When the war inevitably begins, due to the machinations of a cabal headed by a sinister figure simply known as the Shepherd, Morton and Kitchener travel to Russia to urge Tsar Nicholas to stay in the fight despite mounting domestic pressures. However, Morton Kitchener’s ship to Russia is torpedoed by a German submarine, resulting in the presumable death of all British personnel on board, only for Morton to reveal himself at the end of The King’s Man as the Shepherd all along, faking his death as he continued his obsessive vendetta against the English monarchy.

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‘The King’s Man’ Director Matthew Vaughn on the Big Villain Reveal and That Mid-Credits Scene – The Wrap/Yahoo Entertainment – 24th December 2021

[matthew-goode.net note – beware spoilers!!]

By Drew Taylor

Filmmaker Matthew Vaughn’s “The King’s Man” is truly insane. That is undeniable. The prequel to the “Kingsman” films is set during World War I and showcases the events leading to the foundation of the Kingsman private spy organization. But it’s also so much more. It’s a wild, at times incredibly violent period action movie that fuses real-life figures with made up scenarios, with the whole thing designed for maximum entertainment. Ralph Fiennes stars as Orlando Oxford, the Duke of Oxford who, amongst other things, is sent on a mission to kill mad monk Rasputin (Rhys Ifans) and thwart the evil intentions of a shadowy organization whose orders are given by the sinister figure known only as The Shepherd. Insane right?

While speaking with TheWrap about the film (which is now playing exclusively in theaters), Vaughn discussed the film’s ending, that villain’s big reveal, and the mid-credits scene that is sure to leave audiences, er, buzzing.

Major spoilers for “The King’s Man” follow below. Turn back now!

Big Bad Revealed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So let’s just rip the bandage off: Matthew Goode, who shows up early in the film as Morton, a kind of political second fiddle who seemingly gets killed, is the big villain. You probably figured this out early on because Goode has played bad guys before and he’s an awfully big actor to play such a minor role. Still, the movie goes to great pains to obscure his identity. “It was tough,” Vaughn admitted. “And the accent, the mustache, the hair. Yeah. [It was] one of the things in the script I thought, ‘are we going to get away with this?’ And I think he did brilliantly, by the way, because also, we were shooting him so that the second time you watch it, you see all the clues. It does all add up.”

Of course, Vaughn admitted that going to such extreme lengths could have the opposite effect. “At the same time, the more you put in the clues, the more obvious it might become,” Vaughn said. “So then we leaned in. I thought, well, linger on him, so you definitely think he’s the villain, but then when he gets killed, you think, there you go, he’s not the villain. And obviously, he wasn’t Scottish, so that’s all a bit weird. That was actually one of the harder things to do, believe it or not.” Oh, we believe it. After all, Goode is very good at being bad.

Mid-Credits Madness

Now, let’s get to an even crazier aspect of “The King’s Man” – the mid-credits sequence. The fact that a fairly straightforward World War I movie gets a Marvel Studios-style mid-credits stinger is weird enough, but the content of the mid-credits scene is what’s really outré. With Matthew Goode’s leader of this criminal cabal very much murdered by Fiennes, and many of his attempts at world destruction summarily thwarted, a new leader emerges: Daniel Brühl’s Erik Jan Hanussen. Hanussen was a controversial real-life figure, known for his theatricality, and his oversized personality is further inflated by the cartoonish tone of “The King’s Man.”

Hanussen is seen with Vladimir Lenin (August Diehl), who the evil organization has installed in the left. Hanussen then introduces Lenin to another young man full of ideas – Adolf Hitler (David Kross). It’s a pretty startling moment, not only because of its real-world parallels (Hanussen was Jewish but coached Hitler) but because these mid-credits reveals are usually reserved for otherworldly threats like Thanos and not the cheeky introduction of a man who orchestrated a mass genocide.

“I mean, if you think about it, they have two very extreme people on the left, and extreme people on the right, with this nut case in the middle, who’s taken over [the evil organization] The Shepherd, which is Daniel Brühl,” Vaughn said. “But yeah, I mean, when you look at history, that’s where I sort of got excited, when we were writing the script going, I couldn’t have ever created a character as interesting as Rasputin, let’s put it that way. Tthat’s why I’d love to go through each decade, because history has written these unbelievably great heroes and great villains, which I’d love to explore and bring to life in a different way.”

“The King’s Man” is in theaters now.

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Matthew Goode “very proud” as he says goodbye to A Discovery of Witches – Radio Times – 23rd December 2021

 

By Lauren Morris

A Discovery of Witches star Matthew Goode has said that he’s “very proud” of his time on the show ahead of its third and final series.

The Emmy-nominated actor, who plays vampire Matthew Clairmont in A Discovery of Witches, spoke about being a part of the Sky fantasy drama, which will air its last season in January.“It’s been great, I’m very proud of it,” he said. “I think we will look back on it very fondly in years to come. We’ve met a lot of great and amazing people, it’s been lovely to work so closely with Teresa, it’s been a real dream.

“There’s not one series that she hasn’t turned up and been pregnant or had a newborn, she really is quite something.”

He continued: “There’s a lot of very, very faithful actors who put themselves quite out there and had to do some quite odd things in the show, there’s been a lot of bravery.

“And to get to work with a great friend, James Purefoy, to play my father was endlessly amusing and to have Lindsay Duncan play my mum has been utterly sensational.”

His co-star Teresa Palmer, who plays witch Diana Bishop, added that ending the show is “bittersweet in many ways”.

“We know that this is the last one and we are going to be saying goodbye to so many familiar faces.

“But I have really loved having three solid years to marinate in a character and get to know her and the intricacies of who she is.”

“I celebrate her triumphs and her wins and I’m there with her in her vulnerabilities and the moments of feeling unsure and uncertain and afraid,” she said.

“I love that about her. She’s such a strong role model and I love how much she leans into her authentic self. I’m proud of her and I know she will stay with me forever.”

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Silent Night is a unique Christmas movie that’s the anti-Love Actually – Digital Spy 30th November 2021 [Extract]

You won’t want to miss this.

BY IAN SANDWELL

In lesser hands, this group of upper-class friends (who are all varying degrees of awful) would be painful to watch. The cast is uniformly terrific though, led by the excellent Knightley and Goode, and they land the tricky balance of dark, dry humour and genuine pathos.

You might not want to spend Christmas with these characters in real life, but you do care for them.

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“Silent Night” – If only – EasyReader News – 28th November 2021 [Extract]

By NEELY SWANSON NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Leading the cast as Nell and Simon are Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode. Knightley’s taut smile and terrorized eyes overcome a weakness in written character development. Goode, like his name, is quite good. He is the very embodiment of noblesse oblige with a social conscience. His scenes explaining privilege to his son Art are excellent.

Full article here – https://easyreadernews.com/silent-night-if-only-movie/_

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6 reasons to watch The Colour Room – Muddy Stilettos – 16th November 2021 [Extract]

1/ Hello Matthew Goode

We’re modern, forward-thinking and totally woke on Muddy so of course we didn’t think for a minute about splattering this feature with multiple images of Matthew Goode (actually, it was more like half an hour). The 40-something hunk, who’s starred in everything from Brideshead to Downton and The Crown, is the UK’s première earnest heart throb – soave and sexy, bristling with repressed English passion, and with the added uncanny ability to look awesome with a clipped period drama ‘tashe. We approve.

Full article – https://muddystilettos.co.uk/arts-culture/film-tv/6-reasons-to-watch-sky-cinema-colour-room/

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Downton Abbey’s Matthew Goode to star in Christmas blockbuster – and it sounds amazing – Hello Magazine – 18th October 2021

We can’t wait to see it!

By NICKY MORRIS

Downton Abbey’s Matthew Goode is set to star in the dark festive comedy film Silent Night alongside Atonement’s Kiera Knightley – and we can’t wait to see it.

Matthew, who played Henry Talbot in the hugely successful period drama Downton Abbey, will host a Christmas dinner with a twist in the festive film.

The official synopsis reads: “In true British fashion, (while the rest of the world faces impending doom), a group of old friends reunite to celebrate Christmas in the comfort of an idyllic country home.

“Burdened with the inconvenience of mankind’s imminent destruction, they adopt a stiff upper lip, crack open another bottle of prosecco and continue with their festivities. But no amount of stoicism can replace the courage needed for their last night on earth.”

Directed and written by Camille Griffin, her feature debut film hosts a star-studded cast, including Jojo Rabbit’s Roman Griffin Davis, Peaky Blinders’ Annabelle Wallis and Motherland’s Lucy Punch.

The film hosts a star-studded cast

The film will also star Cruella’s Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Gangs of London’s Ṣọpé Dìrísù, Stan and Ollie’s Rufus Jones and The King’s Lily-Rose Depp.

Camille, the mother of breakout star Roman Griffin Davis, has written and directed five short films before this and won the Best Screenplay and Audience Award at the 2021 Sitges Film Festival for the festive dark comedy.

Matthew Vaughn, best known for producing Rocketman, X-Men: First Class and the Kingsman films, will co-produce the film alongside Trudie Styler (American Honey) and Celine Rattray (The Kids Are All Right) of Maven Pictures.

Matthew Goode and Kiera Knightley star in the dark comedy

This isn’t the first time Matthew and Kiera will star in a film together, having both appeared in war dramas Official Secrets and The Imitation Game. Kiera received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the latter film, while Matthew was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

The dark comedy film will be released in cinemas on 3 December.

 

 

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Fantastic Fest Review: Silent Night – Austin Chronicle – 30th September 2021

Social satire takes a surprising and bleak turn

BY RICHARD WHITTAKER

Kiera Knightley in Silent Night

There’ll be a moment, probably around 20 minutes into coal-black dramedy Silent Night, when you’ll wonder exactly why you’re being forced to spend time with a bunch of insufferable upper class twits and self-obsessed poshos. Then, about half an hour in, you’ll be filled with unbearable compassion for them.

It’s an incredible reversal, but one that writer/director Camille Griffin pulls off – and just in time. After all, Nell (Kiera Knightley) and Simon (Matthew Goode) seem like the average spoiled toffs, staying at Nell’s mother’s country pile for the holidays, preening and posturing with their slightly spoiled kids, the twins, Thomas and Hardy (Gilby and Hardy Griffin Davis) and the precocious and gaunt Art (Roman Griffin Davis, star of Jojo Rabbit and son of the director). They’re readying for the arrival of a bunch of old school and college friends, a bunch of equally obnoxious and affluent 30s-somethings for a big Christmas blowout.

But something is clearly awry, something that plays like big comedy initially (not all of it particularly funny, especially as some of the performances cross the line from “broad” to “braying). There’s something of the 1980s vanguard of Cambridge Footlights comedy in the interactions, a touch of French & Saunders and Absolutely Fabulous. There are also a few played-out conventions invoked, like the obligatory outsider figures (Kirby Howell-Baptiste as one of only two Black characters, and Lily-Rose Depp as the token American) from this tight-knit community with all their old wants and secrets.

Yet this isn’t some horror-comedy riff on Peter’s Friends, nor does an unexpected explosion of violence transform the party into a British You’re Next. As Pink Floyd once sang, quiet desperation is the English way, and there’s something about to beat down the door so horrifyingly, so remorselessly and unavoidably, that the family and guests through all the rules out of the window. Well, not all, of course. Maybe the kids are allowed to swear, within reason.

The social satire dissolves into smoke as Silent Night adds a subtle political twist (although it does credit the unseen Conservative administration with far more competence than they have ever indicated), but also a crushing melancholy. It’s a slow document of stiff upper lips beginning to quiver, and while Knightley excels as the perfect Kensington upper crust mummy, it’s Goode who personifies that desperate attempt to keep a veneer of control, even as his world is on the verge of devastation. There’s a scene involving warm cans of Coke that is both darkly hilarious and heartrending, mostly because of Simon’s desperate attempts to be a good father in the ways his kids want right then, rather than doing what he needs, what he is screaming internally to do.

It’s in his relationship with Art that Silent Night will truly break your heart. In the middle of moments of silliness, and adults exchanging and blowing off old crushes and vendettas like they’re auditioning for an early Ken Loach comedy, it’s the Kramer vs. Kramer father-and-son scenes. Simon’s urges to protect his boy clash with Art’s growing understanding in scenes that bleed conviction.

Even though an ending that seemingly equivocates on its exact level of bleakness (depending on your mood, it is either a beacon of hope or a new boulder of despair), Griffin rarely flinches. There’s as much Noel Coward as George Romero in her bold approach to tragicomedy that gives equal value to both elements. That’s why the supposed peace of Silent Night will be interrupted by as many tears as laughs.

 

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A Discovery Of Witches Q&A —Matthew Goode On Playing A More Ruthless Version Of Matthew –  AMC Talk  July 14, 2021

 

In A Discovery of Witches, Matthew Goode plays Matthew Clairmont, a cunning, mysterious vampire who finds love with a witch. Season 2 finds Matthew and witch-in-training Diana, in 1590 London, as they continue their search for The Book of Life. In this interview with amc.com, Goode talks about becoming a more ruthless version of Matthew, how Matthew really feels about Kit, and the magic of working with Teresa Palmer.

Q: It’s clear that the Matthew we meet circa 1590 is a different man. Not only in style and costume, but also in demeanor, and the way he carries himself. Can you talk a bit about transforming into this earlier version of Matthew? A: It’s 1590, so they were quite literally darker times. It’s medieval. I looked at paintings; they held themselves in a different way, just due to the nature of the clothing. Matthew has evolved up into the 21st century, so he knows that the man in the 16th century is a completely different Matthew. He was much more dangerous as an individual. He hated witches. There was much more warfare going on during those times. They were just much more dangerous times.So, it’s a part within a part. He has to play himself and it’s not a very easy thing for him to do. I mean, he’s always got pretty good posture, but I wanted him to feel a little more awkward and be a bit more rigid. We were able to give him a beard, and we played with the idea of just making him look like men that we’d seen in paintings.

Q: In speaking with Teresa about Season 2, she said one of the things that’s most difficult for Diana this season, was feeling distance grow between Matthew and her. What was it like working with Teresa on bringing their very complicated relationship to the screen? A: Working with Teresa—ever since day one of meeting—there was always an unwritten chemistry between the two of us. Yes, they do grow apart in Season 2. If you think about the timeline, they’ve only been together a month or something crazy like that by the time we’re in Season 2. I think he’s trying to hide a lot of his past. There are a lot of secrets. There’s a lot of depth to him, and he’s not ready to reveal that.I think there’s a bit of shame about the fact that he’s a torturer, and has to do all sorts of things for Cecil during Season 2. One has to look at what his reasoning for that is. Is it to protect her or is it to protect himself? That’s what’s always great with Matthew, is that there’s always a slight duplicity to his character. But, as ever, playing anything with Teresa was a joy. You get to a point after working with someone for so long, that there’s an unspoken relationship that exists that you don’t have to work at every day. You can come in and just play the scene, and she bats it back and it’s always been a pleasure.

Q: Matthew’s relationship with Kit is another tumultuous one! It’s clear to Matthew that Kit is not happy with Diana’s role in Matthew’s life, and once Kit’s distaste for Diana is clear, Matthew shuts him out. Why do you think he shuts him out completely like that?  A: He shuts him out like that because he’s a slightly untrustworthy character. So as much as it was fun when they were hanging around together back in the day, he’s not the same Matthew. One can understand why Kit is a little off-put at first. The minute Matthew turns up, he’s not the same Matthew that he’s used to, so he thinks that he has literally been bewitched. But he shows his true colors over the course of Season 2, and Matthew has to shut him out of his life because he doesn’t know who Kit’s going to talk to. One has to remember that he was also working for Cecil. When someone’s got loose lips, it puts not only his life in danger, but also Diana’s life in danger too. So that’s why he shuts him out.

Q: You and Tom Hughes have had the chance to work together before. What was it like crafting this contentious relationship with him?  A: It’s always lovely seeing Tom. He’s a really fine actor and what he did with Kit was great. There was a beautiful awkwardness and strangeness to this character, so I felt like I discovered Kit in a similar way to how Matthew would. It was lovely to see Tom again, and yet it wasn’t the Tom that I knew. Maybe Tom also thought, “Well, this is a character that I haven’t seen Matthew play,” so there was a wee bit of art imitating life—a fraction.We’ve got an incredible cast of loads of really terrific actors coming in every single day, so this job has always been an embarrassment of riches really. You have some beautiful casting. From Season 1 you have fantastic people like Lindsay Duncan, and to get Sheila Hancock to come in this season at the age of 85 was just joyous. She’s got a beautiful face, and to have that lived-in, intelligent face present, it just lifts characters. Sheila was a real highlight of Season 2, I thought.

Q: This season as Diana moves more into her powers, it becomes clear that she can fend for herself, and doesn’t necessarily need a man in shining armor. Matthew doesn’t seem to bothered by that, so in essence he is quite a modern man! What do you love most about playing Matthew?  A: That’s quite right! And yes, he’s evolved. What I like about Matthew is there’s always more than one thing going on in his brain. He’s a great planner, and when things aren’t going to plan, he has to be several steps ahead. So not only are you playing the line that you’re actually saying, but your thoughts have to be moving on. He has a great distrust that’s been built up over centuries. Not everything is going to go as I see it, so I need a plan A, B, C, and D. One may smile and smile, and yet be a villain. There’s a little bit of that with Matthew. I mean, you have to remember he’s killed an awful lot of people. He’s suffering from blood rage. He was the family assassin. He’s incredibly smart. He’s done nine jobs. He’s been a doctor, he’s been an architect. He’s so fully evolved. So that’s what’s great, is the fact that he’s done so much.  

Q: If you could timewalk, what era would you want to enter and who would you want to meet?    A: It would be great to get together Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Arnie Palmer for a four-ball. Either that, or I would go back and hang out with David Niven in 1940s or 19450s Hollywood. That would be a lot of fun, because that was when Hollywood was probably at its most banging.
New episodes of A Discovery of Witches air on Sundays at 7/6c on AMC. Full episodes are available to stream now on amc.com, the AMC apps for mobile and devices, and on AMC+. The entire first season is available to watch now with AMC+, which is available through a variety of providers, including AppleTV, Prime Video Channels, DirectTV, Dish, Roku Channel, Sling, and Xfinity.Sign up for AMC+ to stream A Discovery of Witches now on amc.com, on mobile for iOS and Android devices, and on your TV streaming device with the AMC app, available for Roku, Apple TV, FireTV, Xbox One, Android TV, and Chromecast.

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‘The Offer’: Matthew Goode To Play Robert Evans In Paramount+ Limited Series About the Making Of ‘The Godfather’ – Deadline 7th June 2021

By Justin Kroll

EXCLUSIVE: Matthew Goode has been tapped to play Robert Evans, the legendary producer and studio executive, in the upcoming in Paramount+’s limited event series The Offer. Miles Teller recently was set to play producer Albert S. Ruddy, replacing Armie Hammer in the role.

The Offer is based on the Oscar-winning producer Ruddy’s experiences of making the iconic 1972 film that Francis Coppola directed and adapted with Mario Puzo from Puzo’s bestselling novel, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton and Talia Shire. Evans oversaw the studio during the films production and gave the sign-off in green-lighting the pic.

The 10-episode event series is written and executive produced by Nikki Toscano, who also showruns, and creator and Oscar- and Emmy-nominated writer Michael Tolkin (Escape at Dannemora, The Player). Teller and Ruddy also will serve as executive producers on the series, along with Leslie Grief (Hatfields & McCoys). Dexter Fletcher (Rocketman) will direct the first and last block and exec produce. The Offer is produced by Paramount TV Studios.

The Offer was set up at Paramount+ with a straight-to series commitment.

Best known for his roles in Watchmen and Stoker, Goode has a busy dance card coming up starting with the Kingsman prequel The King’s Man and Silent Night opposite Keira Knightley. He is repped by CAA and Dalzell and Beresford.

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First trailer for Downton Abbey star Matthew Goode’s new movie The Duke  28th May 2021 – Digital Spy

And it looks absolutely wonderful.

BY IAN SANDWELL

 

Downton Abbey star Matthew Goode is fighting for justice in the wonderful first trailer for new movie The Duke.

Based on an extraordinary true story, The Duke follows 60-year-old taxi driver Kempton Bunton who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from London’s National Gallery in 1961.

It marked the first – and still only – theft in the Gallery’s history, and Kempton proceeded to send ransom notes declaring that he’d only return the painting if the government invested more in care for the elderly.

PATHE/NICK WALL

Kempton was specifically interested in his long-running campaign for pensioners to receive free television – but it took 50 years for the full story to emerge and it was revealed he had spun a web of lies.

The only truth was that he was a good man, determined to change the world and save his marriage to Dorothy Bunton, and The Duke tells the story of how and why he used the painting to do just that.

Directed by Roger Michell (Notting Hill), the movie stars acting legends Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren in the roles of Kempton and Dorothy, with Goode playing Jeremy Hutchinson, the barrister who defended Kempton in 1965.

PATHE

The Duke received its world premiere at last year’s Venice Film Festival where it received widespread critical acclaim, currently standing at the coveted 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

After we see him in The Duke, Goode will be reprising his role as Henry Talbot in the eagerly-awaited Downton Abbey 2. The sequel is filming right now and will be released in cinemas this Christmas.

He’ll also be seen in another movie based on true events in Sky original movie The Colour Room, alongside Bridgerton‘s Phoebe Dynevor.

The Duke is released in UK cinemas on September 3.

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Phoebe Dynevor transforms into pottery pioneer as she films The Colour Room with Matthew Goode… as Bridgerton co-star Regé-Jean Page reveals he WON’T return for series two – Mail On-Line – 3rd April 2021 [Extracts]

By NICOLE CONNER FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 11:07, 3 April 2021 | UPDATED: 11:15, 3 April 2021

They recently began filming for the Sky Original drama, The Colour Room.

And Phoebe Dynevor and Matthew Goode looked almost unrecognisable as they chatted between takes, a day after Bridgerton co-star Regé-Jean Page revealed he WON’T return for series two.

The actress, 25, was seen taking a break from filming in the Midlands on Saturday as she joined co-star Matthew, 43, for some coffee.

Dapper: Phoebe’s co-star Matthew Goode, 43, appeared to be in good spirits as he sported stone suit trousers and a matching waistcoat and sported brown brogue shoes

Phoebe … sported a white robe and comfortable black UGG boots as she strolled with Matthew between takes.

Matthew, meanwhile, looked dapper in a stone three-piece suit and bottle green knee-high socks.

He added a further pop of colour with a bright yellow tie, and also sported smart brogue shoes.

The film tells the true story of Cliff, a pioneering ceramic artist who became a rising star in the pottery industry in Stoke-On-Trent in the 1920s.

Gushing about the production earlier this month, Phoebe said: ‘I am so excited to be joining the cast of The Colour Room, especially in the role as one of the nations most celebrated artists, Clarice Cliff. It’s truly such an honour to take on such a remarkable character.

Between takes: Matthew looked dapper in a stone three-piece suit as he vaped on the set of the new drama

‘The script is a beautifully written contemporary take on the 20th century, and I feel proud to be working with such a strong female team, both in front and behind the camera.’

Phoebe, who was catapulted to stardom after playing Daphne Bridgerton in the Netflix hit, added: ‘I look forward to telling Clarice’s story and of course working with Matthew too.’

Matthew will take on the role of Colley Shorter, the factory owner who became impressed by Clarice’s work and helped stoke her talent.

All smiles: Matthew will take on the role of Colley Shorter, the factory owner who became impressed by Clarice’s work and helped stoke her talent

Chatting: The stars appeared to have good banter between takes as they tucked into some snacks on set

Strolling: Matthew sported bottle green knee-high socks and added a further pop of colour with a bright yellow tie

Full article  – HERE

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From period drama to pottery! Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor transforms into Clarice Cliff with brunette wig and wrinkled tights as The Colour Room filming begins  – Mail Online 31 March 2021 [Extracts]

By ROXY SIMONS FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 10:00, 31 March 2021 | UPDATED: 18:18, 31 March 2021

Filming has begun on Sky Original drama The Colour Room, Phoebe Dynevor’s first major film since she starred in Netflix hit Bridgerton.

The actress, 25, was seen getting to work on set of her new project in Manchester on Thursday, and she joined her co-star Matthew Goode to film her first scenes.

Phoebe has traded the racy period drama for art as she transformed into real-life pottery pioneer Clarice Cliff by wearing a wavy brunette wig.

From period drama to pottery! Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor transformed into Clarice Cliff with brunette wig and wrinkled tights as The Colour Room filming began on Thursday

Phoebe looked demure as she paired a black dress that had a colourful red, yellow and orange floral print with wrinkled tights.

She completed her look by wearing simple brown heeled shoes and accessorised with an orange and brown scarf that clashed with her attire.

 Staying safe amid the coronavirus pandemic, Phoebe made sure to follow strict rules by wearing a face covering while walking to set.

Matthew, meanwhile, looked dapper as he prepared to film a scene in a pair of blue linen pyjamas and a grey dressing gown.

The actress, who played Daphne Bridgerton in the Netflix show  will now take on the role of Clarice Cliff, a pioneering ceramic artist

The film tells how Cliff became a rising star in the pottery industry in Stoke-On-Trent in the 1920s.

Busy schedule: Phoebe filmed scenes alongside her co-star Matthew Goode who was also seen out on set for the first day of filming in Manchester

Relaxed: Matthew, meanwhile, looked dapper as he prepared to film a scene in a pair of blue linen pyjamas and a grey dressing gown

Later on, Matthew looked more put together as he donned a brown three-piece suit over a white striped shirt and a bronze tie.

His raven tresses were slicked back into a coiffured style and he also was seen wearing a face mask to protect himself at the studios.

Phoebe, who was catapulted to stardom after playing Daphne Bridgerton in the Netflix hit, added: ‘I look forward to telling Clarice’s story and of course working with Matthew too.’

Matthew will take on the role of Colley Shorter, the factory owner who became impressed by Clarice’s work and helped stoke her talent.In real life, Cliff broke the glass ceiling to revolutionise the workplace during the 20th Century, and the film will see her take ‘more and more dangerous risks’ to bring her creations to life.

The artist went on to create the Art Deco ‘Bizarre’ range while apprenticing for renowned Art Designer Fred Ridgeway, played by David Morrissey.

Other actors set to join Phoebe, Matthew and David include Darci Shaw, Kerry Fox and Luke Norris.

 

 Dressed to the nines: Matthew wore a red pocket square and brown brogues to complete his dapper look for the shoot

Support: Matthew will take on the role of Colley Shorter, the factory owner who became impressed by Clarice’s work and helped stoke her talent

 

Claire McCarthy is set to direct the film, which is based on the BAFTA Rocliffe-winning script by Claire Peate and is produced by Caspian Films, Sky, and Creative England.

Discussing the film, Peate said: ‘The story was inspired by a single image; a young factory worker leaving her grim, industrial reality behind her and stepping into the rainbow of the Colour Room – a world of joy and possibility.

‘It was thanks to the script winning at BAFTA Rocliffe and being performed on stage that it was picked up, and I’m thrilled to now be working with Phoebe and Matthew in bringing The Colour Room to life.’

 

Cosy: Matthew appeared relaxed as he strolled to set in costume, which alongside pyjamas also consisted of purple slippers

 

Full article – HERE

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A Discovery of Witches star teases the upcoming final series: ‘Hopefully we end it well’ – Radio Times – 26th January 2021

Edward Bluemel, who plays vampire Marcus in the hit Sky series, lifts the lid on COVID-friendly series three filming – and what fans can expect from the end of the Deborah Harkness adaptation.

By Huw Fullerton

A Discovery of Witches season two finally arrived in January 2021 over two years after the first series concluded – and it wasn’t just the fans who were relieved to see the fantasy romance return.

“You know you start to feel the pressure of the fans, and everyone really wants it to come out, and you really don’t want it to miss the wave that series one was riding on,” Edward Bluemel, who plays vampire Marcus in the series, told RadioTimes.com.“So yeah, I’m thrilled that it’s finally been able to come out, and people seem to have really enjoyed it so far, which is fantastic to see. And it’s nice that, you know, all the fans have been patient with us and let it have the time it needed to be right before getting released.”

Happily, for fans this series seems to have been worth the wait – but with all 10 episodes binged, some are already turning towards what’s next. At time of writing A Discovery of Witches is currently deep into filming on its third and final series, which will conclude the story of vampire/witch lovers Matthew and Diana (Matthew Goode and Teresa Palmer) and the characters surrounding them (including Marcus) as Sky adapts the final book in Deborah Harkness’ All Soul’s trilogy.

“We’re nearly done – three weeks or so left, I think?” Bluemel said.

“We’re all sort of coming to the end now and filming a lot of the last bits so yeah, it’s sort of winding down. But it’s gone well, it’s gone smoothly I think. I think we’ve made something that’s really good.

“I think we see the sort of results of [Marcus] gaining responsibility in series two, which is good. We see him take control, really fight his corner for what he believes in, and become a bit of a leader, really.”

Of course, current coronavirus guidelines mean that filming for the new episodes is rather different than the last time Bluemel played Marcus – though apparently, the restrictions aren’t quite as off-putting as we might think.

“You know what, it was much easier from my point of view than would be initially thought,” he told us. “It’s just that everyone’s wearing masks, they’re social distancing, you get tested twice a week. But other than that it’s actually worked quite well. It’s been obviously a big change, but everybody adapted to it very quickly.

Matthew Goode and Teresa Palmer in A Discovery of Witches (Sky)

“The strangest part of it is, I don’t know what half the crew members’ faces look like. And occasionally I’ll see one of them having a sip of tea, or a cigarette on a cigarette break, and I’ll be like ‘Oh my God, I did not think your mouth looked like that!

“The other thing is, I’ve occasionally met someone who I actually know, and they’ve come on, and I haven’t realised that I’ve known them because I can’t see their face if they’re in like a hat and a mask – and that can be quite embarrassing as well.”

Still, despite any difficulties the cast are just happy to be making this last series at all – and apparently, hopes are high that they can pull off this last challenge.

Matthew Goode and Edward Bluemel in A Discovery of Witches (Sky)

“I think there is definitely a bit of an edge to that as you film it, the other day we filmed a scene that will be I think one of the last scenes in the entire series, and that sort of had a strange last day of school feeling about it, even though it wasn’t the last scene we were filming in the whole thing,” Bluemel said.

“It will be sad. It’s been a big part of my life for over half of my acting career, really. I left drama school in 2015 I think, and got cast in this a year and a half later. So it’ll be strange to be back in the world as an actor without Discovery of Witches.

“Hopefully the way that we end it will end it well, and sort of do the books and the fans justice.”

He added: “I would hope it’ll come out more quickly than the last one, certainly!”

Sky original series A Discovery of Witches season two is streaming on Sky and NOW TV. Want something else to watch? Check out our full TV Guide.

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Discovery of Witches: Secrets from the Set – Sensual costumes, giggling and the best sets in the world – BT com – 25th January 2021 [Extracts]

The stars and creative team behind A Discovery of Witches season 2 reveal filming secrets from the hit Sky One series.

By Alex Fletcher

Watch A Discovery of Witches season 1 and 2 on Sky One with NOW TV

Discovery of Witches fans have had a brilliant start to 2021 with the full second season available to binge on Sky One with NOW TV.

After the dramatic conclusion to season 1, the new episodes begin with Matthew and Diana hiding in time in the fascinating and treacherous world of Elizabethan London.

Enemies are everywhere, Diana’s unleashed magic has taken a dark and frightening turn and Matthew is struggling to re-inhabit the dangerous life he led over four centuries ago.

Danger is closing in on all sides, not least in the form of a vicious foe from Matthew’s past, one whom no one expected to see again.

As fans discover the twists and surprises of season 2, we look back at the making of the series and hear from the cast in their own words about the incredible journey they took to bring the show to life.

From modern fantasy to period drama

The biggest change for season 2 is the new locations and sets as Matthew and Diana head to Elizabethan England.

Brought to life by Production Designer James North, the focus of the action is now on the streets of London – which were built on a piece of land in Newport, Wales.

“Everything takes a fraction longer as inaccuracies are not as forgivable,” said Matthew Goode, who returns as Matthew De Clermont.

“Any period drama does, be it by the costume or the hair. Working on James North’s sets transports you as an actor. If those elements weren’t nailed, I wouldn’t have been able to slip into character as easily. Apart from that, you’re also just trying to get your lines and movement right.”

More on A Discovery of Witches

Talking about the challenges of producing series 2, Teresa Palmer said: “One of the main differences is that in Elizabethan London, people looked different. For us actors, this meant longer periods of time getting ready.

“Hair and make-up usually take two and a half hours. My hair is curled, and then intricate pieces are woven into it, as well as a certain period make-up look. Then there are the dresses – most of the fabric that Sarah Arthur uses to create our costumes is sourced overseas. Sarah will travel to places like Prague and bring back beautiful patterns and fabrics.

“Then she has a team working around the clock to stitch them together. Even navigating people getting dressed in the morning takes longer. So, there have been some challenges but we’ve all really enjoyed stepping into this period.”

Getting the giggles

The on-screen sizzle between Matthew Goode and Teresa Palmer is one of the essential ingredients to Witches success.

And it’s no surprise that chemistry between the pair continues once the cameras have finished rolling.

“It’s funny because Matthew Goode and Matthew de Clermont are so similar in so many ways that the line gets blurred a lot of the time,” said Teresa.

“Matthew just *is* Matthew de Clermont. The way he walks, talks, what he emotes – he’s just so brilliant as Matthew de Clermont.”

The Australian said: “Goody, as we call him, is just such a laugh. He’s a wonderful human with many layers and complexities, which serve the character well.

“The two of us are constantly giggling. Philippa Langdale, one of our directors, sent us a four-minute clip of the two of us laughing.

“We both have three kids, so we have a lot in common and we both turn up to set exhausted! He’s my partner in crime and we have each other’s back. It’s a beautiful collaboration.”

…..

Sensual costumes

The new time period gave costumer designer Sarah Arthur a new challenge for season two.

“I had a lot of direction, for instance Jane Tranter (Executive Producer) wanted a realism to the costumes and didn’t just want it stuck in 1590, she wanted it to be exciting for current day viewers,” said Arthur.

“Everything has been made for the main cast. With Matthew, a jacket he wears is similar to an original jacket but slightly earlier than 1590. I actually sourced everything, even down to the buttons and travelled far and wide to find all components.

“We’ve made all our shirts, everything is hand stitched. We’ve had the hats made, collected lots of feathers from here and there. Not to mention, hand-made shoes, head gear, hand embroidered slippers.

….

She added: “With Matthew, we contoured the doublets to his body as he has a great physique and he’s tall. The other jackets, such as the leather and suede, we made for him are very fitted and from very soft skins. We did the black and then a softer brown, and that softened him when they got married.

“We went for the brown skins because they are a softer feel and then with his wedding jacket we decided on a lighter colour to get away from the darkness of London at the time.”

Watch A Discovery of Witches season 1 + 2 Box Sets on Sky One with Now TV.

Full Article – https://www.bt.com/tv/drama/discovery-of-witches-sky-one-now-tv-behind-the-scenes

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A Discovery of Witches: Cast says supernatural thriller is old-fashioned romance at heart – Daily Express – 15th January 2021 [Extracts]

MAGICAL television drama has kept millions of us grounded and provided escapism and solace during the pandemic lockdown, quite literally in the case of A Discovery of Witches. The thrilling supernatural drama, based on US author Deborah Harkness’ All-Souls trilogy, imagines a world where vampires, witches and demons walk the earth.

By ISOBEL JAMES

These natural enemies have been forced into an uneasy alliance to keep their existence a secret and, with their numbers and powers diminishing, must now unite further to save themselves from extinction. For those playing catch-up, the Sky One series began two years ago with Matthew Clairmont (a vampire and geneticist played by Matthew Goode) discovering that magical creatures were dying out. A book at Oxford’s Bodleian Library holds the key to solving the problem – but there’s a snag.

It’s been bewitched so only historian and reluctant witch Diana Bishop (Australian actress Teresa Palmer) can access it. Initially reluctant to connect with her witchy heritage, Diana eventually teams up with Clairmont to protect the book and solve its mysteries while dodging threats from those unhelpful supernatural creatures who aren’t keen on an inter-species glasnost.

Harry Potter it ain’t. But combining adventure, mystery and romance, the first series won a legion of fans, some no doubt drawn by the steamy love scenes between lead actors Goode and Palmer. Its all-star cast also includes Lindsay Duncan, Trevor Eve and Alex Kingston, as Diana’s aunt.

Fans have been waiting for the second series ever since and are now being rewarded with ten brand new episodes which see the duo hurled back through time to Elizabethan London.

Joining the new series are, among others, James Purefoy and Sheila Hancock, who plays Goody Alsop, a veteran witch who takes Diana under her wing to share her knowledge of spellcraft.

But according to Goode, things are “much darker” this time.

“It’s a very different series really because Matthew regresses into his past – and psychologically that really changes him,” the Exeter-born actor admits.

In the series one finale, Diana had finally embraced her magical side and agreed to travel back in time to 1590 to hone her training outside the confines of the present day.

When we meet her in season two, she is seeking “England’s most powerful witch” and a lost book which holds the promise of immortality.

Meanwhile, Clairmont is preparing for events that threaten the future of his family and, to cap it all, the danger of war looms. Which all means plenty of supernatural fighting, as well as some burgeoning “blood rage” – a vampire’s insatiable desire to hunt blood – from our vampire hero, while the romance between our hero and heroine continues to flourish, even if they face several bumps in the road on the way. But the course of true love never did run smooth, says Goode, 42.

“We have some things that come between us and some obstacles to overcome,” he confides.

Palmer, 34, adds: “I’m getting to know him again in this era. When we go back in time, the Matthew that she knows seems really different – he shifts into this darker version of who he is and at times it feels like he is a totally different Matthew, which really throws her.”

At its beating heart, the show is as much a traditional love story as a gothic thriller – albeit between a vampire and a witch.

As fans will testify, production values on the show are high with plenty of captivating magical sequences.

With this series set largely in 1590 – although there is some time travel back to the present day – the production team built an authentic Elizabethan village set around an old farmhouse a few miles outside Newport in south Wales.

Its meticulously-created medieval inn, cobbled streets and fortress walls are matched by equally detailed, multi-layered Elizabethan costumes – which proved something of a
challenge during summer filming.

“When we started filming it was in 35 degree heat, so that was fairly brutal,” says Goode, who also admits to feeling more than a hint of embarrassment at filming scenes where he shows his “blood rage”.

“There are a couple of big set pieces where blood rage comes to the surface. It’s embarrassing at first and then you go, ‘I’ve got blood rage’ and throw yourself into it,” he smiles.

The Tudor setting also enabled the introduction of real-life historical characters, including playwright Christopher Marlowe, played by Victoria star Tom Hughes, and Queen Elizabeth (Casualty’s Barbara Marten in a role she was clearly born to play) whose advanced years do not preclude her from flirting with Clairmont.

“I’m having it written into all his main scenes that women find me attractive,” jokes Goode.

…

… It’s a reminder of the fascination we have for witches, vampires and all things supernatural, which Goode finds unsurprising.

“I think you sort of hear those stories first when you’re children and they’re a little bit disturbing and magical and mysterious – and I think Harry Potter helped,” he reflects.

“But there’s something intriguing about that pagan past. And there’s something cathartic about getting a fright.”

With an intensely loyal fanbase behind the books, Goode was keenly aware that there were high expectations for its transition on to the screen two years ago.

Thankfully the reception for A Discovery of Witches proved incredibly positive from even the most die-hard fans of Harkness’s best-selling trilogy.

The series pulled in two million viewers when it first aired in 2018 and became Sky One’s most popular drama that year.

Now the cast are crossing their fingers for more of the same this time round.

“They are incredibly difficult books to adapt and so there are always going to be people who are huge fans of the book who are, if not disappointed, but wondering why things have been missed out,” says Goode.

“But we think we have made something so far that is going to appease both sides.”

As lockdown drags on, thank goodness dramas like this are keeping us spellbound.

Full Article here – https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1384616/sky-a-discovery-of-witches-cast-supernatural-thriller

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TV show review: A Discovery of Witches Season 2 – Daily Record – 14th January 2021

Journey back in time for follow-up run of bewitching show based on trilogy of books.

By Ian Bunting

AS anyone in a marriage will know, you sometimes get talked into doing something you’re not overly keen on by your other half.

One such example for me was watching the first season of A Discovery of Witches (I guess I couldn’t complain too much having dragged my wife along to football matches, among other delights).

She is a massive fan of the Deborah Harkness All Souls trilogy of books this Sky production is based on and, to be fair, I enjoyed the first run of episodes.

For this second season, our forbidden lovers witch Diana (Teresa Palmer) and vampire Matthew (Matthew Goode) are transported to 1590 London as they try to trace an ancient magical manuscript and avoid their enemies.

Diana is an unusual witch – a weaver – with the ability to control all four elements, but she needs to find a teacher in Elizabethan England to help her learn to control her untrained gifts.

Matthew also has to see his father again after losing him in WWII, which turns into a very daunting experience for him.

Series two introduces Queen Elizabeth (Barbara Marten), Christopher “Kit” Marlowe (Tom Hughes, who is used to periodical escapades after playing Prince Albert in Victoria), Walter Raleigh (Michael Lindall) and Emperor Rudolf II (Michael Jibson), which for any history buff is in interesting on-screen experience.

We also meet more of the De Clermont family including patriarch Phillippe (James Purefoy), cousin Gallowglass (Steven Cree) and Matthew’s unruly sister Louisa (Elaine Cassidy).

Palmer and Goode shine in their portrayals of their roles and cover a wide range of emotions as they explore the time period together.

This second season was every bit as enjoyable as the first – but I could have done without my wife’s constant analysis about what had been done differently and excited non-spoiler revelations about what was to come!

However her infectious enthusiasm however was bewitching.

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A Discovery of Witches 2: James Purefoy Interview – The Version – 11th January 2021 [Extracts]

The second series of A Discovery of Witches sees Matthew and Diana hiding in time in the fascinating and treacherous world of Elizabethan London. Here they must find a powerful witch to help Diana master her magic and search for the elusive Book of Life. Enemies are everywhere, the threat to witches is growing, and Matthew and Diana’s romance faces a barrage of new threats – from within as much as without. Diana’s unleashed magic takes a dark and frightening turn, while Matthew struggles to re-inhabit the dangerous life he led over four centuries ago.

They must overcome deep personal fears and jealousies, baring their darkest secrets to one another if they are to stay alive, stay together and find a way back to the present day. Back in the present, their reappearance is keenly anticipated. Diana’s beloved aunts, Sarah and Em, must take shelter with notorious witch hunter Ysabeau de Clermont at her ancestral home, Sept-Tours. Meanwhile, in Oxford, Marcus and Miriam take on Matthew’s mantle to protect daemons Nathaniel and Sophie, whose pregnancy is advancing. If news that her baby is a witch reaches their enemies on the Congregation, the consequences could be catastrophic. And Gerbert and Knox are determined to hunt down every clue they can as to Matthew and Diana’s disappearance, and the secrets their allies are keeping from them. Danger is closing in on all sides, not least in the form of a vicious foe from Matthew’s past, one whom no one expected to see again.

Newcomer James Purefoy tells us about joining the show.

What has it been like to join the second season of A Discovery of Witches?

It’s always interesting joining a show which has already had a season, because the rules have been established. So, you’re doing a bit of catch up in terms of understanding the parameters of a vampire and a witch, but also understanding where we are in the show. Everyone has been incredibly nice to me. I’ve known Matthew a long time, so I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s a beautifully shot and beautifully directed show.

Can you introduce the character and explain a bit about who he is?

I play Philippe de Clermont who is Matthew de Clermont’s father. He is a vampire who has been around for about three-thousand years. We are first introduced to Philippe at his French estate – Sept-Tours in 1590. Matthew and Diana have been travelling a long while to get there, and finally arrive at Sept-Tours. They head up to Philippe’s war room where he is being implacable.

Could you describe the relationship between Philippe and Matthew?

It’s a relationship that’s been going on hundreds and hundreds of years, so it’s complicated. It’s a complex, ambiguous, difficult relationship. If you take the average relationship of a father and son and multiply it by the difficulty they might have, and then multiply that by several hundred years, then you get entrenched positions. He’s used Matthew for some dodgy things in the past, like using him as an assassin, but underneath it all there is a profound sense of love. With Philippe, we see a man who appears to be stern and quite implacable – there’s not much he doesn’t know. He’s an interesting character, but his relationship with Matthew changes as Matthew and Diana’s relationship is revealed to him. His opinion is strong at the beginning but there is an arc of change that develops. As we get towards the end, there is a feeling of profound acceptance of their love.

….

What’s it been like working with Matthew and Teresa?

Matthew is a charm. I know him very well. Both have been wonderful. Teresa is very professional and a cool person to work with. Matthew has been wonderful, although quite frankly I think he looks far too old to play my son, and I even look younger than him in some scenes!

…

Who is your favourite character, other than your own?

Matthew’s character is great! He can run 200 mph and take out a stag with his own teeth – vampires are always cool. I don’t think there’s ever been a vampire that isn’t cool.

Full Article Here – https://www.theversion.co/the-version/2021-1-11-a-discovery-of-witches-2-james-purefoy-interview

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The week in TV: A Discovery of Witches – The Guardian – 10th January 2021

By Euan Ferguson

The second series of A Discovery of Witches, a tremendous, often overlooked gem from Sky, launched in fine if dark style. Seriously, it’s awfully dark, the opening episode in particular. Imagine a rat having eaten a bat, and Gordon Buchanan filming the bat’s wing being digested, in monochrome, without lights or infrared, and then casually dropping the resultant footage into a vat of tar.

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Teresa Palmer on ‘A Discovery of Witches’ Season 2, Diana’s Profound Journey, & Filming Season 3 – Collider – 10th January 2021 [Extracts]

Palmer also revealed just how much fun it is to work with Matthew Goode.

Adapted from Deborah Harkness’ All Souls trilogy, the 10-episode second season of A Discovery of Witches follows Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode) and Diana Bishop (TeresaPalmer) as they hide out in Elizabethan London, which has its own set of dangers and threats. While there, Diana must find a powerful witch teacher to help her control her magic and Matthew struggles to overcome his own demons, in the hopes of getting back to the present day.

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Sheila Hancock Interview in Radio Times – 9th January 2021 [Extract about Matthew]

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A Discovery of Witches season 2 cast break down ‘wild’ audition process – Metro – 8th Jan 2021 [Extract]

By Harry Fletcher

A Discovery of Witches is finally back this week, bringing a welcome dose of time-travelling fantasy in season two to provide the perfect lockdown distraction. The likes of Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, Trevor Eve, Sheila Hancock, Louise Brealey, Ed Bluemel and Owen Teale are all onboard for the show’s second run, as the series swaps modern day Oxford for Elizabethan London.

There are plenty of questions we can’t wait to be answered in season two, but we also want to look back at the very beginnings of the show, and see how some of the performers first came on board.

Who spent their entire audition ‘cracking up’, and who landed their part after their partner told them they were ‘sh**’?

Here, the A Discovery of Witches cast tell all.

Teresa Palmer (Diana Bishop)

‘I auditioned in Hollywood. I had been told that it was probably looking like it was going my way, but I had to do a chemistry read with Matthew Goode. He rocked up and straight off the bat, I realised we had such a similar sense of humor. We were just cracking each other up the whole time.

‘In fact, Kate Rhodes, the casting director, said: “You guys, we should actually film something. I know, we’re having giggles and we’re having laughs, but we should film something.” It was just great, it was wild. Matthew and I didn’t really know what we were doing. We just sort of threw some scenes down. I walked away not feeling 100% that it went my way. I sort of just like, left it up to the universe and said “If it’s meant to be it’s meant to be.” But I definitely knew I’d gotten on so well with Matthew and the whole point of the audition was really for a chemistry read, so that aspect I felt confident about.

Full article – https://metro.co.uk/2021/01/08/a-discovery-of-witches-season-2-cast-break-down-wild-audition-process-13860740/

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Discovery of Witches: Meet the cast and characters of Sky One’s sizzling, supernatural, hit series – BT TV – 8th January 2021 [Extract]

Matthew Goode and Teresa Palmer are back for witch and vampire action and they are joined by some famous faces as the cast expands for season two.

By Alex Fletcher

Sky One’s A Discovery of Witches has built up a loyal legion of fans thanks to its magical blend of fantasy, sizzling romance and dark drama.

Based on the novels of Deborah Harkness and filled with vampires, witches and daemons, the show returns for a second season in a new location – Elizabethan London.

The shift in timelines means the show’s lead characters Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont, played by Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode, will be joined by a collection of new characters.

Here is a quick guide to the lead cast in season two in their own words…

Matthew De Clermont – Played by Matthew Goode

“In season two, Matthew reassumes the identity of Matthew Roydon. He was Lord Burghley’s right-hand man and, basically, 007 for the Queen. It’s a much darker season and I think we start to see Diana’s character become strong, not only with magic, but in a society that’s very patriarchal.

“It’s great getting the old gang back together even though we didn’t see a lot of them as they were filming the modern part of the story. James North has successfully knocked out a 1590s London town in a place called Plas Machen. Prior to arriving on set, I wondered how they were going to do it, and if it was just going to be a few pots, pans and beggars hanging around some cobbles!”

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‘A Discovery of Witches’: James Purefoy and Steven Cree on Living Up to Expectations in Season 2 (Exclusive) – ET – 7th January 2021 [Extracts]

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Review: A Discovery of Witches Season 2 is Pure Magic – The Cool Table – 7th January 2021

By now, we are all used to the magic of the movies, and in this era of quarantine and streaming services, we expect no less magic from our television shows either. But when season one of A Discovery of Witches premiered, there was something more than just the magic of film-making; they had managed to adapt a very full and lengthy fantasy novel into a concise, engaging, romantic and faithful series in just eight episodes. Now, with A Discovery of Witchesseason 2 coming out in just a couple of days, they’ve exceeded those expectations. This is a season of television that beautifully mixes romance with pure magic.

Season 2 starts off where the time-walking cliffhanger of season one left us: Peter Knox (Owen Teale) and his Congregation cohorts are looking for evidence of where Matthew de Clermont (Matthew Goode) and Diana Bishop (Teresa Palmer) have disappeared to. The couple pop in, quite literally, on the streets of the Blackfriars in 1590 London. Due to his status as a wealthy and connected immortal vampire, Matthew is able to step into his old life without much problem. In fact, in the early episodes the only problem seems to be his connection with Diana and his lack of beard and earring. (At least two of those problems get solved pretty quickly).

The magic of season 2 is in the ease with which we believe this time-traveling storyline. Gone are the genetic science talks and the speeding car trappings of the first season; we are now fully ensconced in neck ruffs and deference rules and witch hunts. The good(e) news is Matthew Goode looks even more excellent in a doublet and leather breeches than he does in blue oxfords.

It all works. The show is gorgeously Elizabethan: costumes, sets, tiny details and large scale historic events all line up to make this fantasy show an historical adventure one as well. Matthew’s best friend is a prickly jealous Christopher Marlowe (Tom Hughes), and his 16th century vocation is Queen Elizabeth’s spy. Diana and Matthew meet up with other important, but less historical, characters of Matthew’s past, including his nephew, Gallowglass (played expertly by Steven Cree) and his father, Phillipe (James Purefoy). These fan favorites are favorites for a reason, and their screen versions do not disappoint.

With ten episodes in season 2, there is more time to delve into the hunt for the Book of Life that Matthew and Diana embarked upon. And at least, in the first seven episodes that were made available for review, the series does this without getting too mired in the intricacies the past. The most potent of encounters comes with Sir Phillipe, as they work to get him to accept Diana, and as Matthew deals with coming face to face with the father he hasn’t seen in decades and from whom he will have to try to hide the truth of his future. The season does an excellent job of not falling into the pattern of An Adventure A Week With Time Traveling Creatures, but instead weaves a storyline that keeps punching and driving towards a conclusion that will, no doubt, leave us very glad that they are almost finished shooting season three.

 

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By Maureen Lee Lenker

James Purefoy and Matthew Goode have been friends and colleagues for years, but it was a round of negronis that led (in part) to Purefoy’s casting as Goode’s vampiric father on A Discovery of Witches.

The series, which returns to Sundance Now, Shudder, and AMC+ on Jan. 9 for a second season, follows vampire Matthew (Matthew Goode) and witch Diana (Teresa Palmer) as they embark on a forbidden romance and become embroiled in a mystery about the origin of magical creatures. Season 2 finds them traveling to 16th-century England in pursuit of the enigmatic Book of Life, as well as searching for a witch to help Diana master her powers.

Their journey brings them into the path of Philippe de Clermont (Purefoy), Matthew’s intimidating vampire father. Those that are fans of Purefoy or Goode might know they’ve previously worked together on both History miniseries Roots and travel series The Wine Show. But for Purefoy, it’s always been a case of one Goode gig leading to another.

“Matthew’s done my career no end of good, actually,” Purefoy tells EW. “We worked together first on Roots where we played brothers. We spent a lot of time walking around, going from bar to bar in New Orleans because we had a certain amount of time off on that show. He was looking at rushes for a show he had just done, which he was producing, which was The Wine Show that he’d done with our mutual friend Matthew Rhys.”

Purefoy admits he was envious of the great gig Rhys and Goode shared. But a year later, when Rhys was unavailable for a second season due to his shooting schedule on The Post, Goode called Purefoy to ask him to step in. That, in turn, led to their new relationship as father and son on A Discovery of Witches.

“We [were] on location on our second season in Portugal, and Matthew got a text message from [A Discovery of Witchesexecutive producer] Jane Tranter with three possibilities of actors they were considering to play Philippe,” he recalls. “I was literally standing next to him at the bar, and he barked out loud with a laugh. He goes, ‘Take a look at this.’ Here was my name and two of my bete noirs, my contemporaries who I’m often up against for parts.”

From there, the two friends conspired to get Purefoy the gig. “We had one or two negronis, [and] we concocted a text back that said, ‘Their career was finished and had been; they’d been around the block too many times. But James Purefoy, what a wonderful choice that would be,'” he laughs. “It was a set-up really. I’m hoping they’re happy with what I did. But we concocted that at a bar in Portugal one night.”

Purefoy admits playing Goode’s father was terrible for his vanity, but ultimately, their characters are both centuries old, so that softened the blow. Mostly, performing with Goode made him up his game. “Matthew is a mercurial and dangerous presence in a scene,” he reflects. “He’s really interesting, and he’ll go places that you don’t expect him to go. It’s like playing tennis with somebody. If you play tennis with somebody worse than you, you just get worse. If you play tennis with somebody who is good as you or preferably better than you, then you get better and Matthew is one of them. He makes you better.”

CREDIT: OVATATION

Still, it was also an unexpected challenge, given their camaraderie. “There were moments where he was just literally laughing in my face on the other side of the camera,” Purefoy adds. “Because something I said or something I’d done made him laugh. He’s a terrible giggler. Terrible. Up there with the greatest gigglers of all…The biggest challenge [of the season] was trying to get through a scene with Matthew Goode without laughing.”

…

Even with his fond reminisces of his time acting opposite Goode and his love for the role, Purefoy does have one regret from the season. “Sadly, I didn’t get to sink my teeth into anybody’s throat,” he opines. “I did figure if I was playing a vampire, I might just get the odd chance to do that.”

But sometimes even the greatest jobs have aspects that suck.

A Discovery of Witches season 2 premieres on Sundance Now, Shudder and AMC+ on Saturday.

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Why A Discovery of Witches had to make some big changes to the book for season 2 – Radio Times 7th January 2021

By Huw Fullerton

The second season of the Deborah Harkness adaptation goes in a few new directions – but they had the author’s blessing, says star Matthew Goode.

Sky original drama A Discovery of Witches has found success in bringing the smash-hit novels of author Deborah Harkness to the small screen, with the team at Bad Wolf Studios working closely with Harkness to help her tale of warring vampires, daemons and witches come to life.

However, despite this close relationship the stars of the series have now revealed that some big changes from the text are in store for season two – with Harkness happily on board when it comes to the alterations.

“They’re incredibly difficult books to adapt, so there are going to be people who are huge fans of the book that might be like I am, where you’re not disappointed but you’re like, ‘Why isn’t that in there?’” series star Matthew Goode, who plays vampire Matthew de Clairmont, told RadioTimes.com on the set of season two, when we visited in late 2019.

“It can be a difficult story to follow. So we’ve had to change the order of events. We now go to see my father first and then head on to see the emperor, as opposed to coming back and then… you know.”

“We have massive modern threads,” Goode told us. “In the original – in the second book, it doesn’t go back to modern times. So we wanted people to know what was going on with those characters too.”

Such a change could have been controversial – but to Harkness, it was an easy request to say yes to. After all, in her mind it was really just an extension of what she’d been planning to do anyway.

“There’s definitely a contemporary storyline in the book too,” Harkness told RadioTimes.com during a streamed panel discussion for season two. “Those moments propel us towards series three, which was the purpose of them for me narratively.

“But they were really kind of touchpoints that were related to an anomaly where the past had suddenly bumped up against the present.

“Those were the places where the screenwriters had a lot more latitude, because it wasn’t on the page, to explain how we got from place to place.”

In other words, season two is able to fill in the gaps of what happened to the present-day characters while Matthew and Diana were living in the past, getting them to the point where Harkness picked up with them again in her third book. For example, episode four of the new series takes place entirely in the present day, following Edmund Bluemel’s Marcus as he faces a new challenge.

“Doing an adaptation is always a challenge, and tricky, because you have to stay within the bounds of what exists, right?” Harkness told us.

“But what was great, I hoped, with the contemporary lines is that it did give them a bit more latitude to play and invent.”

“It’s all under the guise of Deb Harkness, which is great,” Teresa Palmer, who plays witch Diana, told us. “And Deb, she gives suggestions to make sure the world works within [her vision].

“Man, it comes with its challenges, absolutely. But knowing that she’s steering this ship, it takes the pressure off, I think, because the fans really look to her to dictate how the story goes, and what’s included, and what’s not.”

“Permissions have been sought,” Goode added.

Overall, it sounds like the new series will just add more to the world that Harkness created – and might even bring some surprises for her most dedicated of fans.

“Provided we still got from point a to point b to point c, how we got there was not established within the covers of Shadow of Night, which is the second book,” the author told us.

And we’re sure that how will be a big draw for viewers as A Discovery of Witches turns time upside down for season two.

Sky original drama A Discovery of Witches Series two is coming to Sky One and NOW TV on 8th January 2021, with all episodes available at once.

https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/fantasy/2021-01-07/discovery-of-witches-season-2-book-changes/

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A Discovery of Witches stars tease “elevated” and “immense” final season – Radio Times 6th January 2021

Teresa Palmer and Steven Cree offer some hints about the third season of Sky’s fantasy drama: “To pardon a vampire pun, the stakes are much higher.”

By Huw Fullerton

A Discovery of Witches season two hasn’t even been released yet, but the cast and crew of the Sky One fantasy drama are already hard at work on a third (and final) season to tie up Matthew (Matthew Goode) and Diana’s (Teresa Palmer) love story.

And in a special BFI & Radio Times Television Festival online panel, Palmer and co-star Steven Cree (who plays vampire Gallowglass in seasons two and three) were happy to give a few hints for what fans could expect from the A Discovery of Witches episodes they’re currently making.Spoiler alert: it’s gonna be big.

“Everything feels very elevated,” Palmer told RadioTimes.com. “The danger is immense, the passion is immense, the tragedy immense. And there’s so much that we have to face and overcome.”

“Teresa’s really nailed that,” Cree said. “To pardon a vampire pun, the stakes are much higher in season three. Just wanted to get that in there.”

After time-walking back to the 1590s at the end of season one (and remaining in that time period for the second season), season three is set to return the action to the present day – but that doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of the new characters introduced this year.

“We’re back in contemporary times. I think it’s OK to say that,” Cree said.

“I think one of the more exciting things will be that there’s an amalgamation of some of those characters from 1590 with the characters from the contemporary time. So I think it’ll be exciting to see some of those characters coming together.

“From a personal point of view I’m 400 years older,” he added, “so a lot has happened and [Gallowglass is] a different person.”

Still, the happy reunions can’t last too long – because as fans know, author Deborah Harkness (upon whose novels the series is based) only wrote three books in her All Soul’s series, making this third season the end of Matthew and Diana’s story.

And according to Palmer, the experience of filming her farewell to Diana has been “bittersweet”.

“I love watching the journey of every character coming to such a beautiful, organic end,” she told us from the set of season three.

“And to see Diana at the pinnacle of her magic and just leaning into her authentic self, is such a beautiful part of this season.

“It’s bittersweet – I’ll leave you with that, because obviously they’re based on Deb’s beautiful books, the trilogy. This is the third season, and I have about five weeks left of being with Diana.

“I have mixed emotions,” she concluded.

When season three does roll around, we’re sure plenty of fans will have similar difficulties – but at least they’re still got plenty of episodes to enjoy between now and then.

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Meet the cast of A Discovery of Witches season 2 – Radio Times – 6th January 2021 [Extract]

The fantasy romance returns with a stellar cast in tow.

By David Craig

It’s been well over two years since the first season of A Discovery of Witchesconcluded, sending historian Diana Bishop and her vampire partner Matthew Clairmont hurtling back to the year 1590.That’s where the long-awaited follow-up picks up, which will premiere on Sky One this week and continue the saga originally plotted in the All Souls trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness.Much of the original cast is returning but there are also several new faces to keep an eye on, including the legendary Sheila Hancock (Unforgotten) and Sex Education star James Purefoy.

Read on for everything you need to know about the cast and characters of Sky’s A Discovery of Witches.

Teresa Palmer plays Diana Bishop

Who is Diana Bishop? Diana is a historian who tried to escape her lineage as a witch, but the supernatural world found her when she stumbled upon a bewitched manuscript in Oxford University’s Bodleian Library. She formed a controversial alliance with ancient vampire Matthew Clairmont which ultimately blossomed into love, risking her life to save his in the season one finale before travelling back in time several centuries to take refuge from their pursuers.

What else has Teresa Palmer been in? Palmer has starred in the main cast of several feature films including zombie comedy Warm Bodies, crime thriller Triple 9, horror flick Lights Out and war epic Hacksaw Ridge. Most recently, she played the lead role in Ride Like A Girl, the biopic about jockey Michelle Payne, first woman to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015.

Matthew Goode plays Matthew Clairmont

Who is Matthew Clairmont? Clairmont is an ancient vampire who forms an alliance with witch Diana Bishop, despite their species traditionally being at odds with each other. He is gravely concerned about the declining fortunes of vampires, witches and demons, all of whom are becoming less powerful in the supernatural world. His relationship with Diana eventually becomes romantic and he flees with her to 16th century London.

What else has Matthew Goode been in? Goode is a familiar face to fans of British telly, with recent roles in ITV’s Downton Abbey, Netflix’s The Crown and BBC One’s Ordeal by Innocence. Across the pond, he played Finn Polmar in legal drama The Good Wife and portrayed Ozymandias in the Hollywood adaptation of Alan Moore’s Watchmen.

A Discovery of Witches returns on Friday 8th January on Sky One.

Full cast introduction in full article here – https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2021-01-06/a-discovery-of-witches-cast/

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A Discovery of Witches season 2 cast: Who is in the cast of A Discovery of Witches? – The Express UK – 6th January 2021 [Extract]

A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES season 2 is coming to Sky One and NOW TV very soon but who is the cast of the new series?

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For Teresa Palmer it’s the season of the witch – Sidney Morning Herald – 6th January 2021 [Extracts]