Dan Stevens Discusses His Departure from Downton Abbey 12 Years Later: “Terror & Discomfort”

Renowned for his role in Downton Abbey, Dan Stevens recently shared his thoughts on leaving the iconic British series. Debuting on ITV in late 2010, this historical drama traces the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff in a fictional Yorkshire estate during the post-Edwardian era. Stevens portrayed Matthew Crawley, a central figure in the show until his departure in 2012. Alongside him were other stellar actors, including Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, and Jessica Brown Findlay.

Now, over a decade after his exit from Downton Abbey, Stevens reflected on his decision in an interview featured on Business Insider. The 41-year-old actor confessed that the choice to leave the show was fraught with discomfort and uncertainty; however, he considers it a thrilling journey discovering the path he has taken since then. Here is his full statement:

“Taking those kinds of risks does involve an element of terror and discomfort, and part of the journey is sort of finding out what that’s going to mean and how that’s going to progress. I didn’t know the answer to any of those questions when I left, and it’s been fun answering them bit by bit over the years.”

“Not especially. I think what’s lovely is how the fan love for that show has endured and people are still discovering it. I still get messages every other week where somebody hits the end of season three and can’t believe what’s just happened, but there’s just such an enduring love for that show and I have very, very fond memories of it.”

The Reasons Behind Dan Stevens’ Departure

From Downton to New Heights

Dan Stevens was a key character in Downton Abbey, appearing in three of the show’s six seasons. His tumultuous relationship with Lady Mary Talbot, played by Michelle Dockery, provided significant drama and became a fan favorite storyline. Ultimately, the couple wed and welcomed their first child, but Stevens’ character, Matthew Crawley, met an unexpected demise in a car accident during the season 3 finale.

Initially, Stevens had committed to only three seasons of the series. Once those concluded, he sought to pursue fresh opportunities. The plot twist that led to Matthew’s death was not part of the original storyline and was introduced only after Stevens decided to depart. Following his exit, he expressed that he left Downton Abbey because he had “creative itches left unscratched.”

Dan Stevens’ Career Post-Downton Abbey

Building a Versatile Career in Film and TV

Despite the inherent risks associated with leaving such a beloved series, Dan Stevens successfully transitioned his newfound fame into a robust career in both film and television. Audiences may have been introduced to him through his dynamic performance as the sinister antagonist in the thriller The Guest (2014). This role starkly contrasted with that of Matthew Crawley, showcasing Stevens’ impressive acting versatility.

Stevens continued to display his diverse talents in various high-profile projects. He embodied the Beast in the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, a blockbuster that grossed over $1 billion globally. Additionally, he is set to appear as Trapper in the upcoming Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and he recently starred as Frank in Abigail.

Source: Business Insider

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