With a repertoire spanning across genres and mediums, Edward Bluemel has tackled everything from fantasy epics to gripping dramas. You may remember him as Marcus Whitmore in the fantasy series A Discovery of Witches, where he captured the complexities of a centuries-old vampire navigating the modern world. Edward has also left a lasting impression as Hugo in the acclaimed thriller series Killing Eve, demonstrating his ability to embody characters with charm and intrigue. Now, his latest venture is the anticipated historical romp My Lady Jane, where he plays the enigmatic Lord Guildford Dudley, a mid-16th century nobleman with a dual personality concealing hidden depths beneath a façade of aristocratic charm. On the surface, Guildford exudes confidence and poise befitting his noble status, but beneath this exterior lies a vulnerability and uncertainty stemming from his internal struggles. Throughout the story, Guildford grapples with the weight of his responsibilities and the expectations placed upon him by society. He navigates a world filled with political intrigue and familial obligations, all while wrestling with his own inner demons.

As Edward Bluemel continues to push the boundaries of his craft, his talent and versatility shine brightly with each performance. As he continues to explore new horizons with his diverse talents, Edward is leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.

My Lady Jane is now available on Amazon Prime.

Violeta Nicola __ You have been involved in many incredible projects over the years, and your roles span a wide range of genres, from fantasy to drama to comedy. Is there a particular genre you enjoy doing the most?

Edward Bluemel __ I love all genres. I always look forward to the unexpected challenges different genres bring. Growing up, I watched a lot of fantasy and period dramas, which naturally influenced my initial career. Now, I’m open to everything. I don't think I'm above any genre. As long as the character is compelling and has depth, I'm happy to dive in, regardless of the genre.

VN __ From your character Marcus Whitmore in A Discovery of Witches to Lord Guildford Dudley in My Lady Jane, you've portrayed characters from different periods. What was your process of getting ready for them? Did you do any research involving those periods?

EB __ Yes, I did research for some of them, depending on the show. For instance, while the show My Lady Jane is set in a historical period, it has a modern twist, so I didn't need to dive deeply into “How did the Tudors do this or that?” Historical accuracy wasn’t the main focus of the show. However, for other roles, like when I played a Victorian doctor in Belgravia, good research was important. You can't just wing something like that. I approached it scene by scene rather than doing a month of intense research beforehand. If a scene requires specific historical knowledge, I make sure to understand it thoroughly so I can portray it accurately.

VN __ Your newest project, My Lady Jane, comes out this June, and your character plays a big part in the story. Let’s say he has a “dual” personality, as fans will see. How did it feel to incorporate that trait into who the character is and what drives him?

EB __ Great question, because Guildford does indeed have a dual personality. It's a central aspect of both the show and his character. There were many decisions to be made about when and how Guildford would be portrayed by me, reflecting his internal struggles. The writers and I wanted to keep this duality a secret as much as possible. Guildford is incredibly ashamed of his true nature and he'll do anything to cover it up and appear as regular and human as possible. I focused on his guilt and embarrassment, especially the drastic change from being a Tudor aristocrat to eating grass. It's a source of deep humiliation for him. His journey is all about learning to accept who he truly is, a theme that is applicable to so many things in real life. 

VN __ I wanted to ask you about the sense of guilt he feels. There's a part in an episode where the narrator talks about psychology. Would the show's plot have been different if they had the notion of psychology back then?

EB __ Yeah, probably. Many of Guildford's issues stem from repression and shame. As humans, we're gradually learning how to address these feelings, but back then, they didn't have the tools we do now. If they had known about therapy, the dynamics of his character and the plot would have certainly shifted. It would have been interesting to explore how psychological support could have altered his journey.

VN __ Is there something in the show's script that stood out to you and made you decide it was a good fit? What can audiences expect from your portrayal of the character?

EB __ The whole project attracted me. It was so much fun, and the tone felt like a nostalgic return to those family fantasy adventures I’ve always loved. Gilford is such a fun character to come across the desk when you read a script. I remember reading the character's description and saying, “Ok, I like this cool and fun leading man.” Then you find something else about him and you’re like “Wow, did not see that coming.” Audiences can expect a character who is multi-layered and full of unexpected twists.

VN __ Speaking of a cool leading man, sometimes fans will find a show like this and proclaim the lead character their “leading man of the month.” I see that happening to you. Are you ready to take that responsibility?  

EB __ If it does, I'll embrace it wholeheartedly. It means people have really enjoyed the show, and that's all I could ask for at the end of the day.

VN __ Like My Lady Jane, many books are being adapted into movies and TV shows. Do you have a book you’d love to see on the screen and be involved in?

EB __ I'm too old for it now, but I've always dreamed of seeing The Secret History by Donna Tartt adapted for the screen. While reading it, I kept switching between which character I wanted to play, finally settling on Richard, the narrator. It’s fascinating to see how they’ve tried to make it a couple of times, but it just never worked out. Adapting it would be difficult because of the passionate fan base. It would require the best talent to do it justice and ensure it resonates with its dedicated readers.

VN __ My Lady Jane has been described as a "historical romp," offering a departure from more serious drama shows like Killing Eve. How does the lighthearted tone of My Lady Jane influence your approach to the material?

EB __ Doing My Lady Jane was really fun. I love comedy, and I actually think Killing Eve has a lot of elements of comedy as well.

With My Lady Jane, the key was to approach it with the seriousness of a Shakespearean play. That juxtaposition is what makes it so funny. A big influence for me was A Knight's Tale, one of my favorite films. Heath Ledger's performance is so funny because he’s playing it as if he wants an Oscar. I think treating these romps as if they're deadly serious is where the best humor lies. When I read the script for My Lady Jane, Guildford's earnestness in some scenes, which you'll see in the show, was objectively hilarious.

VN __ Speaking of hilarious, besides your character, what character did you find the funniest? 

EB __ Jane’s younger sister, played by Robin, was absolutely hilarious. She brought such comedic energy to her scenes, and there are moments that will have everyone in stitches. Emily, who plays Jane, is also brilliant. Her performance holds everything together so well, and she brings a brilliant comedic touch to the role. When you watch her, you're just drawn in by her talent. And then there's Anna Chancellor, playing Frances, the mother – she's incredible. Honestly, the entire cast brought so much humor to the table.

VN __ Your character has some incredible fighting scenes. What did the preparation for those look like before filming?

EB __ I've had experience with fight choreography, mostly from my time at drama school, so I felt quite comfortable with it and enjoyed it. Preparation-wise, it involved learning the steps, much like learning a dance routine. However, it was my first time doing extensive fight scenes. While I've performed fights on stage before, filming them brings a whole new set of challenges and nuances. You rehearse a long battle but then film it in short and fragmented takes. 

VN  __ Like with My Lady Jane, how do you deal with waiting a long time between when you wrap up and when the show comes out?

EB __ It's really hard. I have to find ways to disconnect from it once I have wrapped up filming because the wait can feel endless. You wrap, and then it hits you: "Oh my God, I have to wait a year for this to come out!" So, you put it out of your mind until the promotional phase begins. It's a long process, but there's also something special about it. When the show finally comes out, it's like rediscovering all the fun memories from filming. I'm especially glad they're releasing it as a binge because I think that's the best way for people to enjoy it fully.

VN __ You've worked in both television and theater. How does your approach to preparing for a role differ between these mediums?

EB __ I actually find theater easier. It's what I grew up doing, and even though I haven't done it for a while, it feels like my natural space. There's something truly special about live performances and connecting with the audience directly. Television, on the other hand, requires a different mindset. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that the camera is the audience, which helps me adjust my performance accordingly.

VN  __ Your career has taken you to various filming locations around the world. Is there a specific location you haven’t been to yet and would love to be the backdrop for a potential future project?

EB __ I auditioned for a project filmed in Japan years ago, unfortunately I didn't get the part. But I would love to do a project there for a couple of months. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and environment. I also love the idea of working in places you might not have visited otherwise. Those are often the most underrated locations. For instance, I spent three months filming in Nova Scotia on the east coast of Canada, and it was an incredible experience. The scenery was breathtaking, the people were amazing, and it's a place I might never have thought to visit if not for work.

VN __ You're known for your versatility as an actor. Is there a dream role or genre you still need to tackle but would love to explore in the future?

EB __ I'd like to do some sci-fi. Unlike fantasy and period dramas, it's a genre I haven't had the chance to explore yet. Send me into the future! I want to wear a skintight life suit, float around in space, or spend hours in prosthetics playing an alien. Please give me a laser gun to fire! I would have a blast leaning into that whole thing. [laughs]

VN  __ You’ve worked on many incredible projects with so many wonderful people. Is there a specific person you would like to work with on your next project?

EB __ I just saw Challengers and it reignited my desire to work with Luca Guadagnino. He's at the top of my list right now. I found that film to be amazing, dramatic, and yet so enjoyable. His work is dynamic and alluring; it’s always incredible to see what he comes out with next.

VN  __ Lastly, are there any causes that are dear to your heart and you hope to bring awareness to in the future through the platforms you have built as an actor?

EB __ For me, it would be trans rights. It's always been close to my heart, and I'm always happy to discuss it. I believe it's crucial to show support and allyship, especially as a straight cis man like myself.

Photography Alberto Tandoi, Styling Angelica Stenvinkel, Groomer Liz Daxauer (Caren Agency) using Bumble and bumble, Interview Violeta Nicola, Talent Edward Bluemel (Viewpoint PR & Telescope Agency)