‘Downton Abbey’ season 4 spoilers: New sources hint at Dan Stevens’ exit
Sorry, fans of Dan Stevens; despite so many of us holding out hope that the actor could change his mind at the last-second, it is starting to become more and more clear that he is not going to be a part of “Downton Abbey” season 4 … at least as a full-time actor. (Warning: the following contains spoilers for American readers. Keep going at your own risk.)
This new report comes in via TVLine, which does not really give a reason for this decision on Stevens’ behalf, save for saying that the actor could theoretically change his mind at some point between now and when the series will begin shooting new episodes in February. The actor has been spending time on Broadway in “The Heiress” this fall alongside “The Help” star Jessica Chastain, and it is believed that the actor’s biggest reason for wanting to scale back his role as Matthew is merely so that he can pursue more opportunities in America.
What is also forgotten in the midst of all of this chatter is merely that Stevens does so much more than just act. He is also a writer and editor, and trying to function a full-time job as an actor on a show (even one as high-quality as “Downton Abbey” is) may be a little much for him while also trying to manage a junket, judge novels, and pursue his literary passions.
The one thing we are trying to stress here simple: this does not appear to be about money. Usually when you hear this sort of chatter about someone possibly leaving a show, there are questions about whether or not it is due to someone hoping to secure a massive raise. In this case, it may just be that he wants to try some other pursuits in life, and is willing to take the risks that come along with it.
Our guess at the moment is a rather simple one: if Stevens’ character is not written out during the Chirstmas special (which you can watch the trailer for here), we will probably see Matthew make an appearance or two during season 4 so that his story is tied up. He seems like a classy guy who has nothing but respect for the series, so we can’t see him bailing on the show without making sure fans are satisfied first.
If you want to read our exclusive interview with Jessica Fellowes about her new book The Chronicles of Downton Abbey, you can do so here.
Photo: ITV
DApper
December 13, 2012 @ 11:39 am
It’s already been reported that he will be in the Christmas special, and that he will appear in the first ep of season 4, where I guess we can assume his fate will be determined. Whether they will write him out entirely or not is unclear, but I think it’s possible at least that he will be sent away or go missing or some other plot misadventure to explain his absence. My guess is it is left open so he can return for a wrap-up storyline at the series’ end. Maggie Smith may be in similar situation, though for different reasons. Rumors that Michele Dockery is in similar contractual limbo are concerning, for Downton can survive without Matthew as another storyline for a Crawley girl can make things interesting, but to lose both changes the family dynamic too much for me. Edith is dull, and Lady Rose is no substitute no matter how cheeky she is. Dan Stevens is entitled to pursue any professional course he wants, though the timing disappoints. It would be nice if he saw the series out as I would bet it only has one more season in it anyway. It does seem ungrateful, but his castmates don’t seem to mind–they know it is a business! I’m sure many of the cast have other offers. I’d guess DS is striking while the iron is hot. Not unusual to have an American agent and a Brit one. Lots of the actors who work on both sides do. We’d be naive to think it ain’t about money. Work is always about money, unless you are a priest.
Pixley
December 11, 2012 @ 5:20 am
Other passions are fine, but you can’t feed your family on “other passions.” Again, if he had other offers or was independently wealthy, this would make sense. He doesn’t.
Armande
December 11, 2012 @ 3:36 am
Maybe he just don’t want to be typecast as “Mathew Crawley” for the rest of his life. Although it may already be too late for that. It is a shame though, won’t be the same without him.
Laura-Lee
December 11, 2012 @ 1:46 am
I don’t think that is necessarily true. People do have other passions, aside from money.
Pixley
December 10, 2012 @ 9:54 pm
I find this article a little naive, tbh. Dan Stevens may project an image that he doesn’t care about money, but that’s exactly why he hired a new agent and it’s exactly why he made noise about working in America. Unless he’s independently wealthy, his “literary passions” aren’t going to pay the bills for his growing family.
Of course this is about money. He’s the proverbial baseball free agent who refuses to sign until the very last minute in hopes of securing a bigger payday. And he’ll probably get it.
It’s always about money.