Where to Look for Dan Stevens: From 'Downton Abbey' to 'Blithe Spirit'

Dan Stevens has made his mark on TV and the big screen. He's been a regular on Anglophenia for a while now, with casting updates, first look trailers and even him spilling the beans.

But it's been a minute since he's popped up on the blog. It makes us want to look back at what he's been up to.

Here's what:

1. Downton Abbey

We were first introduced to Stevens as aristocrat Matthew Crowley in the breakout hit Downton Abbey. But, in 2015, fans' hearts broke when his character was killed off, leaving his beloved Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) a widow and single mum. In real-life, Stevens broke his contract to go onto making movies and other series.

Was it worth it? We shall take a peek at what he's done since... possibly, you can answer that question!? 

 

2. The Guest

In 2014's The Guest, he takes on the role of an American soldier home from duty. He turns up unannounced on the doorstep of a grieving mother, whose son was recently killed in action. Supposedly, Stevens’ character knew her son and was with him when he died. He claims to have promised the fallen soldier he’d look after his family.

3. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

Also in 2014, we saw the third installment of Night at the Museum, where Stevens pops up as Sir Lancelot. Ben Stiller reprises his role as Larry Daley, a NYC museum security guard, who discovers the exhibits come to life at night. Daley travels to London to visit The British Museum in an attempt to figure out the mystery behind this phenomenon.

4. The Ticket

In 2016's The Ticket, Stevens plays a blind man who regains his sight. But he then becomes superficially blinded with greed. It's like when one problem is fixed, another one pops up. But, this doesn't appear to be a problem per say, but more of a want. He wants more and more. And it's in all aspects of his life, including work and extramarital.

5. Beauty and the Beast

Disney's Beauty and the Beast got the live-action treatment in 2017, starring Stevens opposite Emma Watson. The classic story tells of Belle (Watson), who gets lost in the woods and stumbles upon a prince who has been cursed. While scared of the Beast (Stevens), she develops a soft spot for him. The Beast realizes he may have a second chance at happiness.

6. Legion

 

Also in 2017, Stevens joined the Marvel family, starring in the TV series Legion. He takes on the role of David Haller, the son of Professor X. Haller is believed to be mentally ill, diagnosed with schizophrenia, but he realizes the voices he’s hearing are in fact real. Through supernatural therapy, Haller is able to revisit different times in his life.

7. The Man Who Invented Christmas

We all know Charles Dickens' classic story A Christmas Carol, but what about the story of the author himself? Stevens portrays Dickens in the 2017 biopic The Man Who Invented Christmas. The movie dives into how he came to write the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Dickens may not be able to take all the credit, but he did help remind people not to be so curmudgeonly.

8. Lucy in the Sky

Stevens starred opposite Natalie Portman in 2019's Lucy in the Sky. Loosely based on a true story, Portman portrays astronaut Lucy Cola, who struggles to adjust to everyday life after returning from a mission. When she learns her space days are over, she begins to spiral. Stevens plays her husband Drew. While supportive and doting, he is seeing red flags.

9. The Call of the Wild

Just last year, Stevens teamed up with Harrison Ford for The Call of the Wild. The story revolves around a 19th century prospector (Ford) on the hunt for gold in Yukon, Canada, who befriends a misplaced dog named Buck. Stevens takes on the role of a man named Hal, who is a dog musher. But, really, this story is all about Buck.

10. Blithe Spirit 

And, speeding up to now. You can look for Stevens in next week's release (February 19) of Blithe Spirit, an adaptation of Noël Coward's 1941 play. Stevens takes on the role of a struggling writer. He goes to see a medium (Judi Dench) in search of help, but instead finds trouble, when she summons his dead wife during a séance.

Do you think Dan Stevens has redeemed himself for making an early exit from Downton Abbey