Latest news with #Alexej
Daily Record
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix's Dept Q star had an ordinary job before landing life-changing role
Netflix star Alexej Manvelov who plays Akram in the streaming platforms latest thrilled Dept Q had a very normal job before coming into the spotlight. Netflix's Dept Q has quickly become a fan favourite, captivating viewers with its thrilling storyline and standout performances. While lead star Matthew Goode has earned widespread praise for his portrayal of troubled detective Carl Mørck, viewers have also been quick to praise his co-star, Alexej Manvelov, who plays Akram, hailing him as a scene stealer. The 43-year-old Swedish actor plays Akram, Detective Mørck's mysterious 'assistant'. A former member of the Syrian police, Akram is relentless in his pursuit of justice to uncover the truth. Alexej's portrayal of Akram has taken viewers by storm and they can't seem to get enough of him. Despite his growing fame and impressive appearances in Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan and the hit HBO show Chernobyl, his path to stardom was far from traditional. Before becoming a professional actor the star spent nearly a decade working in the construction industry - although he always wanted to be an actor. According to the Swedish publication Aftonbladet, Alexej worked as a sheet metal technician for eight years after relocating to Stockholm to chase his acting dreams. While holding down the physically demanding job, he got involved with several independent theatre groups and attended auditions whenever possible. His determination paid off, as he eventually went on to star in various Swedish productions including the thriller Before We Die and Stockholm Requiem. His breakthrough came with his portrayal of Garo in Chernobyl, which opened doors to international projects. In 2023 he went on to star as Alexei Petrov in Jack Ryan, before landing the role in Dept Q. Speaking to Netflix's Tudum, Matthew Goode praised the cast that writer and director Scott Frank assembled. He said: "Scott Frank assembled one of the finest casts I've ever gotten to work with. It's just an incredible playpen for an actor." "Leah Byrne is a stone-cold star. I felt like I've known Jamie [Sives] for a long time, we just get on so well… Alexej [Manvelov] is joy, pure joy, capital J," he continued. Dept Q is a gripping crime series revolving around the brilliant, but flawed, detective Carl Mørck, who is given a cold case assignment after being badly injured following a mysterious attack that left his partner paralysed and a young police officer dead. The show is based on the hit novels by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen and has nine episodes, which dive into the cold case and explores the truth behind Mørck's attack. Speaking about the plot, Matthew said: "When we join the story, a 16-year-old case up in Aberdeen has been solved. The optics of that look really good, because right now they're lacking finance and crime figures are going up. "So Kate Dickie's character - the boss of the police force - her higher-ups say, 'Let's form a cold case unit.' She puts Carl in charge because she can keep an eye on him in the basement." All episodes of Dept Q are available to watch on Netflix now.
Daily Mirror
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix's Department Q star details hopes for future if season 2 goes ahead
Netflix's Department Q is a hit with viewers, but will the series be renewed for a second season? Netflix's Department Q has quickly become a fan-favourite, and now its stars are eagerly hoping for a second season. Despite Netflix not officially renewing the show for season 2 yet, it has garnered acclaim from both critics and audiences. The compelling new mystery crime drama series boasts an impressive cast and sees DCI Carl Morck, played by Matthew Goode, leading an Edinburgh police department Cold Case unit. In an exclusive chat with Reach, Department Q's own Alexej Manvelov and Leah Byrne—who play Akram and Rose respectively—shared their aspirations for the future of the storyline. As we delve into the series, it becomes apparent that these characters have complexities beyond what meets the eye, leaving viewers with numerous unresolved questions about Akram's mysterious past in Syria. When asked about their greatest wishes for a second instalment of Department Q, Alexej's response was straightforward: "Just for it to happen!" Get Netflix free with Sky from £15 Sky Get the deal here Product Description Alexej further expressed: "I look forward to unpacking a bit more about Akram because I feel there is a lot more to tell." The series draws inspiration from Jussi Adler-Olsen's Danish Nordic noir crime novels that share the same title, reports the Express. Leah also mentioned: "For sure, we've got so many books worth of stuff waiting for us there to mine." The series, boasting 10 books, offers Netflix a treasure trove of content to potentially extend the show's life for many seasons should they opt for renewal. Both lead actors shared their excitement about portraying such intricate roles in the new detective series without divulging any spoilers. Leah was effusive about her character as she said: "I think it's just how incredible Scott writes that character. And I think something we see throughout the series is that we've got these people who are so multifaceted who appear one thing one level but then are hiding or have so much going on and it's such a joy as an actor to get to play someone like that because there's so much to explore with her." Alexej also expressed his appreciation for the complexity of his role, saying: "For an actor, it's such a perk to do a multifaceted character but also not to just reveal it. But just to do a little bit at a time and all these subtle things and stuff." Discussing the collaborative process, he continued: "And we worked on the backstory quite a lot on paper and references and stuff like that but then Scott let me do my thing and then he directed me, you know. And to maintain that mystery is also a trick of the trade that I really appreciate." Netflix describes Department Q as follows: "DCI Carl Morck is a brilliant cop but a terrible colleague. His razor-sharp sarcasm has made him no friends in Edinburgh Police. "After a shooting that leaves a young PC dead, and his partner paralysed, he finds himself exiled to the basement and the sole member of Dept. Q; a newly formed cold case unit. "The department is a PR stunt, there to distract the public from the failures of an under-resourced, failing police force that is glad to see the back of him. "But more by accident than design, Carl starts to build a gang of waifs and strays who have everything to prove. "So, when the stone-cold trail of a prominent civil servant who disappeared several years ago starts to heat up, Carl is back doing what he does best - rattling cages and refusing to take no for an answer." All episodes of Department Q are available to stream now, exclusively on Netflix.
Edinburgh Live
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Department Q stars share season 2 hopes as Netflix yet to renew series
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Netflix audiences have embraced Department Q, and its stars are eagerly awaiting news of a second season. Despite Netflix not yet confirming a renewal for season 2, the show has received acclaim from both critics and viewers. The enthralling new mystery crime drama showcases a talented cast, featuring Matthew Goode as the astute but haunted DCI Carl Morck who spearheads a fresh Cold Case division with Edinburgh's police service. Speaking to Reach in a recent exclusive interview, Department Q actors Alexej Manvelov and Leah Byrne, portraying Akram and Rose respectively, shared their anticipation for potential future storylines. Both characters develop significant depth throughout the series, leaving many questions about Akram's background and his life prior to Syria unresolved by the end of season one. (Image: NETFLIX) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Free Netflix subscription Get Netflix free with Sky Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan. Members can watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish, including hit shows like The Last of Us, Black Mirror and all WWE programming. from £15 Sky Get the deal here On the topic of aspirations for Department Q's future seasons, Alexej kept it simple with: "Just for it to happen!" Leah chimed in with fervent agreement, saying: "Yeah, absolutely." Alexej further expressed his eagerness to delve deeper into his character, noting: "I look forward to unpacking a bit more about Akram because I feel there is a lot more to tell." Adapted from Jussi Adler-Olsen's popular Danish Nordic noir novels, Department Q has an extensive source material to explore, with Leah acknowledging: "For sure, we've got so many books worth of stuff waiting for us there to mine." The book series behind Netflix's latest detective series boasts a total of 10 volumes, which could potentially fuel the show's longevity if further seasons are greenlit, reports the Express. The lead actors shared their views on the intricate layers of the characters they portray in the series, avoiding any spoilers. Leah was full of praise for the intricate writing of her role, saying: "I think it's just how incredible Scott writes that character," noting the delight in playing characters with depth. "And I think something we see throughout the series is that we've got these people who are so multifaceted who appear one thing one level but then are hiding or have so much going on and it's such a joy as an actor to get to play someone like that because there's so much to explore with her." Alexej echoed this sentiment, saying: "For an actor, it's such a perk to do a multifaceted character but also not to just reveal it. But just to do a little bit at a time and all these subtle things and stuff." He also expressed gratitude for the collaborative process, adding: "And we worked on the backstory quite a lot on paper and references and stuff like that but then Scott let me do my thing and then he directed me, you know. And to maintain that mystery is also a trick of the trade that I really appreciate." (Image: NETFLIX) Netflix describes the plot of Department Q as follows: "DCI Carl Morck is a brilliant cop but a terrible colleague. His razor-sharp sarcasm has made him no friends in Edinburgh Police." It continues: "After a shooting that leaves a young PC dead, and his partner paralysed, he finds himself exiled to the basement and the sole member of Dept. Q; a newly formed cold case unit. "The department is a PR stunt, there to distract the public from the failures of an under-resourced, failing police force that is glad to see the back of him. "But more by accident than design, Carl starts to build a gang of waifs and strays who have everything to prove. "So, when the stone-cold trail of a prominent civil servant who disappeared several years ago starts to heat up, Carl is back doing what he does best - rattling cages and refusing to take no for an answer." All episodes of Department Q are available to stream now, exclusively on Netflix.
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Downtown Abbey star unrecognisable with hairy new look in huge Netflix thriller
After embodying dandy Anthony Armstrong -Jones in The Crown and the polished Henry Talbot in Downton Abbey, Matthew Goode is diving into murkier waters for Netflix. Matthew Goode is swapping palaces for police files in Netflix's gripping new eight-part series adapted from Jussi Adler-Olsen's bestselling crime novels. Known for his polished turns in Downton Abbey and The Crown, Matthew Goode delves into darker territory as DCI Carl Morck, complete with a scruffy demeanour and full beard. Carl is complex – a brilliant but broken detective with a chip on each shoulder. 'He's so aggressive and rude,' says Matthew, 47. 'I loved his sense of humour. He's a complex character, and you get to see him warts and all.' We meet Carl at rock bottom: a horrific incident has left his partner on the force paralysed, another policeman dead and Carl drowning in guilt. Stripped of his spark and barely functioning, he's sidelined into investigating cold cases in the newly created Dept. Q. His first case focuses on the disappearance of ambitious prosecutor Merritt Lingard. As the mystery unravels, Carl's own mind starts to fracture. Chloe Pirrie plays Merritt, a woman whose ambition hides deep trauma. The actress is no stranger to intense roles, with credits including The Queen's Gambit, An Inspector Calls and Black Mirror. Here, Chloe reunites with the show's writer and director Scott Frank, who directed her as troubled Alice Harmon in The Queen's Gambit . 'Merritt's main strength is she doesn't feel the need to please people,' Chloe, 37, says. 'She's loyal, someone you'd want on your side, but she's also isolated herself. She uses people and doesn't think that highly of them. She's similar to Carl in that way.' Carl is reluctantly paired with rookie assistant Akram Salim, played by Swedish actor Alexej Manvelov. Where Carl is chaotic, Akram is calm – a war-zone survivor with a quiet intensity and a moral compass that's often tested. 'Akram's a bit of an underdog,' says Alexej, 43. 'He's very mysterious. He's from a war zone, so he's seen evil at work.' On-screen, Carl pushes Akram into grey areas, but behind the scenes, Alexej and Matthew hit it off instantly. 'I was sure I was going to be fired during my first week,' Alexej says. 'Then Matthew walked up to me at the make-up trailer and gave me the biggest hug. From that moment, we were friends.' Although the original novels are set in Denmark, the TV series has been relocated to Edinburgh and the surrounding area. 'Our cast is all Scottish, except for Matthew and Alexej,' Scott reveals. The move made a big impression on Alexej, who had never been to the Scottish capital before. 'Walking around the city feels like a fairy tale,' he says, 'One morning, I was being driven to set and I saw this beautiful castle. I asked my driver what the building was. He said it was a school!' Matthew, Alexej and Chloe are backed by an all-star ensemble that includes Game Of Thrones ' Kate Dickie, Kelly Macdonald, Mark Bonnar, Shirley Henderson and Jamie Sives. But even with support from a heavyweight cast, the role took its toll on Matthew. 'This job really affected me, that's never happened before,' he reveals. 'I used to blanch when I heard actors saying they couldn't shake a role. Then it happened to me.' Chloe echoes the sentiment, particularly after filming Merritt's most harrowing scenes. 'Intellectually, you know it's not real, but your body doesn't,' she explains. 'When you're that tired and the job is long, you have to surrender to it. That's what happened to me. I made sure I gave myself space to recover afterwards.' Strangely, some of Merritt's darkest scenes became a source of comfort. 'The set design was incredible, very immersive,' Chloe says, 'Those scenes were weirdly comforting. There's a freedom that comes from surrendering to the horrific situation Merritt finds herself in.' Visually, the show blends Nordic noir with rain- slicked Gothic grit. But despite the dark tone, the series has plenty of humour thanks to Carl's razor-sharp sarcasm and deadpan one-liners. That's especially the case when he's at home, where he's raising his teen stepson Jasper, who has been left behind by his mother, Carl's Scottish ex-wife. The pair clash, with Carl complaining about Jasper's loud music and threatening to throw away all his belongings. But the scene was amusing for Matthew, who has three children with his wife Sophie Dymoke. 'As a parent, I didn't see the issue,' he jokes. 'That's just good parenting!' Matthew was hooked on the character from the moment his agent sent him the script. 'Scott could have cast anybody,' Matthew says. 'When someone trusts you like that, you take it seriously. There was pressure but, as Billie Jean King said, 'Pressure is a privilege.'' Matthew didn't read the books when he accepted the part. Instead, he threw himself into the role – sometimes literally. One scene required him to drive an old Ford Sierra with dodgy brakes. 'Every time Scott told me to drive fast, I'd be thinking, 'I hope it stops and I don't plough into anyone,'' says Matthew. 'Occasionally, I'd turn the car off and walk away, then I'd hear it start again and have to give it a kick.' It sounds like viewers should prepare to buckle up for a wild ride – especially if Matthew's driving!
