Edward Bluemel
Edward Bluemel, a British actor best known for his role as Hugo in the TV drama series “Killing Eve,” has been featured in numerous series and films, including his role as Marcus Whitmore on “A Discovery of Witches,” Toby Hamilton on “The Halcyon,” and Sean Wiley on “Sex Education.” He has several projects in the filming and post- production stages, including the new series “Ten Percent” in which he stars with Helena Bonham Carter, and the upcoming drama “Persuasion,” which is an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel of the same name, also starring Dakota Johnson, Richard E. Grant, and Henry Golding. Ten Percent is available on Sundance Now (US)/ Amazon Prime (UK and other international territories). Persuasion is out in select cinemas now and will be on Netflix 15th of July.
What was it like working on “Killing Eve”? Do you have a favorite moment from filming?
“Killing Eve” was amazing to work on. It’s an original show with really fun scripts and created by brilliant people so I had a great time being immersed in that world. My favorite part was lying in a pool of my own blood on a hotel corridor floor, watching Sandra Oh leave me for dead. I found peace in that moment.
What have you learned from your experience on “Killing Eve”?
I learned that the best friend you can have is a passionate, predominantly lesbian fandom.
How would you describe “Persuasion” to audiences?
It's funny. I remember laughing out loud at the script during the read through so I hope that’s carried into the film. Jane Austen was writing her novels as comedies, but it’s easy to accidentally turn them into stuffy period pieces and lose the joy. If all works out well, this film has corsets AND jokes.
Turtleneck by Jil Sander
Ring by Helen Yarmak
How did you prepare for your role in “Persuasion?” Did you connect with your character?
I prepared for my role by ordering the book online and flicking to the bits in which my character appeared. I then realized that my character was only in about three lines of the book and that he was nearly double my age so I had to use my imagination. I hope the diehard Austen fans aren’t upset with my portrayal.
What does a typical day on set look like?
There’s normally lots of waiting around in a trailer, where I’ll talk to myself in the mirror or stare at my phone until my brain turns to soup. My cup of tea count will probably hit double figures. In between all of this, I’ll try to learn my lines and maybe bother the other actors while they’re trying to learn theirs. Once I’m on set I attempt not to forget the lines, with mixed results.
Is there a part of the film you are particularly excited for audiences to see?
Me trying not to blush every time Dakota Johnson looks at me.
Left:
Broach by Chanel
Shirt + Pants by Balenciaga
Right:
Shirt by Dolce&Gabbana
Cuff Links by Cartier
Between the many projects you have worked on so far in your career, you’ve worked with some big names in acting. What has it been like to work with Sandra Oh? How do you think that has impacted you as an actor?
Working with Sandra was so great and I was so lucky to have that experience. She’s so comfortable on screen and can make any dialogue sound natural so it was amazing to be able to act opposite and learn from her.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting to pursue a career in acting, what would it be?
At least *try* to hang your costume up after you’re done with it.
When you aren’t working, how do you spend your free time?
Sometimes in the safety of my own home I record music. No one other than my housemates will ever hear it though, as it is objectively terrible.
Shirt by Canali
Vest + Pants + Tie by Christopher Korey Collective
Do you have any dream roles?
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, I would love to play an iteration of Moneypenny in a Bond film.
What is your goal for the coming years?
My goal is to keep making a living from acting, and hopefully do some fun projects on the way.
Do you have any other projects we should get excited about?
I’m currently in Nova Scotia filming a sprawling, historical fiction drama called “Washington Black.” It’s got a great cast and the scripts are brilliant so I’m looking forward to seeing how it comes together.
Social Media.
Instagram and Twitter: @edwardbluemel and if you want to hear/see more of me talking into the abyss.
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer and concept by Roman Varlamov
Talent: Edward Bluemel
Fashion Stylist: Nata Bocha
Hair: Ryuta Sayama
Makeup: Dmitry Kukushkin at Forward Artists
Fashion Stylist Assistant: Inna Yankovich
Studio: Blonde Studios
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
