LONDON — Matthew Goode is stepping into a new role that has him excited.
The actor is the star of "Dept. Q," a new miniseries inspired by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen’s books, which follows cold case detectives in Edinburgh. The series, produced by Scott Frank, who is known for "The Queen’s Gambit," features Goode as Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck. This character is both skilled and infuriating, often leaving colleagues with conflicting feelings of admiration and frustration.
While Goode has held lead roles in the past, he admits that he wasn’t always comfortable in that position. "Early in my career I tried leading roles, but it didn’t always go well, making me hesitant to embrace the spotlight again," he said.
Interestingly, Goode did not hand-pick this opportunity; it was Frank who specifically wanted him for the role in "Dept. Q." The two previously collaborated on the film "The Lookout" in which Goode played an American thief. This role marks a departure from the classy British personas he has portrayed in period dramas like "The Crown" and "Downton Abbey."
In a lighthearted conversation, Goode and Frank discussed their dynamic and how this latest project is a refreshing change. “Working together feels like family,” Goode joked, while Frank added, “He drives me crazy, but I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else.”
This film represents Goode’s first time as a detective—a role he found intriguing despite having had fun playing silly characters in his personal life, “like when I play dress-up with my children,” he quipped.
Frank emphasized that they needed to build strong relationships among the cast. During the show’s filming, Goode and his co-star, Alexej Manvelov, took time to bond over lunch, believing it helped enhance their performances. “Acting can be vulnerable work. It’s all about trust,” Goode pointed out.
Frank agreed, noting that the success of the show relies heavily on the chemistry of the cast. “Casting well is the one thing you can’t fix later. It’s delightful to see how each actor brings something unique to their character,” he stated.
As the excitement for "Dept. Q" builds, it’s clear that both Goode and Frank are hopeful this series will not only entertain but also pave the way for future stories and character exploration. Their commitment to quality entertainment is evident, and fans can look forward to what this collaboration will bring.
