Jacket by Lee Rickie Collection Courtesy of @ColetteOnSunset
Top by RTA

Edward John Speleers, an English actor and producer based in the United Kingdom, debut on the screen in 2006 with a role in ”Eragon”. He auditioned for many roles. Some of his most important roles were in “Downton Abbey”, “Outlander”, and “Wolf Hall”, among others. He also was the winner of the Best Ensemble Cast in 2015 and 2016 for his role in Downton Abbey. Presently, he is taking the role of Penn Badgley 4th season of Netflix’s drama “YOU” as an antagonist. Furthermore, it was announced he will participate in “Star Trek: Picard” season.

**Left:**
Jacket by Ocean Rebel®️
Pants by DKNY
Shoes by Jean Baptiste Rautureau
**Right:**
Jacket by Mister Triple X

How did you get into the entertainment industry?
I had a fortunate opportunity when I was still in school to audition for a 20th Century Fox movie and that project was a fantasy film based on a book titled "Eragon". It was a huge chance for me to jump into a world that I'd longed to be a part of, as I'd had aspirations to act from a young age. This was the door opening for me. It was an eye opener into the magic of making cinema and everything that comes with that.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
To be brave, to trust and believe in yourself.

What was your big break in your career?
I'm not sure it's happened yet. Each role keeps leading to further opportunities, and I just want that to continue.

**Left:**
Jacket by Ocean Rebel®️
Pants by DKNY
Shoes by Jean Baptiste Rautureau
**Right:**
Jacket by Lee Rickie Collection Courtesy of @ColetteOnSunset
Top by RTA

Which was the most challenging character you have ever performed? And the most enjoyable?
Each role presents new challenges that always seem far greater than the previous. I feel that being challenged is something that I strive to be each time I look at a part. I always want to be pushing myself, and I think the two most recent roles in “YOU” and Picard were, for different reasons stretching and provoking me in ways that I hadn't experienced before. I've been lucky to enjoy a lot of the work lately. With that in mind, both the roles in “YOU” and Picard gave me immense satisfaction and enjoyment in exploring who they were.

What would you recommend to a person that wants to start working in the entertainment industry?
I'm not sure if I'm operating on a level to impart wisdom. However, I would just say be tenacious, be curious about all aspects of life, culture, society. Be prepared to take risks and always continue to learn.

**Left:**
Jacket by Lee Rickie Collection Courtesy of @ColetteOnSunset
Top by RTA
**Right:**
Suit by HOUSE OF CAVANI

Is there a role you would like to perform in your future ?
I always find this a difficult question to answer. Until I see the script or project in front of me, it’s hard to make a call on what that role could be.

Is there a specific genre of film/TV you would like to explore that you haven’t already?
While working on “Star Trek: Picard”, I had the chance to charge about with phasers and be involved with some fun fight choreography. This definitely had my attention turned to doing a lot more in this action vain.

What can you tell us about your role in “YOU”?
I play an affluent writer, who is in the middle of campaigning to be Mayor of London. Rhys Montrose is a man who encountered a tough upbringing, only to fight his way through this and make something of himself. He has an innate ability to mix across all walks of life, which enables him to strike up a rapport with Joe [Penn Badgley].

**Left:**
Suit by HOUSE OF CAVANI
Right:
Jacket by Mister Triple X

What can you tell us about your role in “Star Trek: Picard”?
In Picard, I play Jack Crusher, a space rogue, a cowboy, a conman. He's a man living on the edge of society but is striving to help others at whatever cost necessary. This season is one of discovery for Jack as he comes face to face with his old man, Jean Luc Picard, and has to unpick what this potential relationship will mean to him and those around him.

What drew you to these roles?
Both of them represent different worlds, people, and creative processes, so that was a drawing card on its own. Both roles seemed to find themselves somewhere in the grey and that entices me. I'm intrigued by complicated characters, who are tricky to unpick.

In terms of your career and future projects, what do you look forward to next?
I just hope that I can continue to be pushed mentally and physically. That's what excites me about the job. I've been incredibly lucky of late, and hope I have the ability to keep that going.

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Ed Speleers
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders
Groomer: Raquel Moreno
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Julieta Guerra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: SUPERSTUDIO in Los Angeles
*Very special thanks to IvanBittonStyleHouse and Michael Vincent Academy

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