Aidan Gillen discusses his latest role in ‘Tall Tales & Murder’
Aidan Gillen, known for his portrayal of villains in various acclaimed series, is set to star in the new crime caper Tall Tales & Murder, which premieres on BBC and Irish broadcaster RTE. In a recent interview, Gillen reflected on his career and his latest character, which he describes as a mix of charm and volatility, reports BritPanorama.
Gillen’s career has often placed him in the spotlight for his roles, such as the fearsome John Boy in Love/Hate and the infamous Littlefinger in Game of Thrones. Despite enjoying recognition from fans, he expressed a dislike for public scrutiny during interviews, particularly in social settings. His latest project, Tall Tales & Murder, follows a pair of care-home workers who become embroiled in chaos after a patient, played by Gillen, claims to know the location of hidden treasure.
The character, Grinner, spends much of the first episode incapacitated but transitions into a role styled after the “hardchaw” archetype, drawn from Gillen’s observations of local characters. The actor sees a creative affinity with his collaborator Stuart Carolan, noting that together they often push the envelope of acceptable television content, citing the boundary-pushing nature of Love/Hate as an example.
Reflecting on previous projects, Gillen mentioned significant moments in his career, including his role in Queer As Folk, a show that addressed complex themes of sexuality and representation. He noted the absence of intimacy coordinators during that time, a shift he acknowledged could have been beneficial under different circumstances.
Production on The Wire familiarized Gillen with the demands of intimate scenes, highlighting the necessity for professionalism and clarity in such scenarios. He reminisced about the more carefree attitude towards such scenes in his early career compared to the formalities of recent productions.
As Gillen continues to evolve in his acting career, he is drawn to characters that reflect depth and complexity, rather than those that conform to typical leading roles. He expressed satisfaction with more contemporary roles that resonate with his professional journey and personal interests, rather than fulfilling expectations of conventional leading characters.
Looking to the future, Gillen remains open to diverse roles, including the possibility of playing a villain in a James Bond film. He sees more intrigue in such a position than perhaps in the role of Bond himself, noting the fun challenges villains often face in cinematic storytelling.
‘Tall Tales & Murder’ is streaming on BBC iPlayer.
