Matthew Goode Embarks on a New Detective Role in “Dept. Q”
Unbeknownst to actor Matthew Goode, acclaimed author and director Scott Frank-the creative mind behind hits like The Queen’s Gambit and Godless-had envisioned him for the lead role in a recent project, Dept. Q. Frank’s choice was a surprise, especially since the two had maintained contact since their collaboration on the 2007 film The Lookout, where Goode portrayed a Kansas City thug, and shared the same talent agency. It wasn’t until a mutual acquaintance’s call that Goode learned Frank was developing a series based on Jussi Adler-Olsen’s Danish crime novels, with him in mind for the lead.
Discovering the Character and Its Appeal
“They were subtly gauging my interest, which quickly piqued,” Goode explains about his role as Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, a sharp-tongued British detective with a complex personality. Morck, stationed in Edinburgh, exhibits a dismissive attitude towards his surroundings and colleagues, especially his Scottish partner, DCI James Hardy, played by Jamie Sives. “It’s somewhat endearing, in a way, that Scott thought of me for this part. Maybe it’s because I’ve been part of the British film scene for over two decades, and I can bring that seasoned, world-weary vibe to the character.”
From Screen to Set: A Personal Perspective
Known for roles in films like The Imitation Game and Brideshead Revisited, as well as TV series such as The Good Partner and Downton Abbey, Goode admits he wasn’t an obvious choice for the role. “Scott had to advocate for me because I’m not a household name like Tom Hardy or Zendaya,” he jokes during a relaxed Zoom interview from his Surrey home, where his family-comprising three children aged 9 to 16-often interrupts the conversation amidst their daily routines.
Behind the Scenes: Casting and Creative Decisions
Frank shares via email that Netflix initially sought a bigger star for the role to boost the series’ profile within their UK division. However, after reviewing Goode’s extensive body of work and recognizing that the series’ success would hinge more on the character’s depth than star power, the streaming giant approved his casting with enthusiasm. “Considering Matthew’s diverse roles, it became clear that his talent would bring authenticity to Morck,” Frank notes.
Portrayal and Preparation
In person, Goode presents a casual, approachable demeanor, often dressed in a simple white T-shirt and baseball cap, occasionally vaping. His portrayal of Morck is markedly different from the intense, bearded detective whose life unravels in the series. The character’s gritty humor and emotional scars develop over the course of the story, especially after Morck survives a gunshot wound to the face, leaving him haunted and in need of therapy.
Delving into Morck’s Psyche
“I’ve always had difficulty connecting with others even before I was shot,” Goode shares with Dr. Rachel Irving, played by Kelly Macdonald. When she suggests that PTSD might complicate Morck’s interactions, he admits that nothing has really changed. “People still seem to be idiots, and I’m just trying to get through it.” His boss, Detective Chief Superintendent Moira Jacobson, played by Kate Dickie, assigns him to a new cold-case unit-initially seen as a PR stunt-located in an old basement shower room, to keep him out of the way.
Building the Team and Unraveling Mysteries
Morck’s frustration fuels his efforts to assemble a team, including Akram, a mysterious Syrian immigrant played by Alexej Manvelov, who humorously resembles a Batman figure, and Rose, a determined detective eager to return to active duty, portrayed by Leah Byrne. Together, they investigate the disappearance of a prosecutor, with Morck even enlisting Hardy from his hospital bed to assist in the case, which hints at deeper, more complex secrets.
Adapting the Source Material and Methodology
Frank, who penned or co-wrote all nine episodes and directed six, chose to relocate the story from Copenhagen to Edinburgh, opting not to closely follow Adler-Olsen’s novels. “I found it liberating to create my own version,” Goode explains. Instead of relying solely on the books, he immersed himself in police procedures, consulted with retired officers, and drew from personal stories shared by military veterans suffering from PTSD. This approach added authenticity to his portrayal of Morck.
Method Acting and Personal Insights
Goode recalls a friend using a stress ball to manage anxiety, which inspired a visual element in the series-tennis balls placed in Dr. Irving’s office. Initially skeptical, Morck eventually adopts the technique, reflecting his internal struggle. “I spent a lot of time in the bath, just daydreaming and recalling memories-kind of like mental rehearsals,” he says. This method helped him embody the detective’s guarded yet compassionate nature.
Reflections on Past Roles and Future Projects
While Goode has yet to watch his Emmy-nominated performance as Anthony Armstrong-Jones in The Crown, he admits he prefers not to obsess over his work. “I enjoy watching my friends and family, but I don’t usually revisit my own performances. I know the series is highly regarded, and I’m proud of that,” he states.
Life Beyond the Screen
Known for his candidness about life in the entertainment industry, Goode prefers a low-profile existence. When asked about fellow actors like Matthew Rhys, with whom he starred in The Wine Present, he emphasizes their friendship over professional chatter: “He’s a fantastic actor and hilarious, but we mostly just laugh and drink together-no work talk.”
Connections and Personal Relationships
After the recent LA fires, Goode sent a supportive message to Anthony Hopkins following the loss of his home. “Working with him was a true pleasure; he’s incredibly warm and welcoming. I hope he enjoyed our time as much as I did,” he reflects. Despite their professional closeness, Goode clarifies that they’re not close friends-just colleagues who share mutual respect.
Upcoming Projects and Career Outlook
One project he won’t be returning to is the third Downton Abbey film. His character, Henry Talbot, missed out due to a knee injury and subsequent surgery. “He was starting to become a bit of a background character anyway,” Goode jokes. However, his role as Morck continues to excite him, especially as the series’ dark humor and complex storytelling have begun to influence his acting style. “I don’t usually bring work home, but Morck’s world has definitely rubbed off on me,” he admits with a smile. “I’d love to see the series renewed for a second season-something fresh for me to explore.”
