Mark Strong: From British Villains to Broadway’s Oedipus | Vulture Role Call

Mark Strong, a British actor frequently cast as villains in Hollywood productions, reflects on a long-standing tradition and his own career trajectory. In a recent interview, Strong discussed his role as Lord Blackwood in Guy Ritchie’s 2009 adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, and the appeal of playing antagonistic characters.

Strong noted a “long tradition in American filmmaking of having a sneering, classically trained British actor step in to play the villain in a big-budget production.” He cited examples including Claude Rains, Anthony Hopkins, and Jeremy Irons, placing himself within that lineage. He described it as an “honorable profession, Brits going over to Hollywood and playing villains.”

His portrayal of Lord Blackwood, a character not found in the original Arthur Conan Doyle novels, proved pivotal in establishing this type. The role allowed Strong to enjoy “the thrill of being on a big, well-financed American set,” alongside Robert Downey Jr., who had recently debuted as Iron Man in 2008. The film was Strong’s highest-profile project to that point.

The creation of Blackwood’s visual identity was a collaborative effort. Costume designer Jenny Beavan conceived of a “severe, almost Germanic kind of shaved-head thing,” with shaved sides and longer hair on top. She also designed a leather trench coat and a waistcoat made of a material resembling “destroyed red velvet…looked like it was offal or rotting meat.” Strong emphasized the freedom they had in creating the character from scratch, as he wasn’t based on existing source material.

Strong recalled a scene early in the film where his character performs an incantation over a trembling woman. Director Guy Ritchie encouraged improvisation, leading Strong to create the incantation spontaneously. “I wish I could say it was actually ancient Aramaic or something,” he joked, “But it’s just me making something up that sounds spooky.”

This wasn’t Strong’s first collaboration with Ritchie, having previously worked with him on RocknRolla and Revolver. He described their working relationship as comfortable and efficient, noting that Ritchie often brings actors along from previous projects because he “likes to work with people that he knows.” RocknRolla, Strong added, featured a cast of actors who were all “starting out around then,” including Thandiwe Newton, Idris Elba, and Tom Hardy.

A key sequence in Sherlock Holmes involved a sword fight between Strong and Downey Jr. Atop Tower Bridge. Strong confirmed that he performed the majority of the stunts himself, enjoying the physicality of the role and the inherent satisfaction of a villain ultimately losing. He drew on stage-fighting training from drama school, where he earned a certificate in the discipline. He recalled a collaborative effort with two other actors to choreograph a three-way sword fight.

Strong’s career began to solidify his “type” with his role as Harry Starks in the 2004 television series The Long Firm. Prior to that, he had primarily played romantic leads, such as Ferdinand in The Tempest and Romeo. The Long Firm marked the first time he portrayed a character with “depth of something a bit evil.” He acknowledged having to “fight” for the part, as some casting directors initially doubted his ability to portray such darkness.

He finds playing villainous roles easier than those closer to his own personality, appreciating the transformative aspect of costumes, wigs, and accents. “I find it more difficult to play parts that are close to me,” he explained. “There is the idea, in acting, that you want to play something that’s removed from yourself.”

Strong also discussed the cultural differences in hero worship. He suggested that American culture tends to celebrate the “homecoming king and queen,” while British theatrical tradition has long embraced anti-heroes like Richard III and Macbeth. This historical context, he believes, contributes to the prevalence of British actors successfully portraying villains.

He cited Bob Hoskins in The Long Good Friday, Malcolm McDowell in A Clockwork Orange, Alan Rickman in Die Hard, and Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs as influential performances. He attributes this success to the emphasis on exploring “the dark arts” within British theatrical training.

Currently, Strong is appearing on Broadway in a production of Oedipus, reprising his Olivier-nominated role. Robert Downey Jr. Recently attended a performance. Strong also mentioned a new film project, Happy, alongside Asa Butterfield, Kyra Sedgwick, Brittany O’Grady, and Patti Harrison. The film is described as a dark comedy about a disastrous first meeting with one’s in-laws.

As of February 5, 2026, Strong continues to balance stage and screen work, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor capable of embodying both heroic and villainous roles, with a particular knack for the latter.