LONDON (AP) — Disability representation takes center stage as Matthew Shardlake, the protagonist of the late C.J. Sansom’s beloved historical mystery novels, steps into a new TV show.
Arthur Hughes, who portrays the titular character, emphasized the rarity of leading disabled characters, especially played by disabled actors. Shardlake, a sharp-witted lawyer navigating the intricacies of King Henry VIII’s reign, challenges stereotypes of the Tudor era with his disability, referred to as a “hunchback” in the books.
The show, set to premiere on Disney+ in the U.K. and Hulu in the U.S., also features Anthony Boyle as the roguish Jack Barak and Sean Bean as the infamous Thomas Cromwell. Bean commented on his familiarity with the source material, having read the books decades ago, while Boyle humorously reflected on his extensive experience in period dramas.
Hughes expressed his approach to portraying Shardlake with strength and stoicism, highlighting the character’s inner resilience despite his vulnerabilities. Boyle added a humorous note, discussing his experience wearing a codpiece for the role of Barak, likening it to a fashion statement of the era.
Bean delved into his portrayal of Cromwell, acknowledging the complexity of the historical figure and his contentious relationship with Shardlake. Hughes emphasized the significance of proper representation for Shardlake, emphasizing the importance of disabled actors in leading roles.
The cast also discussed the challenges of filming in a historical setting, particularly the harsh conditions in Budapest where the show was shot. Despite the cold, Boyle reminisced about the camaraderie on set and the immersive experience of filming in authentic locations.
Overall, the cast expressed enthusiasm for bringing Shardlake’s world to life on screen, shedding light on disability representation in historical dramas.
