five minutes with ... Kieran Bew

The Beowulf star on fantasy, fencing and the perils of fame

He’s Not the Beowulf We Know

“He’s more human, in a way, and not in such a rush to get involved. The Beowulf that’s depicted in the poem has an arrogance and swagger to him.”

A Reluctant Hero

“The notoriety of being a famous hard man isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Look at people like Wild Bill Hickok, who was portrayed in Deadwood as a guy who’s sick of people always trying to kill him. Beowulf has been famous since he was a child because of this thing he did, and that has a knock- on effect.”

North by North- East

“The thing about the Northumberland region is that we have such vast beaches, mountainous terrain and very dense forests. We also have very hearty working crews who are used to the weather. I loved the quarry where we worked, but it could get pretty vicious. The wind had a character of its own, especially with all the long hair, costumes and capes. It added an element of danger.”

Dab Hand With A Sword

“I’ve fenced since I was nine years old, and have been jumping around with wooden sticks and stuff for a lot longer than that. Sometimes there wouldn’t be any time to prepare, as we had to choreograph and shoot a sword fight within half an hour. But because of all the movies I’ve grown up watching, I had the skills to do that.”

It’s Grimdark Up North

“A friend recommended Joe Abercrombie’s The Blade Itself. I enjoyed it so much that I ended up buying it for all my cousins for Christmas. So to play a part like this has been wonderful.”

Beowulf is currently screening on ITV.