Former Downton Abbey heartthrob Dan Stevens caused a double-take at the Leicester Square premiere of his new film Swiped on Thursday evening, appearing almost unrecognisable from his days as the clean-shaven Matthew Crawley.
The 41-year-old actor showcased a dramatic new look, sporting a thick, full beard and a noticeably more rugged appearance that marked a significant departure from his aristocratic Downton persona. Stevens dressed sharply for the occasion in a navy blue suit, perfectly complementing his transformed image.
Stevens stars in Swiped as James, a slick and morally questionable dating app developer who creates increasingly outrageous applications. The film, written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Ann Deborah Levy, follows two college freshmen who decide to create a controversial hook-up app, exploring modern relationships and technology's impact on dating culture.
The Cambridge-educated actor has consistently chosen diverse and challenging roles since leaving the global phenomenon that was Downton Abbey. His career choices have demonstrated his range and willingness to transform physically for his characters.
Fans and photographers alike were captivated by Stevens' new appearance, with many taking to social media to express their surprise at his dramatic transformation. The premiere attracted significant attention, highlighting Stevens' continued star power in the British film industry.
This transformation isn't the first time Stevens has altered his appearance for a role, but it certainly ranks among his most striking changes since his departure from the period drama that made him a household name.
