Let's get to know Rhys Ifans, best known for his comedic or villainous, ambiguous, or eccentric roles.

The fantasy series 'House of the Dragon' from HBO has attracted the attention of fans worldwide 51% more than rival TV projects. This data was shared by Whip Media. And it's already the biggest hit since 'Game of Thrones' itself. Besides the main plot about the Targaryen family, the internet admires the star-studded cast. Both newcomers and industry giants alike.

We've picked an actor for review that few of you would recognize from stills or photos if his name wasn't mentioned. And if we showed all his roles in one collage, you wouldn't believe they were played by the same person. And makeup is not the deciding factor here.

He was nominated for a BAFTA award for 'Notting Hill' and won an award for the film 'Not Only But Always.' But British audiences love him most of all for his roles on the London stage in the theatre.

Let's get to know Rhys Ifans better – the Welsh actor and musician. Over the years of his career, he has established himself as someone best known for his comedic or villainous, ambiguous, eccentric roles, successfully creating contrasting characters. Ifans is as good in a romantic comedy as he is in fantasy films. 

His role showcases new facets of his acting – calmness, seriousness, and deliberation. A true spider who wishes to hide his true intentions in Westeros. On social media, series fans immediately noted that the character's acting style resembles Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister), and fans of the book series admired the canonicity, excellent casting, and Ifans' great ability to inhabit the role.

Roman Kovalev

A Lonely Lot. Recap of Episode 4 of the Series 'House of the Dragon'

Let's recall and discuss what we saw in the fourth episode of the series 'House of the Dragon': walks through brothels, loss of innocence, conversations about loneliness.

Open material

Let's start with the films and projects where you might have seen him in the last few years. As well as with unparalleled classics.

Notting Hill

That very romantic comedy considered a classic. And it was the role in this film that brought the actor his first fame. Here, Rhys Ifans played the role of Spike – the neighbor of William Thacker (Hugh Grant). You may remember him for his quirky t-shirts and strange antics, a rather eccentric character, but with practical advice for his friend.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Yes, that's the very Xenophilius Lovegood who performed strange dances at the wedding and told the story of the Deathly Hallows. Luna's father is just as strange and otherworldly as his daughter. He turned out quite colorful, which made fans and cosplayers love him. 

Spider-Man: No Way Home / The Amazing Spider-Man

Many in Marvel were waiting for the return to the role of Dr. Curt Connors. It would have been a shame if the actor had to be replaced, even though he is depicted as the Lizard most of the time. But it was a nice addition to the fan service. And if in 'The Amazing Spider-Man' he played a serious character with a tragic story, in this film he was more of a distant version of that villain.

The King's Man

A comedic action prequel from director Matthew Vaughn with mixed reviews from both critics and audiences. But even at the trailer stage, it grabbed attention with one striking character – Grigori Rasputin. The trusted advisor to Tsar Nicholas II turned out very flamboyant, and the way he danced in the film is one of the best scenes in the two-hour movie.

Hannibal Rising

We couldn't overlook the horror film from the Hannibal Lecter series. Here, Ifans played the gang leader – Vladis Grutas, who was involved in the human trafficking business. A very dark and intriguing role of a man who is unpleasant even in appearance.

Official Secrets

A film based on the book by Marcia and Thomas Mitchell 'The Spy Who Tried to Stop a War'. Here, he appeared alongside his 'House of the Dragon' colleague Matt Smith. Rhys Ifans played the role of Ed Vulliamy – a New York correspondent for The Observer.

Anonymous

A film close to 'House of the Dragon' in terms of captivating plot twists. But it's worth knowing that critics considered it a mockery of British history. Still, Rhys Ifans portrayed the life of Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, whom some experts believe to be the true author of the works published under the name of William Shakespeare. Courtly intrigues are present.

Mr. Nobody

Ifans plays Nemo Nobody's father and keeps the intrigue of who the boy will stay with – his father or mother. His character here is a helpless disabled man who needs care.

Not Only But Always

A biopic where Rhys Ifans plays the real-life comedian Peter Cook. Here, the actor managed to adopt all the manners of speech and performance, as well as the complex relationship with his creative partner. He is not afraid to show both the bright side of the man and his dark desires and thoughts. In 2005, it was for this role that he was awarded the prestigious BAFTA award. Then, in the same year, Ifans appeared in the music video for the rock band Oasis – filmed for the song 'The Importance of Being Idle' – and then won the Video Of the Year award. 

The Boat That Rocked

The film's action begins in 1966 – the heyday of British pop and rock music. Rhys Ifans plays DJ Gavin in his own unique comedic style. Very eccentric. Also portraying a ladies' man. All British girls noted his incredibly low voice.

Trial & Retribution

Ifans plays the prime suspect Michael Dunn in one of the episodes. The story is about the investigation into the murder of a five-year-old girl, Julie Harris. And his character – himself suffered abuse in childhood, which later affected his attitude towards the world. The role is quite sinister and complex.

Elementary

This is an American detective television series based on the characters from Arthur Conan Doyle's books about Sherlock Holmes, set in the present day. And you might have heard little about it. But in Britain, any adaptation of Doyle is watched very closely. Here, Ifans played Sherlock's brother – Mycroft. His character has cancer, is in a fairly strained relationship with his brother, but still loves him. A typical Mycroft of all time. What's unusual here is that he is not an influential member of the British government, but merely an MI-6 informant.

Neverland

British Syfy viewers appreciated the unusual take on the story of Peter Pan. This is a fantasy mini-series where Jimmy Hook (Rhys Ifans) has organized a gang of thieves from small children in London. One could say that this is where his career as a spider and birds from Westeros began. In the series, he gives them instructions to steal a magical treasure. Such a new look not only at the story, but also at the character of Hook.