For gravitas in a series, Vincent D’Onofrio is the definitive answer. The legendary performer has starred in films such as Full Metal Jacket and , though television has cemented his reputation as a character actor through parts in Law and Order: Criminal Intent and Ratched. These days, he’s most recognized for playing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet he embraces the “character actor” designation with honor.
“Being a character actor is incredibly enjoyable,” D’Onofrio shares with Inverse. “I’ve been performing for many years, and developing these personas remains just as exciting.” His newest portrayal in Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty is Byron Forst, an extremely wealthy tycoon who seeks to obtain the notorious “shot that makes you hot” through any methods required. While it’s another antagonist role, this one stands apart — he was barely recognizable during the initial viewing of the show.
“That man is an utterly pathetic person,” he remarks about Forst. “It offers a certain liberation. You can be as unpleasant as you wish, and naturally it must serve the narrative, but you gain this liberty to fully commit to the performance. It’s tremendously enjoyable. And when you’re aware of this during the act, it’s akin to Stockholm Syndrome. You grow to appreciate your character, even though you begin by despising it.”
Similar to Wilson Fisk, Byron Forst is a character audiences delight in despising, though Forst doesn’t possess Fisk’s self-assurance. He experiences an urge to alter himself, to fit in, and finally to metamorphose (via the Beauty) into The Corporation, the anonymous figure portrayed by Ashton Kutcher.
D’Onofrio discusses with Inverse his Method acting background, involvement in the Ryan Murphy world, and what’s next for Kingpin in .
This discussion has been modified for clarity and conciseness.
Did you work together with Ashton Kutcher on developing this character?
“Just minimally. My task was to arrive on set and be genuinely pitiful and thoroughly offensive, crafting a person that no one could possibly admire, while also making him recognizable. Social media now allows us all to observe the eccentric conduct of global billionaires. We’ve become much more acquainted with their misbehavior.”
“Of course, not every one of them. Some genuinely contribute to society, but they tend to be low-key. Regrettably, those who attract the most attention currently are often the ones displaying poor conduct. The research wasn’t difficult. It’s everywhere.”
Now that you’ve become a recurring performer in Ryan Murphy’s productions, would you come back for another series? Is there a particular figure you’d like to portray in one of his true crime programs?
“Absolutely, I’d be thrilled. We’ve discussed it. We’ve discussed it. I’d be delighted. I mean, should the perfect opportunity arise. Nothing concrete has materialized yet, but we did correspond about it via email once, and I expressed my interest, so time will tell.”
What can you reveal about Wilson Fisk’s arc in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2?
“Wow, that’s quite the complex inquiry. I can’t really disclose much. Discussing the series purely from my character’s perspective is impossible, since Charlie [Cox] obviously constitutes such a massive component of it. So both characters reach their breaking points, and the city becomes embroiled in their conflict. The city erupts, and we must confront the consequences. I hold my position, tensions escalate, and the resolution is disastrous.”
“If you’re looking for a metaphorical description, it would be: the city goes up in flames.”
An aspect of your performance that impresses me is your application of Stanislavsky training. How did you employ that technique here? Does it bother you when individuals incorrectly use the term “Method acting”?
“It doesn’t bother me. I simply recognize that they lack understanding.”
“It doesn’t irritate me. I wish I could discuss it with them to enhance their comprehension, because many have valid observations, but they’re citing incorrectly. Many are unaware of Stanislavsky’s history, and that nearly all techniques derive from his work.”
“Stanislavsky developed two distinct acting approaches. The initial decade of his research constituted what we call Method acting. However, he needed to produce two plays annually at the Moscow Art Theatre, and Method acting caused him to lose authority over his performers, who became somewhat excessively self-absorbed — which has become the sole approach for many actors today. Yet this wasn’t beneficial for him. Therefore, he collaborated with Boleslawski and several others to establish a new approach known as the Stanislavsky System.”
“Therefore, I trained in both methods. I spent three and a half years studying the Stanislavsky system while touring and performing plays nationally. Subsequently, I began exploring Method acting, which I trained in for six years. In fact, I continue studying it presently. My instructor was Sharon Chatten, an exceptional acting coach. My daughter actually works with her now.”
“However, for this specific role, I drew inspiration from several individuals I’ve encountered personally. They weren’t necessarily wealthy by any standard, but they exhibited certain problematic interpersonal traits regarding how others deserved to be treated. So I tapped into memories of a few of them quite specifically, based on my own direct experiences. Thus, without detailing specifics, there were particular incidents I utilized to get myself into the proper mindset.”
One final question, as it’s been nagging at me — can you clarify why you’re shown boxing in the Daredevil: Born Again trailer?
“I believe it’s preferable to discover that while viewing the series. It serves as an excellent narrative element. I don’t wish to spoil it for you. It truly is a compelling plot point. So I’d rather not reveal it now.”