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Actually, its based on the fact that I played it the first time.
It takes some of the sting out of it.
Id seen the show before I had anything to do with it.
The intentions behind it are correct.
Not to take it too serious and get offended by it.
Certainly theres something to offend everyone in there if you really want to look for it.
Its quite ecumenical in that regard.
It doesnt really spare anybody.
Of course hes a horrible person.
The audience knows who that character is, so they know that anything nice about him is false.
How do you prep for a role like this?
I studied the Bruno GanzDownfallversion.
Both brilliant performances in their own ways.
He is effectively imprinted in everyones psyche, in a way.
Is it strange seeing yourself with that hairstyle and that mustache?Its not good, its not good.
Thankfully, the mustache is a fake.
To just walk around New Orleans for three months with that could be problematic.
I think some of that crowd like to rock that look again these days.
Its a bit disturbing.
Is that something you thought about while shooting the show?
The political climate has changed a lot since the second season began.Definitely.
Without stating the blindingly obvious, youve got a new president.
You should always be aware of the clown.
Theres always room for a bit of that.
But yeah, its not a show about politics or anything specifically.
Id say its world is more theological and supernatural, but we can make that vague comparison.
Ive read in a couple of interviews thatyoure not a big TV watcher.
How didPreacherwind up getting on your radar?I must have been lying to whoever I said that to.
Well, I dont actually have a TV.
I watch stuff online a bit, but I did go off TV for a long time.
Im like anyone else, I chew through series.
I forget how I came across it.
Its on a different platform in the U.K. its on Amazon, I believe.
But yeah, it caught my eye and I loved it.
Its really different and bold.
Does anything get under your skin about it?Not really.
I think anything that provokes laughter is generally a healthy thing.
If youre offended by something, just dont watch it.
Its as simple as that, isnt it?
I have to ask about another recent role you did.
What was your experience shootingPaddington 2?Oh, it was great.
Its nice to do a sweet, innocent kids pic every now and again.
Had you seen the firstPaddingtonbefore signing up for the second?Yeah, theyre really wonderfully made films.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
