BEN BARNES
The actor talks darkness, music and wanting to be a superhero
Words by Bryan Cairns
Close Encounters
FACE TO FACE WITH THE BIGGEST STARS
Ben Barnes may be on top of the world these days, but the same can’t be said for his Shadow And Bone character General Kirigan. Sun Summoner Alina defeated the powerhungry Darkling, leaving him for dead in the Shadow Fold. But the fantasy show’s season one finale saw Kirigan emerge from the strip of darkness with a new ability: to create and control shadow creatures known as the Nichevo’ya. And, oh yeah, he’s really pissed off…
You’ve been on a roll with Shadow And Bone, Cabinet Of Curiosities, Westworld, The Punisher and your own music. How satisfied are you with how things are going right now?
I often think about that. It’s difficult to judge success outside of your own barometer of very tight perspective. So I feel like it’s a moving bar, but I have learned to be much better over the last five years… drowning out that perspective and realising just how fortunate I am to be doing something that I love so much.