Interview with Matt Berry, the Actress Playing Laszlo, in What We Do in the Shadows
In the sixth season of the popular comedy series What We Do in the Shadows, fans can look forward to the return of the enigmatic Laszlo, played by Matt Berry. The first three episodes will be released on October 21 on FX, with same-day availability on Hulu.
Laszlo, a centuries-old vampire, has an emotional connection with his companion Nadja that transcends raw physical attraction. His character, with a distinctive voice and personality, has remained consistent since the show's first season.
Berry suggests that Laszlo's interest in science is more about the appearance and pose of being a scientist rather than the academic side. This fascination is evident in his pursuit to bring a dead body back to life, a quirky ambition that blends gothic vampire tropes with comedic irony.
Laszlo's character often engages in strange hobbies and ambitions, such as resurrection and occult practices, which play on classic horror motifs. His attempts at outlandish experiments highlight his anachronistic personality and desire to extend or manipulate life, despite being undead himself.
Before his role in What We Do in the Shadows, Berry was well-known in the UK for his roles in The IT Crowd, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, The Mighty Boosh, and more. However, it was his portrayal of Laszlo that gained him fame in the U.S.
Berry found it surreal to be in a Star Wars scene with Mark Hamill, a key part of the Star Wars culture. He was also part of the Star Wars universe, voicing 8D8 in The Book of Boba Fett. Matt Berry's favorite scene as Laszlo was the pool cue fight with Jim the Vampire, played by Mark Hamill.
Laszlo's old-fashioned protective nature towards Nadja, while sometimes irritating to her, also provides a comforting aspect to their relationship.
Despite a passionate fan base in the U.S., What We Do in the Shadows has not gained as much traction in the UK, where Berry resides. Nevertheless, Berry enjoys playing Laszlo because the character doesn't have to change or evolve over time, allowing him to delve deeper into the character's unique and eccentric traits.
Berry's popularity in the U.S. can be attributed to his portrayal of Laszlo in What We Do in the Shadows, a show known for its blend of comedy and technology-infused vampire tropes. In the future, Berry might consider exploring Laszlo's fascination with technology beyond quirky ambitions,3 potentially featuring him on Gizmodo's articles discussing the latest innovations in TV, movies, or entertainment, similar to Io9, a website renowned for its coverage of science, technology, and the future.
