— At the end of the first season, Kostya steps into the role of guardian. How does he wield this new authority? Is he confident in the gains it brings, or is there a tremor of doubt behind the swagger?
Although Kostya loves power, he does not feel entirely secure and can slip into abusing it. Yet this fresh authority did not charm the vampires or the guard team. Kostya proved to be an unpleasant boss in practice.
Will Kostya change in the second season? Will viewers see unexpected plot twists tied to his decisions? Will he get more screen time?
Absolutely more—his presence in the second season will be felt. In the first season Kostya wasn’t shown enough to forecast his transformation. By the second season, audiences will clearly notice Kostya Sergeyevich’s evolving role, and the twists of the plot will hinge on his choices.
— Are there any parallels between the actor and Kostya? Was anything of the actor’s own personality folded into the character?
There is no resemblance in temperament. The portrayal drew from another, very real person rather than the actor’s own traits.
Showrunner Alexei Akimov noted that the crew faced a grueling start in the first season and endured heat during filming for the second. How did the shoot go?
The actor recalls feeling cold not just for himself, but for the whole team. In the climactic scenes inside the abandoned factory, he stepped in as a stand-in for Klim when Sasha Ustyugov’s schedule prevented reshoots, and Yuri Nikolayevich Stoyanov needed a backstage partner as well. The moment that stands out is Klim choking Kostya with a single-handed lift—the actor even played both the choking and the suffocating scenes as convincingly as possible. He embodies two faces on screen and off.
Will the second season be darker and more kinetic than the first? Will it carry more blood?
There will be plenty of blood and plenty of action. Smolensk’s vampires will face more trouble and more adversaries.
How does the blood consumed on screen taste, and what is in its makeup? Is it a kiss?
No, it reads as cinematic practice. The blood is produced by various studios specifically for the scenes, with a hint of fruity notes, particularly cherry. Its exact composition remains unknown to the actor, who notes that it is temptingly sticky.
How was Lukerya Ilyashenko cast as the vampire Agatha? Fans on social media welcomed her in the role.
The actor never shared screen time with Lukerya’s character during filming and has not yet seen her footage, so he cannot fully answer. He does note that her appearance suits vampires well and remembers her own acknowledgment of that fact.
What makes the show popular and scores high ratings?
The series was crafted with genuine care and affection. Its originality lies in transplanting European medieval fairy-tale figures into modern central Russia, creating rich room for humor. The world feels real yet bends in unexpected ways, offering a fresh take that resonates with audiences.
Are there close analogues to the series—something comparable elsewhere? How does it stack up against other projects?
It can be likened to a vampire-infused drama in its broad sense. There are mystical thrillers, vampire sagas, horror, and dark comedies. The closest kin in feel might be Waititi’s Real Ghouls under a similar vibe, yet Grandpa Slava’s family remains uniquely its own vampire universe.
In film roles the actor tends to play comic, sometimes not-so-comic figures, while on stage he tackles material from world classics. Why does this trend persist? Does texture trump plot in cinema?
That question is best left to casting directors, directors, and producers. He accepts whatever roles come his way and would happily entertain offers that deviate from the norm.
Almost three years ago, the actor and his family left St. Petersburg for Moscow. What differences does he notice between the two cities?
There isn’t a stark contrast. Moscow brings a milder climate, more developed infrastructure, and bigger budgets. Still, both cities are cosmopolitan hubs with a shared energy. The actor spends much of his life on set or in an apartment, so he doesn’t explore the cities deeply. Public transit is better in Moscow, and the subway is a shared passion in both capitals.
Was there a choice to live in St. Petersburg and travel to Moscow for work, or was the move simply unavoidable?
Work pulled him toward Moscow. The distance meant long train rides and time away from family, so relocation was the right call. It was hard, but the decision paid off.
How does he plan to celebrate the New Year, and will there be downtime?
On December 22, filming ends, and the New Year holidays will be a rest period—time to breathe. A quiet spell in the Karelian forests and lakes awaits, something he eagerly anticipates, much like a well-trained hunting dog awaiting a walk.
When will work resume after the New Year, and what projects lie ahead?
New projects kick off after the holidays. The films are set to begin production in February or March, with reveals kept under wraps for now.