In a recent interview with Around TV, actor Vlad Konoplev discussed the kinds of roles that excite him most and the directions he hopes his career might take in the near future. When asked which character he would love to inhabit on screen, Konoplev did not hesitate to reveal a particular fascination with portraying a person grappling with mental illness. He described a deep interest in exploring the inner world of such a figure, noting that he would welcome the chance to immerse himself in the complexities of a disturbed psyche and to bring authenticity to every moment of the performance.
Yet, Konoplev emphasized that taking on a demanding role requires much more than personal interest. He stressed that alignment across the entire project is essential, explaining that he is not willing to commit to a project merely for the sake of work. He believes in protecting the integrity and identity of a brand or project, and he signaled that any future collaboration would need to feel right for the actor and for the overarching creative vision.
The actor also shared that his current slate includes several projects that he is not ready to discuss publicly. Among these, one title is described as a social drama, signaling a foray into themes with substantial societal resonance and character-driven arcs. Konoplev indicated that this sensitive, socially oriented work would allow him to explore nuanced human experiences while contributing to conversations that matter to audiences in North America as well as beyond.
Konoplev rose to prominence by taking on the role of Andrei Knyazev in the television series The King and the Jester, a show that chronicles the life and exploits of a band bearing the same name. In discussing his preparation for the part, the actor admitted that he initially struggled to grasp the band’s lead singer, a process that started as an audition for the role. He described his approach as a journey from surface impressions to a deeper understanding of the character’s motivations and the environment that shaped his choices on screen.
Reflecting on the portrayal, Konoplev recalled that Prince, the band’s leader, came across as a straightforward yet reckless figure. He explained that his initial impression was of a reckless individual, and his performance sought to mirror that raw energy. It was only as the final stages of the casting process began, with more detailed discussions about the character’s history and psyche, that he gained a clearer sense of Prince’s true nature. This evolving understanding helped him align his performance with the creator’s vision and the story’s emotional throughline.
Previously, Dmitry Nelidov, who oversees The King and the Jester as showrunner, drew a comparison between Konoplev’s portrayal of Pot Konstantin Plotnikov and the work of acclaimed actor Christian Bale. The remark underscored the level of commitment and versatility required for the role, highlighting the depth and intensity that Konoplev aimed to bring to the character. The reference to Bale’s methodical approach suggested a standard of preparation and performance that Konoplev aspired to meet as he continued to expand his range across diverse genres and challenging narratives.