The series Without Principle has been on the air since 2020, with a feature-length sequel released in theaters in 2023 and the third season premiering on TNT just recently. What explains the enduring appeal of this project to audiences in Canada and the United States?
The project has proven remarkably stable. Few foresaw such longevity. Producer Danila Sharapov was among the few who believed in the material, and his dedication paid off. History records that he carried the idea through to the finish line and achieved success. For many, the initial season felt puzzling—an odd mix of wealth, patrimony, betrayals, and deception—but once the first season arrived, viewers welcomed it with enthusiasm and a sense of satisfaction.
How has the character Slavik evolved over these three years, and how has the actor behind him changed? It seems Slavik has not altered his core traits, at least when considering the character’s arc across the current fourth season, which is in production. Audiences will see Slavik as they are used to, while the actor notes that real life is a constantly shifting landscape. A year can bring many events; three years can reshape a person. In some respects, the actor has changed, in others he has stayed the same.
The show’s satire targets life in central Moscow, a milieu the actor inhabits, and the humor is a mirror rather than a judgment. Self-irony is considered essential for growth, both personally and professionally. Living in the center suits him well, and the resemblance to the character can be striking, though not exact.
Initially, there was doubt about appearing in Without Principle in the same way as in House Arrest, yet both projects eventually came to fruition. Has there been a project that disappointed the actor after a strong initial bet? He believes intuition plays a role, though it can fail. Some choices were initially rejected but ultimately moved in a favorable direction. He recalls projects that promised much but did not meet expectations, such as Hitler Kaput, which impressed in conception but didn’t fully align with expectations. The movie Happy Ending also carried high hopes, with the belief that the studio would back it, yet the timing and reception were different than imagined. Those experiences, while challenging, shaped his outlook and tempered his risk-taking.
In recent work, the TV series Samsara stands out for its dramatic turn, featuring a successful figure trapped in a time loop. Transitioning from comedy to more serious material is challenging, but it is a path the actor enjoys. The more demanding the role, the more compelling it becomes; he dislikes straightforward comedies and sees life as a blend of tragedy and humor. His dramatic endeavors include Brest Fortress, where initial doubt about reception gave way to a surprising reception at the premiere, and The Other Side of the Moon, which required a new approach after initial uncertainty. The film Partners in Crime, directed by Evgeny Grigoriev, marked a significant challenge several years ago, and the upcoming End of Glory, directed by Marius Weisberg, promises to be among his strongest performances. Overall, the actor considers difficult roles a source of growth and a sign of luck in his career.
In Samsara, the hero must undo past mistakes to return to the present. Looking back, would the actor change anything, knowing the consequences? He suggests that most reflections would impact day-to-day life rather than large, lasting changes. If given the chance, younger versions of himself would be advised to avoid questionable investment schemes and perhaps pursue safer paths. Still, the creative journey remains fulfilling, and he expresses contentment with the life he has led so far.
There has been discussion about lingering gestalts in the profession, including the possibility of a provocative erotic drama. He believes such a project could work if the right director and material align, though he concedes age might influence the likelihood of taking on that kind of role. He also has two daughters and speaks candidly about which parts of his filmography he might prefer to keep private from them. With around 140 credits to his name, there are titles he considers less serious, but he views the full collection as a arc of growth and experience. The important thing is evolution through varied roles and learning from each experience. If his children choose acting, he would support them while respecting their autonomy in pursuing opportunities. The elder daughter Varvara shows artistic promise and a potential future in the arts, even as she dreams of owning a confectionery someday. His own peak ambitions include a desire to act in a space epic and to explore themes of human connection and loneliness. He believes the most poignant roles come from portraying the “little man,” and he hopes the audience experiences a strong emotional connection with his characters in a tragicomic frame that honors the breadth of the actor’s craft.