Yes, Aidan Turner’s departure from the BBC’s Being Human at the end of its third series was indeed directly related to his casting as Kíli in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy. The timing aligned perfectly, and the opportunity to star in such a high-profile international production was a significant career move that Turner couldn’t afford to pass up.
The Kíli Factor: How Tolkien Transformed Turner’s Trajectory
Aidan Turner’s portrayal of the charming and melancholic vampire, Mitchell, in Being Human garnered him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. However, the call of Middle-earth, and the chance to portray the dwarf Kíli, one of the twelve companions of Thorin Oakenshield, proved irresistible. While the actor initially enjoyed the relatively niche success of Being Human, the Hobbit films presented a vastly different scale of exposure and potential for career advancement.
The decision wasn’t necessarily an easy one. Being Human was a beloved show, and Turner was a key part of its core dynamic. Leaving meant leaving behind a comfortable and familiar environment. However, the allure of a blockbuster franchise, directed by one of the most influential filmmakers of our time, and based on arguably the most famous fantasy novel in history, was ultimately too strong to ignore.
Furthermore, the filming schedule for The Hobbit films was incredibly demanding, spanning several years. This prolonged commitment would have made it impossible for Turner to continue his role in Being Human concurrently. The creators of Being Human acknowledged this reality and crafted an exit storyline for Mitchell that allowed the series to continue without him.
The Impact on Being Human
Turner’s departure significantly impacted Being Human. Mitchell was a central character, providing both romantic tension and comedic relief. His absence necessitated a significant shift in the show’s dynamic and storytelling. While the series continued for two more seasons, many fans felt the loss of Turner’s character acutely.
The writers attempted to fill the void with new characters and storylines, but the original trio of Mitchell, George (Russell Tovey), and Annie (Lenora Crichlow) was a unique and irreplaceable ensemble. While the show continued to explore themes of identity, acceptance, and the struggle to navigate a human world, it arguably lost some of the magic that defined its initial success.
FAQs: Unveiling the Details Behind Turner’s Transition
Here are some frequently asked questions that further explore the circumstances surrounding Aidan Turner’s departure from Being Human and his subsequent role in The Hobbit:
FAQ 1: Was Aidan Turner’s Hobbit Casting Confirmed Before He Left Being Human?
Yes, the announcement of Aidan Turner’s casting as Kíli in The Hobbit films was made in October 2010, prior to the airing of Being Human’s third season (which was filmed in 2010 and aired in early 2011). This timing confirms that he knew about his Hobbit role before filming his final season of Being Human.
FAQ 2: Did the Being Human Creators Know About Turner’s Departure When Writing Season 3?
Yes, the writers of Being Human were aware of Turner’s impending departure while writing the third season. This allowed them to craft a suitable exit storyline for Mitchell, culminating in his tragic but definitive end.
FAQ 3: How Did Mitchell Leave Being Human?
Mitchell’s storyline in Being Human season 3 concluded with him being killed by Professor Jaggat, played by Toby Whithouse (who also created the series). This was a deliberate choice to provide a conclusive end to the character’s arc and prevent Turner from needing to return for future guest appearances.
FAQ 4: Did Aidan Turner Express Regret About Leaving Being Human?
While Turner has spoken fondly of his time on Being Human and acknowledged its importance in launching his career, he has never expressed regret about leaving to pursue The Hobbit. He viewed it as a significant opportunity for growth and international recognition.
FAQ 5: How Did Turner’s Role as Kíli Differ from Mitchell in Being Human?
The roles of Kíli and Mitchell are significantly different. Mitchell was a brooding, centuries-old vampire wrestling with his inner demons, while Kíli was a young, energetic dwarf warrior eager to prove himself. This allowed Turner to showcase his range as an actor. The scale of the productions was also vastly different, with The Hobbit being a much larger and more demanding project.
FAQ 6: Did Russell Tovey, Who Played George in Being Human, Also Get Offered Roles in The Hobbit?
There’s no public record or credible source suggesting that Russell Tovey was ever considered or offered a role in The Hobbit films.
FAQ 7: What Other Projects Was Aidan Turner Involved in After The Hobbit?
Following The Hobbit, Turner landed the lead role of Ross Poldark in the BBC period drama Poldark, which became a massive success and further cemented his status as a leading actor. He has also appeared in films such as The Secret Scripture and Look Away.
FAQ 8: How Did Fans React to Aidan Turner Leaving Being Human?
The reaction was mixed. Many fans were disappointed to see Mitchell go, as he was a beloved character. However, most understood that the opportunity to be in The Hobbit was a major career advancement for Turner and ultimately supported his decision.
FAQ 9: Did Being Human Suffer in Ratings After Turner Left?
While Being Human still maintained a respectable viewership, it’s generally accepted that the show’s popularity dipped somewhat after Turner’s departure. His presence was a significant draw for many viewers.
FAQ 10: Were There Any Attempts to Bring Aidan Turner Back for Guest Appearances on Being Human After His Departure?
Given the definitive nature of Mitchell’s death, bringing Turner back for anything more than a brief flashback would have been difficult to justify narratively. There were no publicly announced attempts to resurrect the character.
FAQ 11: Did Aidan Turner’s Success in The Hobbit Help Boost the Profile of Being Human?
While Being Human already had a dedicated following, Turner’s increased visibility after The Hobbit undoubtedly brought more attention to his earlier work. Many new fans likely discovered Being Human after seeing him in the blockbuster films.
FAQ 12: What Advice Would Aidan Turner Give to Actors Faced With Similar Career Choices?
While Turner hasn’t explicitly stated advice for such situations, his career trajectory suggests he would advise actors to carefully consider the long-term impact on their careers and to weigh the pros and cons of different opportunities before making a decision. Prioritizing projects that offer significant growth and exposure, even if it means leaving behind familiar territory, can often be a worthwhile gamble. The chance to participate in a cultural phenomenon like The Hobbit was clearly a calculated risk that paid off handsomely for Aidan Turner.