Doug Jones revealed that hisWhat We Do In The Shadowscharacterwas originally intended to be killed off in season 1. Based on the 2014 film by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, the comedic fantasy series follows the lives of vampire roommates navigating modern life in Staten Island. The mockumentary has received widespread acclaim for its clever humor and inventive take on vampire lore. Jones, known for his work in prosthetics-heavy roles (The Shape of Water,Pan’s Labyrinth),plays the grotesque yet oddly charismaticWhat We Do In The ShadowscharacterBaron, an ancient vampire whose appearance has become a highlight for fans.
In an interview withScreen Rant,Jones revealed that the Baron’s longevity on the show was unexpected. He detailed how the character was originally supposed to die at the end of season 1 during “Baron’s Night Out,” but showrunners decided to keep him alive, reviving the Baron in season 3. He continued reprising his role in season 6, including a notable appearance in episode 3, where the Baron unveiled his radiant new look. Here’s what the actor had to say:
But I will say that my time on this show has gone longer than we ever thought it would. I was never meant to be on the show this long.
At the beginning, I was hired for the pilot episode in season one, to do that grand entrance in the attic, when they’re like, “Oh, the Baron’s here, the Baron’s here.” It kind of sets up that I had sent them to North America to conquer the New World, and they haven’t done it yet. So, that was kind of the setup, that then they were going to find a way to get rid of me in the next episode.
From what I understood, showrunner Jemaine Clement, who was a very hands-on creator of the movie and the show, along with Taika Waititi, they were both on set working that pilot episode, and Jemaine said, “Doug, we’re having too much fun with you. Can I keep you around for a while if I found a way to bring you back?”
I said, “Oh my gosh, yes.” I was a big fan of the movie, so I knew going into the show, it’s like, “[Gasps] Same creators? It’s going to be great.” I wasn’t wrong. So coming into this, then, loving them, loving what was happening, and wanting to keep me around was like, “Oh, what a compliment that was.”
So then, “Baron’s Night Out” was written for episode 6 of season 1, when I wake up from my slumber and I want to have a night on the town. Funniest half hour of television in history, I believe. We hit the town, we do everything, we end up at a rave with glow sticks. I finally get the pizza pie and I vomit my way through the sky.
Those moments get recounted to me by the fans constantly, by the way. But at the end of that episode, Guillermo opens the door accidentally on me, and I’m in the foyer and I get burned by the sun. That was going to be the end of me.
Well, Jemaine Clement had the same conversation with me while we were filming that. “Doug, this is going far too well. If I find a way to revive you some way magically in the future, can we do that?”
“Please bring me back, yes.” So, in season 3, they brought me back, and the thing was, they were filming the show in Toronto, up in Canada. I was doing Star Trek: Discovery simultaneously in Toronto. That’s why I could go back and forth between the two shows, because they were happening in the same city.
Otherwise, I’m not sure if it could have worked out as well with Star Trek, my commitments there were much more, because I was a series regular with a lot of dialogue and a lot of scenes. But the two shows worked with each other over my schedule, so when Shadows wanted to borrow me, they did. I was so happy that worked out, and they put the effort in to make that happen.
What This Reveal About The Baron In What We Do In The Shadows Means
Doug Jones’ revelation about Baron Afanas sheds light on how the character’s evolution became integral toWhat We Do In The Shadows. Initially introduced in the pilot as an ancient and commanding vampire from the Old Country who sent the main cast to overtake Staten Island,the Baron quickly became a comedic standout. His presumed death in season 1, where Guillermo accidentally exposes him to sunlight, was originally meant to be the character’s conclusion. However, the showrunners had too much fun to leave Baron behind, recognizing his popularity among the vampire TV series' growing fanbase.
In season 3, the Baron returned in a weakened but hilariously grotesque state, adding new layers to his character while maintaining a comedic approach.Jones’ performanceas the Baron brought a mix of regal authority and absurdity through pounds of heavy make-up as the group utilized his abilities against another ancient vampire. His ability to embodythe physicality of a centuries-old vampire while delivering deadpan humorbecame a defining aspect of the character.
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What We Do in the Shadows may be coming to an end, but there are plenty of other shows similar to it.
InWhat We Do In The Shadow’s season 6, the Baron surprises viewers again, appearing with a revitalized and glowing appearance in episode 3. His newfound radiance symbolizes a departure from his previous decrepit state, offering a fresh dynamic as he helps Guillermo negotiate the occupancy of a new room in the vampire household. The Baron’s continued presence exemplifiesthe show’s willingness to adapt and play into the strengths of its most relevant characters.
Our Take On Doug Jones As The Baron Afanas
The Baron’s Continued Presence Is A Highlight
Baron’s longevity in the series speaks to the strength of Jones’ performance as an ancient, yet comedic vampire. Whether it’s his pizza-filled antics in season 1 or his radiant resurgence in season 6, the Baron remains a source of hilarity and intrigue. His unexpected survival has allowed the show to explore new comedic possibilities while maintaining a connection to its history. Jones’ ability to thrive in prosthetics-heavy roles and embody eccentric characters has successfully made the Baron one ofWhat We Do in the Shadows’most memorable figures.
What We Do in the Shadows
Cast
What We Do in the Shadows, released in 2019, is a mockumentary series exploring the nightly lives of a group of centuries-old vampires residing in Staten Island. The comedic show delves into their interactions with each other and the modern world, providing a humorous take on the vampire genre.
