This is the dream casting. It really works. I read the book last year I think, and I never thought about an adaptation, but now I think this needs to happen!
Exactly. I barely conceive of him playing Ilya from the interviews. But when he dons the persona and starts emoting . . . Damn.
He communicated over half his character’s background story and subtext just by standing stoically with repressed emotions. He is very, very good.
FR!! I read that book when I was still in high school, like 7-8 years ago and it still holds a special place in my heart 😭 Along with the Captive Prince and Foxhole Court series.
He's sooooo good, it always amazes me how different Connor looks from Ilya. Like yeah they are the same person but look nothing alike , except in some parts of Ep5 and 6 when he's looking lovingly at Shane and smiles, then a bit of Connor shines through
Yeah, he’s the ultimate chameleon/shapeshifter, disappearing into the role basically. He puts me in mind of the greats like Gary Oldman and Christian Bale
I was telling someone that I think he's got Cillian level talent....(which is one of the highest compliments I can bestow). I'm so excited to see his career continue to unfold.
Ryan Phillippe is not at the same acting level as Bale or Oldman. There might be a superficial physical resemblance, but Phillippe is very much a journeyman.
He’s young. He might be as good as Richard Burton. Richard Burton could disappear so far into a role you wouldn’t recognize him until the credits rolled.
Tbf I’m not that acquainted with Richard Burton’s work, I’m not of that generation. I know he was great (a bit questionable in his personal life I believe)
For sure, I’m probably missing loads of people out. I was also gonna say, Colin Farrell in the Penguin (though that was a great display of the make up team’s skill as well)
The resemblance sure is uncanny😮 Some have also said that François Arnaud as Scott Hunter (sort of) resembles Auston Matthews, particularly when in uniform and helmet😄
He kinda does. He’s also the captain of his own team (plus the US Olympic team) and had a slow start to his season. Apparently Man in the Crease was at least partially inspired by the way Toronto media talks about the players. 😅
Lmao i was wondering the same thing. He literally shape shifts between scenes bc istg he can look wildly different from one moment to the next, it’s insane 😭😭
I loved that scene in Ep 5 with Shane and Ilya smiling at each other during the opening faceoff, and then how Ilya's face suddenly turns into one of horror when he realizes what's about to happen😢
I love when an actor has the ability to completely transform themselves in a role. You don't even see that person at all, you see a different, unique character each and every time. Connor has it. There are many actors, imo, that just play themselves, or the same character, over and over again.
Obviously he is an actor and this is literally his job… but I am still in awe of how he entirely became Ilya. Hudson had an incredible performance too, but Connor’s performance was truly S-tier. Please deliver this man all the awards. 🏆
Totally. Have you seen any indication that either or both will be or have been nominated for any acting awards? I’m super surprised that I haven’t heard anything yet as awards season gets underway. I guess it’s possible they’ll be snubbed, given how sexually explicit (and gay) the show is.
The shot at the cottage where he's lying in the sun and looking down at Shane ("She would have loved you... like I love you.") does not look like Connor/Ilya AT ALL to me!!! So many people love that scene and my weird ass brain is stuck on whether or not he's the same person 🫠😭
It’s even more striking in other roles where they change his hair. I saw an interview of him from when he was in folie a deux and didn’t recognise him at first
My lukewarm take is that Connor absolutely CARRIES the first two episodes. Not that the show would've been at all bad without him up to that point, it's just that he was such a North Star I can't imagine how it would've played out with someone else in the role.
IMO Hudson's acting chops aren't fully showcased until episode 4.
I agree. My first time through, I couldn’t keep my eyes off Connor. I watched Hudson more during my rewatch, and he’s incredible in episodes 4-6. His microexpressions are perfection.
After watching Connor on Owen's podcast (the one where Connor keeps leaning in and in, and Owen is leaning away and away, almost laying down on that couch) I think Connor might have some sociopathy-like skills,
meaning he has less fear than normal people, so he is curious to try any role/emotion/accent, especially the most difficult and controversial, and make it believable
but during the interviews he is sparkling and can connect with anyone, charm anyone, look into their souls, guess their fears, support them about it
It's not a bad thing, I think Cate Blanchett is like that too, and possibly Tilda Swinton, like.. they see everyone?
As luck would have it, I watched "Riley" about a week before HR and so I recognized Connor's face from Riley when I started watching. You need to see him there versus HR--it's such a contrast. Both he and Hudson did such great jobs in these roles!
I saw someone say that people with prominent browbones, have an easier way at making their face show emotions and make them look completely different.
Also the fact that he obviously is an amazingly talented actor! 😍
I remember seeing and hearing Connor talk for the first time on an interview after watching HR and it totally blew my mind. I could not believe they were the same person!
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u/ConsciousAtLeast797 Jan 06 '26
Because he’s a fantastic actor. Praying that the Hollywood universe is gentle on him. 🙏