Thanks to Entertainment Weekly, we have our first look at Ed Sheeran in his guest-starring role as the lethal right hand of a high-ranking church elder in Kurt Sutter’s highly anticipated period drama ‘The Bastard Executioner.’ 

“I’m not really playing myself in this,” he says. “I find that I have reputation of being a smiley approachable guy, so I wanted the opposite. I said to Kurt, make sure that I’m not typecast at all. Write me as a complete d—head in it. I feel like I need that.” 

“It doesn’t necessarily mean everyone who likes me for my music is going to like this,” said the singer. “It means that I’m doing something different and interesting, rather than doing some rom-com, which is what I think people would expect me to do.”

The makeup team wanted to give Ed a bowl haircut he said, “Ah that’s not happening. This hat [he’s wears in the show] is a sign of faith. With these hats, you instantly know I’m someone who is in a religious sect.”

When asked about the rest of his costume on the show, he went on to say that he’s, “wearing tights, which is interesting. It’s quite hard to pee in this. I haven’t even tried to go No. 2. That’s going to be quite hard. I did think it was going to be a lot hotter under the lights but I’m good.”

Synopsis:

The Bastard Executioner is a blood-soaked, medieval epic that tells the story of Wilkin Brattle (Lee Jones), a 14th century warrior, whose life is forever changed when a divine messenger beseeches him to lay down his sword and lead the life of another man: a journeyman executioner. Set in northern Wales during a time rife with rebellion and political upheaval, Wilkin must walk a tight rope between protecting his true identity while also serving a mysterious destiny. Guided by Annora (Katey Sagal), a mystical healer whose seeming omniscience keeps Wilkin under her sway; manipulated by Milus Corbett (Stephen Moyer), a devious Chamberlain with grand political aspirations; and driven by a deepening connection with the Baroness Lady Love Ventris (Flora Spencer-Longhurst), Wilkin struggles to navigate political, emotional and supernal pitfalls in his quest to understand his greater purpose.

‘The Bastard Executioner’ was created by Kurt Sutter, who will serve as Executive Producer along with award-winning producers Brian Grazer, Francie Calfo and Paris Barclay. Sutter wrote the script for the pilot of The Bastard Executioner, which was directed by Barclay.

Stars: Katey Sagal, Lee Jones, Stephen Moyer, Flora Spencer-Longhurst, Kurt Sutter, Sam Spruell, Darren Evans, Danny Sapani, Timothy V. Murphy, Sarah White, Sarah Sweeney, Elen Rhys, Ethan Griffiths and guest star Matthew Rhys.

‘The Bastard Executioner’ will debut on Tuesday, Sept. 15th at 10pm ET/PT with a two-hour premiere.