Ewan McGregor: A Gentleman in Moscow
Exploring resilience, connection, and transformation with Ewan McGregor as Count Alexander Rostov in this adaptation of Amor Towles' acclaimed novel.
Based on Amor Towles’ acclaimed novel, the miniseries A Gentleman in Moscow stars Ewan McGregor as Count Alexander Rostov, an aristocrat sentenced to lifelong house arrest in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel following the Russian Revolution. Confined to the hotel, Rostov’s life becomes a deep exploration of resilience, human connection, and the art of adapting to profound change.
A Gentleman in Moscow, praised by both critics and audiences, quickly became one of my favorite series of 2024. So, when I was invited to join a moderated Zoom call with Ewan McGregor on November 15th, I didn’t hesitate to accept.
Finding Count Rostov
For McGregor, stepping into the role of Count Alexander Rostov was an opportunity to embody a character rich with charm and complexity. “When I read the script, I thought it was so beautiful,” McGregor shared. “I went straight to the novel because I wanted to understand Rostov better. I loved him immediately—his wit, his intelligence, and the way he faces his situation with such elegance.”
A key challenge lay in portraying Rostov’s transformation over the decades he spends confined to the Metropol. “We had to think about how time changes him—his physicality, his demeanor, how the years shape him emotionally,” McGregor explained. “It’s not often you get to take a character through such a long span of time.”
Part of the preparation involved a unique approach to understanding this transformation. “We did a movement class where we aged 10 years at a time without using words,” McGregor recalled. “While others became slower and hunched, Rostov grew freer and quicker. He shed the weight of his aristocratic upbringing and became more human.”
What resonated most with McGregor was Rostov’s resilience and ability to stay true to himself, even in the face of profound loss. “What I love about Rostov is that he doesn’t let his circumstances define him,” McGregor said. “He navigates life with such dignity and humor. It’s amazing how he manages to remain himself, no matter what.”
Life in the Metropol Hotel
The Metropol Hotel, where Rostov spends his days, feels almost like another character in the story. “The Metropol is like a world within a world,” McGregor said. “It’s both a sanctuary and a prison for Rostov. He builds a life for himself there, creating relationships and finding purpose, even after losing so much.”
McGregor praised the production team for their meticulous work in bringing the iconic hotel to life. “The sets were absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “When you walked onto the set, it felt like stepping back in time. It gave us so much as actors because everything felt real.”
Among Rostov’s many relationships within the Metropol, his bond with Sofia—a young girl who becomes like a daughter to him—adds emotional depth to his journey. Sofia represents hope and purpose, qualities that keep Rostov grounded despite his confinement. McGregor reflected on the deeply personal resonance of this storyline: “Midway through, I realized this is an adoption story. I have an adopted daughter, and it made the experience deeply personal in ways I hadn’t anticipated.”
Beyond Sofia, Rostov’s interactions with the Metropol’s staff and residents highlight the complexities of Soviet society. These characters bring the Metropol to life, turning it into a microcosm of broader historical and social dynamics. “Through these relationships, you see how Rostov moves through his life,” McGregor explained. “He’s always maintaining his grace and wit, even when facing hardship.”
Adapting a Beloved Novel
Adapting a novel as cherished as A Gentleman in Moscow was a challenge McGregor approached with enthusiasm and care. “When a novel is loved like this one is, you feel the responsibility to do it justice,” he said. “It’s intimidating in some ways, but it’s also an incredible opportunity because you’re starting with such beautifully crafted material.”
For McGregor, much of his connection to Rostov stemmed directly from Amor Towles’ evocative writing. “When you’re reading a book and you know you’re going to play this man, you take it all in,” McGregor explained. “There’s an enormous amount of detail to draw from. I didn’t think much about how to play him—Amor was telling me with his book. I just knew who he was.”
One of the key challenges was staying true to the book’s reflective tone while adapting it visually for the screen. “The story is both a personal journey and a reflection of much larger historical events,” McGregor noted. “That duality is what makes it so special, and we worked hard to maintain that balance.”
McGregor also credited director Sam Miller with helping to bring Towles’ vision to life while making the adaptation its own work of art. “Sam had a vision that was incredibly clear,” McGregor said. “He understood how to stay true to the book while also embracing the possibilities that come with adapting it for the screen.”
The Historical Backdrop
Set in post-revolutionary Russia, A Gentleman in Moscow weaves together the personal and the historical, exploring the profound upheaval of the time. McGregor reflected on how the Revolution shapes Rostov’s life. “The revolution changes everything for him,” he said. “He loses his freedom, his place in society, and the future he had imagined for himself. But he refuses to lose who he is.”
The historical context also allowed the series to explore themes of resilience and human adaptability. “The Metropol becomes this little microcosm of Soviet society,” McGregor explained. “Through Rostov’s relationships with the people in the hotel, you start to see how these sweeping historical changes impact individual lives. It’s deeply personal but also reflects something much larger.”
McGregor highlighted how the political climate of the time added emotional depth to the story. “It’s not just about confinement,” he said. “It’s about how the human spirit can thrive, even in oppressive circumstances. The Metropol becomes a stage where these larger historical events are played out in very personal ways.”
For McGregor, the story carried a relevance that extended beyond its historical setting. “The Russian Revolution is one of the defining chapters that shaped the Russia we know today,” he remarked. “I don’t know if that’s why Amor set the novel in this time, but it gave the story this fascinating edge and made it all the more compelling to me.”
Relevance in Modern Times
Although set in the early 20th century, A Gentleman in Moscow explores themes that feel strikingly relevant today. McGregor reflected on how the story resonates with recent global experiences. “It’s a story about isolation and finding purpose within limitations,” he said. “After the last few years, I think a lot of people can connect with that on a personal level.”
McGregor elaborated on Rostov’s journey and how it intersects with broader historical and human themes. “At first, Rostov is angry and upset about the way everything he’s known has been taken from him—his family, his friends, his place in the world. But through his confinement, he comes to realize that love, connection, and the relationships he builds are what truly make a man and a human being,” McGregor explained. “That’s the deeper story here.”
He also spoke about the broader lessons Rostov’s journey offers. “What makes Rostov so compelling is his ability to find meaning and beauty, even in confinement,” McGregor shared. “That’s something we can all take to heart—figuring out how to make the most of our circumstances, whatever they might be.”
McGregor also touched on how the story reflects cycles of power and change, particularly in Russia’s history. “He’s baffled by the changes around him—he doesn’t understand them,” McGregor said. “But at the same time, this story shows us how Russia became the country we know today. If you trace back, you could say that this moment, this revolution, is one of the chapters that led to that. I thought that added another layer to the narrative.”
The series’ universal appeal lies in its emphasis on human connection, a theme McGregor saw as central to the story. “People need each other—it’s as simple as that,” he said. “One of the most important messages in the series is how relationships and community can keep us going, even in the darkest of times.”
An Ensemble Effort
McGregor spoke warmly about the collaborative spirit behind A Gentleman in Moscow, praising the dedication of the cast and crew. “It was such a joy to work with this team,” he said. “Everyone brought so much passion and commitment to the project. It really felt like we were all working toward the same goal—to do justice to this amazing story.”
The chemistry among the cast was essential in bringing the Metropol’s world to life. McGregor highlighted the unique contributions of his co-stars. “Every actor brought something special to their role,” he noted. “It added so much richness to the story. It was a real ensemble effort.”
Playing Rostov left a lasting impression on McGregor, who reflected on the personal connection he felt with the character. “It’s always a privilege to take on a role that challenges you and teaches you something,” he shared. “Rostov’s humor, grace, and humanity were incredibly inspiring—not just as an actor, but as a person.”
One of the most personal aspects of the production for McGregor was working alongside his wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who portrays Anna Urbanova, a famous actress and Rostov’s love interest. “It was such an amazing experience,” McGregor said. “We’ve worked together before, but this felt different. We got to explore these characters and their relationship in a really deep way, and it was so much fun to do that with Mary.”
“Anna is such a strong and fascinating woman, and Mary captured her beautifully,” he said. “I’m so proud of her work. Their relationship really adds another dimension to Rostov’s journey, especially as it evolves within the Metropol.”
A Gentleman’s Legacy
As the conversation wrapped up, McGregor shared his hopes for how audiences might connect with the series. “I really hope people feel a connection to Rostov’s journey,” he said. “His story is such a beautiful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit—how we can find joy, meaning, and connection, even in the hardest circumstances.”
Reflecting on his personal ties to Russia, McGregor spoke about how his experiences influenced his portrayal of Rostov. “I’ve always been fascinated by Russia,” he said. “I traveled there years ago and was struck by the people and the culture. There’s a real warmth and strength in them that I’ve always admired. I think some of that found its way into how I approached Rostov.”
For McGregor, playing Count Rostov was an exploration of truly universal themes. “What I love about this story,” he said, “is how it shows our capacity to adapt and thrive, no matter where or when. That’s something truly universal.”