Who plays the Baron in What We Do in the Shadows? Everything you need to know

On March 27, 2019, What We Do in the Shadows debuted on FX. This American comedy-horror mockumentary fantasy television series is created by Jemaine Clement. The storyline revolves around four vampire housemates navigating life in Staten Island.

One of the fascinating characters is Baron Afanas (played by Doug Jones), a vampire supremacist who thinks vampires should rule over humans. He is viewed as a controversial character among other vampires and has a more monstrous look due to his advanced age.

Afanas is famed for his ability as a lover, having had relationships with both Laszlo and Nadja. His fixation with conquering Staten Island baffles both of his lovers.

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Doug Jones plays Baron Afanas in What We Do in the Shadows

An old vampire named Baron Afanas appears in What We Do in the Shadows. His name "Afanas," which means "Undying," reflects how long he has lived. He disagrees with certain other vampires because he is a strong supporter of vampire supremacy, which holds that vampires should rule over humans.

He has a powerful presence and a particularly hideous look, perhaps from his advanced age. The Baron writes a letter announcing his coming to Staten Island when the documentary crew gets there. He arrives in a coffin and immediately establishes dominance by consuming June, who he knows well.

He is upset because New York hasn't been overrun by vampires yet and he threatens to kill them if they fail.

However, as Baron wanders the city intoxicated and acts erratically, his visit devolves into mayhem. His relationships with Laszlo and Nadja become complicated when he reveals his inability to bear children, despite his intimidating appearance.

When the Baron unintentionally exposes himself to sunlight and dies from burns, his life takes a tragic turn. Uncertain if he is truly dead, the vampires bury him in the yard. They are later found guilty of his murder, but Guillermo ultimately spares them.

In later seasons, the Baron is healed with a new cast, and he joins forces with another old vampire, the Sire. He also undergoes a rejuvenation, becoming a more attractive and youthful version of himself. The Baron changes from a rigid, authoritarian figure to a more humorous and complex character during the series.

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Brief overview of What We Do in the Shadows

The 2014 New Zealand movie of the same name served as the inspiration for Jemaine Clement's What We Do in the Shadows. Its storyline revolves around four vampires who live together on Staten Island, New York, as they deal with both supernatural and contemporary issues.

Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and Colin Robinson are the main characters, each with a distinct personality. Guillermo, a human who wants to become a vampire, works for his family despite their history as vampire hunters. During the program's mockumentary-style filming, characters sometimes speak directly to the camera.

The sitcom has received accolades for its wit, writing, and performances, particularly the cast. It has also won many Emmy Awards for its blend of humor and horror themes.

What We Do in the Shadows is set on Staten Island and has several guest appearances, including Tilda Swinton and Wesley Snipes. Following the events of season 5, Guillermo's relationship with Nandor and the vampires has evolved, bringing new dynamics to the group.

A forgotten fifth roommate is introduced in season 6, which debuted on October 21, 2024, and demonstrates the vampires' lack of progress in their ambitions to take over North America.

The final season consists of eleven episodes, airing on FX weekly and streamed on Hulu the following day. The series reaches a natural conclusion after a good run.