Dan Stevens Is 1 Sexy Beast and It's Time We Acknowledge It

Updated on March 12, 2017 at 7:00 AM

Dan Stevens is perhaps best known for playing Downton Abbey's lovable (but not exactly sexy) leading man Matthew Crawley, but a lot has changed since he left the show in 2012. Since then, the 34-year-old English actor has been focusing on his Hollywood film career and is set to play the coveted role of the Beast in Disney's new, live-action take on Beauty and the Beast. This will likely introduce us to a whole new side of Dan, and in real life he's also had a very noticeable transformation since his Downton days — shedding his softer, more posh look to become a scruffy, messy-haired hottie. Keep reading to see how Dan has changed over the years.

Dan first broke out onto the London scene in 2006.

In 2008, he showed off a darker 'do at the BAFTAs.

Look at that youthful face!

By 2011, Dan became an international star thanks to Downton Abbey.

He was soon partying with other big British actors, like Eddie Redmayne and Dominic Cooper.

By 2012, Dan wanted to pursue other opportunities outside of Downton.

Maybe he just got tired of always sporting that Edwardian posh look?

He left the show in 2012 and headed to Broadway to costar in The Heiress alongside Jessica Chastain.

By 2013, Dan was sporting a sleeker, sexier, and slimmer look.

In fact, Dan was starting to look downright hot.

So hot that, by 2014, he was already managing to distract us from Benedict Cumberbatch.

Dan's Hollywood makeover worked in both casual settings . . .

. . . And more formal occasions.

Suddenly Matthew Crawley was Disney prince material!

Seriously, is it just us or is he starting to look like Ryan Gosling?

Or maybe an English Calvin Harris?

He also looks really good in glasses, by the way.

We very much approve of Dan Stevens's hot transformation.