Timothy Dalton’s Journey from Bond to Ruthless Villain

LOS ANGELES, CA — Timothy Dalton, known for his captivating portrayals of morally ambiguous characters, continues to entertain audiences as the villainous Donald Whitfield in the Yellowstone prequel series. As the new season of the show airs on Paramount+, Dalton discusses his career and the thrill of playing the antagonist.

From the moment Dalton debuted in 1968’s The Lion in Winter as the cunning King of France, his inclination towards complex characters has captivated viewers. Now, at 78, he seamlessly transitions into the role of Whitfield, a ruthless robber baron determined to seize land in Montana. “Bad guys have to be liked, I think,” Dalton said during a recent interview with Vanity Fair. “But you shouldn’t know who the villain is until something terrible happens.”

Whitfield’s charm is evident in his interactions with the hardworking Dutton family, portrayed by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Dalton relishes portraying a character who thrives on power plays and manipulation. “He’s always amused,” he noted about Whitfield’s demeanor. “Bad people know how to make people trust them.”

The series captures the brutal challenges of frontier life, and in one of his most intense scenes, Whitfield confronts the Duttons about their unpaid taxes. “It was a wonderful scene,” Dalton recalled. “I’m standing there laughing. He is all about danger and risk.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Dalton has appeared in numerous roles that dabble in the morally gray, including his notable performances as James Bond in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. These performances redefined the iconic character, adding layers of gravitas and complexity. “You don’t copy [previous actors]—that’s dangerous,” he said about playing Bond. Dalton reflects on his time as 007, claiming that while some elements of the character worked very well, he found completing the role had its challenges.

Speaking candidly, Dalton admits he isn’t preoccupied with legacy. “Once you let it go, there was no regret. I never really wanted to do more than three,” he said, referring to his iconic role. While he respects the ongoing evolution of the character through successors like Daniel Craig, he hopes for a continued legacy that prioritizes compelling storytelling.

Dalton’s penchant for playing the antihero, marked by his ability to evoke both charm and menace, resonates with fans. His portrayal of Whitfield highlights the complexities of villainy. “I think the important thing is, let’s figure out how big the bad side is,” he remarked, alluding to the multidimensionality he seeks in his roles.

As the second season of Yellowstone unfolds, Dalton continues to serve as a reminder that complexity defines both heroes and villains. Viewers can catch his captivating performance as Donald Whitfield, showcasing the actor’s unwavering ability to breathe life into morally questionable characters. “I think he should get away with it,” he jokingly added about his character’s fate in the series, embodying Whitfield’s audacious spirit.