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Evan Peters says he's "going to take a break" after a "full-on burnout"
18 March 2019, 13:59
Is Evan Peters leaving American Horror Story? In a new interview with GQ, the AHS star reveals he's taking a break and wants to "play music."
Year in, year out, Evan Peters continues to give us some of TV's most memorable performances. On American Horror Story, he's worked tirelessly to bring to life some of the darkest, creepiest and twisted characters and on Pose, he turned out an incredibly emotional performance as Stan Bowes. Evan also set to reprise his role as Quicksilver in Dark Phoenix when its released in June.
But in a new cover interview with GQ, Evan revealed that, after a few hectic years playing those dark characters, he's now looking to take a 'sabbatical'. Yep, he'll be taking a brief break from acting to regroup - and maybe take the time to play some music.
Evan later revealed that he will not be taking part in American Horror Story season 9 either, saying that he was "going to sit a season out."
Speaking about his state of mind following his intense workload and reflecting on the negative quotes he gave in another interview with GQ in 2018, Evan said: "I think it was a full-on burnout."
"I’m going to take a break, regroup, decompress, get back in touch with what I feel like I want to do. Not that I didn’t want to do any of those roles – they’re exactly what I wanted to do. It was just zero to 100 instantaneously. I want to play music."
In 2018, Evan detailed the emotional toll his roles in AHS have taken on his mental wellbeing.
When asked about the intense characters he's had to portray over the past few years, Evan said: "I'm goofy, I'm silly, I like to have fun. I don't like to yell and scream. I actually hate it. I think it's disgusting and really awful, and it's been a challenge for me. Horror Story sort of demanded that of me."
"It's been all a massive stretch for me and really difficult to do. It's hurting my soul and Evan as a person. There's this massive amount of rage that's been called upon from me, and the emotional stuff that's been called on me for Pose has been heartbreaking, and I'm sick. I don't feel good."
Evan didn't mention when he'll be taking time off, how long for or even if he's just taking a break from his heavy roles. In an interview with W magazine, he previously revealed that he's dying to do a full-out comedy.
Since the GQ interview, Evan has confirmed that he would be skipping American Horror Story season 9 and would not be taking on a role.
Speaking to Extra on the red carpet at Wondercon for Dark Phoenix on March 29, Evan was asked whether or not he was involved in the upcoming season. According to this clip, he replied: "No, I'm going to sit a season out."
Thankfully, that sounds like he hasn't left the show completely and hopefully should return for the big 10th season of the series. But whatever ends up happening, we'll be supporting his decision. Take a break, King! And come back whenever you're ready!
For more of Evan Peters' interview with GQ, click here.
