Dan Stevens Talks Grindr… And Why We Can’t Get Enough Of Him
Dan Stevens is back in the spotlight, and it’s not just his acting chops making headlines. The dashing Brit stars in Zero Day, Netflix’s gripping new political thriller, opposite none other than Robert De Niro. Playing a sharp-tongued, right-wing media personality reminiscent of Ben Shapiro, Stevens nails his role while poking fun at how the internet has become a playground for divisive voices.
But it isn’t just his on-screen performances turning heads; Stevens recently revealed a surprising Grindr moment that has fans buzzing.
#ZeroDay star Dan Stevens watched “a lot of hours of tape” of anchors in preparation for his role in the @netflix series pic.twitter.com/yOX7GCgWqn
— TV Insider (@TVInsider) February 19, 2025
That One Time on Grindr
Stevens opened up about his brush with Grindr during an episode of the Just For Variety podcast. Chatting with host Marc Malkin, Stevens admitted that while researching for a project about the dating app Bumble, he realised how clueless he was about dating apps in general. However, there was one exception.
“I’ve had friends who’ve shown me apps,” he explained. “I remember a friend who showed me the early days of Grindr. We were on Broadway, and just to show me what the radar was like he showed me, and he was like, ‘Well, this guy is 750 feet away.’” Stevens continued, “It was just like all these little dots of horny gay men circling us. I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is terrifying!’”
Now, let’s pause for a second. Was this friend really just “showing him the radar,” or was Stevens a little more curious than he let on? Fans are certainly asking the same thing. Regardless, his playful reaction to the app quickly won gay fans over once again.
Why We Love Dan Stevens
There’s no denying that Stevens is gorgeous. His piercing blue eyes alone are enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat. But it’s not just about his looks. Stevens has a knack for embracing roles that are bold and unconventional, often stepping into worlds closely tied to LGBTQIA+ culture. Whether it’s a horror thriller, a campy comedy, or a period drama (Downton Abbey), he’s proven time and again why he’s a fan favourite.
Take his breakout role in The Line Of Beauty, the acclaimed BBC adaptation of Alan Hollinghurst’s novel. Set in 1980s England, the miniseries follows Nick, a closeted Oxford graduate navigating life with a wealthy conservative family during the AIDS crisis.
dan photographed by carlotta manaigo for InStyle magazine (2014) pic.twitter.com/MxLUPYVqWW
— Dan Stevens (@bestofstevens) April 16, 2017
As Nick, Stevens captured vulnerability and passion with ease, earning critical acclaim. Reflecting on the project, Stevens called it “an absolutely beautiful book and a beautiful adaptation,” proving that even at the start of his career, he wasn’t afraid of queer stories.
Stevens’s openness and allyship have only grown stronger since then. In a 2020 interview with Attitude magazine, he spoke about the importance of championing LGBTQIA+ rights through his projects, saying, “It’s unbelievable that there are still countries that don’t acknowledge certain sexualities. But platforms like Eurovision create a safe haven and celebration.”
Eurovision, Camp, and Unforgettable Moments
Speaking of Eurovision, who could forget Stevens’s hilariously campy turn as Alexander Lemtov in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga? As Russia’s flamboyant yet closeted Eurovision contestant, Stevens brought a perfect mix of absurdity and charm to the Netflix comedy. From his over-the-top outfits to his dramatic ballads, the role was a love letter to the camp spirit of Eurovision itself.
Stevens also used the film as an opportunity to shed light on the queer artists who thrive in Eurovision while living in fear back home. His performance resonated with fans, and he even shared that the experience gave him a deeper appreciation for queer expression.
Dan Stevens shares his 'terrifying' experience with Grindr https://t.co/aA4Lg8mUhl pic.twitter.com/h7X7nyZXmO
— Film-News.co.uk (@FilmNewsWeb) February 20, 2025
And let’s not forget that wild party scene where Stevens, alongside Rachel McAdams and Will Ferrell, sings a medley of Madonna, Cher, and ABBA songs. It’s pure, unfiltered joy exactly the kind of moment that makes him so magnetic.
If you haven’t already, add The Guest to your watchlist immediately. In Adam Wingard’s cult-favourite horror-thriller, Stevens plays a mysterious stranger with dark secrets and a lot of shirtless scenes. It’s a sharp contrast to his usual polished look, showcasing a more rugged, dangerous side.
Why Dan Stevens Is as Relatable as He Is Unforgettable
At 42, Stevens is more than just a pretty face. He’s a versatile actor, a thoughtful ally, and someone who doesn’t take himself too seriously. Whether he’s sharing Grindr anecdotes, channeling camp Eurovision vibes, or diving into sensitive queer narratives, Stevens continues to win hearts.
For those who can’t get enough, Zero Day is now streaming on Netflix. You can also catch Eurovision Song Contest on Netflix, The Line Of Beauty on Amazon Prime Video, and The Guest on Amazon or Apple TV.
Dan Stevens may have only dipped a toe into Grindr’s world, but one thing’s for sure: he’s more than earned his spot in our hearts and on our screens.
