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

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.
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Dan first broke out onto the London scene in 2006.

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

Look at that youthful face!
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Look at that youthful face!

By 2011, Dan became an international star thanks to Downton Abbey.
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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.
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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.
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By 2012, Dan wanted to pursue other opportunities outside of Downton.

He left the show in 2012 and headed to Broadway to costar in The Heiress alongside Jessica Chastain.
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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.
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By 2013, Dan was sporting a sleeker, sexier, and slimmer look.

In fact, Dan was starting to look downright hot.
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In fact, Dan was starting to look downright hot.

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

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

. . . And more formal occasions.
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. . . And more formal occasions.

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

Or maybe an English Calvin Harris?
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Or maybe an English Calvin Harris?

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

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