Giles Matthey
Last week, we learned that there would be a new Claude in Season 5 of True Blood. The fans were at first, confused by this because in Season 4, we saw Claude in the first episode played by Neil Hopkins. So, it was surprising when a new casting call appeared and actor Giles Matthey was chosen to assume the fairy wings previously worn by Hopkins.
It’s now considered that the reason the part was recast is due to fan criticism of the choice of Neil Hopkins, thought too old for the part. I don’t remember that criticism, and Alan Ball hasn’t let the fans influence him too much, instead preferring to use his own “exceptional” judgment, (of which we approve) but for whatever reason, we now have a new Claude.
Claude is a character in the books and the twin brother of Sookie’s elegant fairy cousin, Claudine, who appeared at the end of the show’s third season. In the book series, Claude is an arrogant little queen whose only redeeming quality is his protective nature toward Claudine.
While the part of Claude will not be a series regular, the role will be considerably expanded into a multi-episode arc and could develop into something even larger. In the books, Claude and Sookie eventually grow to be close friends.
source: tvguide.com
