The Hobbit Who Directed A Fan-Favorite Spinoff

Sean Astin made his TV directorial debut with “Soulless,” one of the best episodes from Angel’s criminally underrated fourth season. Astin landed the gig thanks to a connection to series executive producer David Greenbelt. To prepare, the Stranger Things star caught up on Angel episodes and shadowed Greenbelt and other producers on set.

Speaking with Zap2It before the episode premiered in 2003, Sean Astin raved about his experience directing the Angel episode. Astin enjoyed getting to direct David Boreanaz as Angelus rather than Angel, praising Boreanaz for his ability to transform into the devilish vampire so easily. 

“You know what, I had a great time, getting to work with Angelus. He is so in his element as Angelus, that you just don’t want to stop,” Astin said, adding, “he’s got so many layers and so many different shades and qualities, you want to keep exploring them and mining them and pulling them out. It’s such a rich, meaty character for him to do.”

As for the Angel actor, Boreanaz also enjoyed working with the famed actor behind the camera. He described Sean Astin as “very enthusiastic” and having “good energy.” Additionally, Boreanaz says that having worked with so many prolific directors throughout his career (Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson, just to name a few) definitely helped. 

Sean Astin’s “Soulless” was the 11th episode to air in Angel Season 4. The crew had been tracking down a dangerous entity called “The Beast” when they realized that Angel’s inner evil side (Angelus) may have vital information they need. The broody vamp and his friends decide to make a safe attempt to remove Angel’s soul and interrogate Angelus.

After realizing they are getting nowhere with the soulless vampire, the gang goes to retrieve Angel’s soul, which they have kept safely tucked away, only to find that it’s missing. 

It was always fun to watch David Boreanaz portray the crazed Angelus, and with Sean Astin’s direction, we finally saw a modern-day version of the Buffyverse’s most diabolical characters again. Today, it is remembered as being one of the best episodes in the series.

Sean Astin directed a few more TV episodes after Angel but nothing memorable. For unknown reasons, the hobbit gave up on that career, with his last directing credit coming from the same year that “Souless” was released.

The Lord of the Rings actor never gave up on acting, however. Sean Astin continued taking minor acting roles in the early aughts, and many considered his part in Stranger Things Season 2 to be a major comeback. Today, Astin continues acting while serving as a board member for SAG-AFTRA. 

Source: Way Back Machine