For All Mankind Season 4 Interview: Joel Kinnaman On How Ed Baldwin Has Changed

The Evolution of Ed Baldwin

For All Mankind follows an alternate history where Russia won the space race by landing on the moon before the United States. This change rippled throughout history, with the impact having unexpected consequences, including a more diverse space program for both the United States and Russia. Each season takes place a decade after the last, with season 4 set in 2003. In For All Mankind season 4, the Happy Valley Mars colony continues to expand while the space program has shifted focus to mining the valuable minerals from asteroids, but tensions continue to grow on the international base, threatening everything they have worked so hard for.

Ed telling the Helios workers about their bonuses

The evolution of Ed Baldwin, played by Joel Kinnaman, is a central focus of the fourth season. Screen Rant interviewed Joel Kinnaman, who reflected on how his work on Silent Night impacted his approach to playing Ed Baldwin and what he has learned from his time on the show. Kinnaman also explained how aging has changed Ed, delving into the character's vulnerability and the less favorable side that is now being revealed.

An older, grayer Ed Baldwin in For All Mankind

Challenges and Reflections

In a candid conversation with Screen Rant, Joel Kinnaman shared his insights into the challenges of portraying Ed Baldwin in season 4. He discussed how his experience playing a mute character in Silent Night influenced his approach to Ed's physical decline and vulnerability in the latest season. Kinnaman highlighted the complexity of Ed's character, describing the dismantling of the classic American archetype and the inner turmoil that defines him. He also expressed his thoughts on the impact of aging on confidence and the fear of death, offering a deeper understanding of Ed's journey in the latest season.

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Future of Ed Baldwin

As the latest season of For All Mankind unfolds, the future of Ed Baldwin remains uncertain. Joel Kinnaman shared his perspective on what he would like to see Ed do before his time's up on the show, hinting at the character's unresolved personal struggles. He also reflected on the parallels between himself and the character, acknowledging the similarities in their impulsive nature and risk-taking tendencies. Kinnaman's portrayal of Ed Baldwin has led him to reevaluate his approach to risk assessment, offering a unique insight into the personal impact of portraying a complex character like Ed.

Casey W. Johnson as Danny Stevens in For All Mankind season 3