Fans of the FX series "The Bastard Executioner" got a surprise last week with news that the series would be ending following its Nov. 17 finale. Even more surprising was the detail that series creator Kurt Sutter was the one pulling the plug on his own show after just one season. While the gritty medieval drama was praised for its high production values and stellar performances, the series didn't quite reach the "Game of Thrones" audience it was intended for. Sutter, via an ad in the Hollywood Reporter stated: "I don't want to write something that nobody's f--king watching."

For actor Danny Sapani — who played Berber the Moor, an educated noble of Moroccan heritage forced to convert to Catholicism despite his devout Muslim beliefs — news of the show's premature demise didn't come as a shock.

"We weren't perhaps entirely surprised because there were some hints earlier towards the end of the series," Sapani told Headlines & Global News exclusively from his home in England. "We were aware of the ratings having dropped, however, that's not necessarily a foregone conclusion."

Sapani, 45, is no stranger to a good period piece. In addition to "The Bastard Executioner," the classically trained stage actor may be familiar to viewers of Showtime's "Penny Dreadful" as Sembene, albeit only slightly familiar, thanks to the ritual face scars he wore for that show.

Born in Hackney, Sapani trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama. After graduation, it wasn't long before his talent secured him roles in films (like "The Oxford Murders" and "Timecode II") and on TV (like "Doctor Who" and "Little Britain").

HNGN caught up with the talented actor to get the lowdown on "The Bastard Executioner" ending and what's in store for him next. Read our exclusive interview below for more!

We were all so sorry to hear about "The Bastard Executioner" ending. What are your thoughts?
It's a difficult one to explain as to why. Kurt Sutter put something out publicly, so that makes it difficult to say specifically why it ended. It's probably best to leave the explanation to Kurt, but it was a shame to come to an end so suddenly. I think the show had a lot of potential, but they guess the reason that it didn't continue was probably because that potential wasn't necessarily fulfilled. I have to accept the decision even if I don't necessarily agree with that.

It was a little unorthodox that Sutter pulled the plug on his own show and not the network.
I figure it was probably a combination of both of them that made the final decision. Reading Kurt's explanation to the cast and publicly, he does suggest it was a joint decision.

He had nothing but support and praise for everyone involved though.
That was a very good feeling. We were a great unit and worked very well. The material lent itself to greater experimentation and bonding between the company and the cast. It was certainly a very good experience and very enjoyable.

How did you found out that the show was ending?
We found out via email at the end of the series. Decisions are made on a range of things, but the ratings certainly gave us some cause for concern.

Given that you were off in your own little medieval world on the show, did it really feel like that while shooting?
Yes, essentially. The Welsh people welcomed us with open arms and, my character in particular, being an outsider, it was really important that he had a bond and connection to the place and the people in order for that aspect of the story. An imagined character in an imagined environment and difficult setting, it lent itself very well to that because the Welsh were so welcoming. A lot of the cast lived in L.A., so it was tougher for them being away from their families and homes for so long. It was much easier for me traveling from London. And I was very used to the weather, so that wasn't so difficult. But it was muddy and cold at times. We all learned to horse ride, fight with great medieval weapons and explore a deeply interesting period of history.

Had you heard any plans for a second season and where your character may have gone?
I think whatever was planned was probably subsumed into the [one season]. I think they knew from early on that there wasn't a possibility for it to continue, I think that's fair to say. So I think we got the whole story, unfortunately, in this 10 episode series.

You still have "Penny Dreadful," right?
No, I'm no longer involved in that, well, as a regular character. There's always the possibility I will come back as a guest lead. There is so much more to that story to explore as well. I suppose, for me, it's quite difficult to have been involved in two very interesting and exciting projects that have been cut short, but that's the nature of the business, and I am excited about what I'm doing next. However, that door is definitely still open.

So you won't miss the ritually scarred face makeup your character Sembene had to wear?
Yeah, that was a little tough. It was 40 minutes every morning even when you're not being used! But that trait certainly added so much to that character, and it was great to explore that side of Afrikaans and African design. It really placed the character in a world that is very different to what we usually see on TV.

How have you been keeping busy?
I was involved in a film about the end of dependence in the Congo, directed by Richie Smyth, called "Jadotville," although that may not still be the title. It stars Jamie Dornan and Mark Strong and was shot in South Africa. I believe it is in post-production now.

I assume that was neither muddy nor cold.
Quite the opposite! South Africa is a wonderful place to work — just being a part of a completely different work ethic that's very laid-back, although very professional, in incredible heat. But that worked perfectly for the film, the way they replicated the period and, being a period storyteller, that's something I really get a buzz from. It was just incredible. We had vintage cars and vintage planes, and the sets were just fantastic. You didn't have to go very far to imagine that space as it was all brilliantly conceived around you. I play a character called Moise Tshombe who was a factual character that was very extravagant; a French/African businessman turned dictator. My office was a work of art. It was a brilliant thing to be involved in. I can't wait to see what the reaction is.

What do you like most about working in past eras? The fact that you get to throw yourself into it and just play?
That's exactly it! I'm very much a theater actor, and most of my genesis in this career and business has been through the theater, so it just helps to really transport oneself into another place to get the best work out of me. I enjoy the research that goes into exploring other times.

Is there any specific role you would like to play?
I'm very excited to be exploring, in my own personal research, characters that lived in Britain, extraordinary people who lived before the 1950s of African descent. Well, from the 1700s onwards, up to present day. I believe there's a lack of those voices and stories, but they had fascinating lives. It's something I hope to generate in terms of what to do next. These are projects I'd like to develop, starting with the story of Roger Wedderburn, a political agitator of Jamaican and Scottish descent in the 1700s. He was an abolitionist, but also fought for working-class rights, and lived in London in 1760. He had a fascinating life, and certainly had a huge impact on British politics at the time.

Might we see you in something set in present day?
I'm always open to that possibility. I'm always excited by new, well-written work. It always comes down to the story in the end. It would have to speak to me and other people and, perhaps, I could bring a high level of research to the current stuff also and find something that's shockingly apt for these times.

For the most part, you predominantly work in the U.K. Would you be open to working in America?
I'm very keen to work in America and it's something I'm keen to create. That opportunity is a little more viable now than it was some time ago, but it's a little too early to say how great the possibility is. Still, it's something I'd certainly welcome.

So the doors are open and you're just a plane ride away?
Exactly! Absolutely! And, with pilot season, it's all open. There is a possibility!