Danish-born Mads Mikkelsen studied his craft at Arhus Theatre School near his hometown of Copenhagen before embarking on his professional career. He would appear in many Danish films throughout the '90s, such as Pusher and Bleeder and on the series Unit One before transitioning into American cinema, playing Tristan in 2004's King Arthur and villain La Chiffre in 2006's Casino Royale. Mikkelsen would soon follow this up with roles in Monsters vs. Aliens, Valhalla Rising, and 2010's Clash of the Titans, in which he played Draco.