Ambrose Spellman
Ambrose Spellman is a fictional character appearing in the Archie Comics series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, based on the Netflix series of the same name. Of British and African descent, he resides in Greendale's Spellman Mortuary with his cousin Sabrina Spellman and her aunts, Hilda and Zelda. Known for his magical prowess, and due to a binding spell, he had been trapped in Spellman Mortuary for 75 years until being released by Father Blackwood. Ambrose mentors Sabrina and guides her through the ways of being half-witch.
Ambrose uses his knowledge of the occult, especially in spellcasting and necromancy, to fight against supernatural threats. He is a very powerful warlock and a key member of the Spellman family. He is an old warlock who moved from university to university seeking comfort in a father figure after the witch hunters killed his father.
Chance Perdomo plays Ambrose in the television adaptations of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, to critical acclaim. Created for the show by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa after Perdomo auditioned for the role of Reggie on Riverdale, Ambrose proved one of the series' breakout characters, and earned Perdomo a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit in 2019.
Character background
Ambrose Spellman is an old warlock of British and African descent originally from England and a member of the Spellman family of witches, who appears as a young man in his twenties due to his magical longevity. He is confined to the Spellman Mortuary and sentenced to house arrest by the Witches' Council for 75 years due to a binding spell placed on him after his arrest for attempting to bomb the Vatican, in the late 19th century, an act inspired by his association with Aleister Crowley and revolutionary ideas. Despite being offered leniency in exchange for naming his accomplices, Ambrose refused. This confinement contributes to his depression and sense of isolation, which he copes with through sarcasm, humor, and family bonds.During this time, he becomes the family's resident occult expert and assists his aunts Hilda and Zelda in their funeral home, while also mentoring his cousin Sabrina Spellman in her magical pursuits.
Ambrose's backstory includes the loss of his father to witch hunters, leading him to seek father figures at various universities before his radical actions. At age seventeen, he published his first poetry collection. His confinement limits his physical mobility, but he uses astral projection to travel, a risky magical practice that allows his spirit to leave his body.
Portrayal
Ambrose is portrayed by actor Chance Perdomo, whose performance has been praised for its charisma and complexity. Initially auditioning for the role of Jughead Jones in Riverdale, Perdomo was later cast as Ambrose by showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who created the character specifically for the Netflix adaptation.Role in ''Chilling Adventures of Sabrina''
In Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Ambrose serves as a mentor and confidant to Sabrina, offering guidance on witchcraft and navigating her dual life as a half-witch. His extensive knowledge of occult practices, makes him a valuable ally in combating supernatural threats. Despite his confinement, Ambrose participates in the series' darker and humorous moments, often delivering witty commentary or engaging in hexes.Ambrose's storyline includes his romantic involvement with a warlock named Luke and his ongoing battle with feelings of isolation. His character is portrayed with a melancholic tone that contributes to his overall complexity. Over the course of the series, Ambrose gains more autonomy after being released from a binding spell by Father Blackwood.
Reception
Ambrose Spellman has been widely regarded as a standout character in the series. Critics have praised his wit, charm, and the inclusion of a pansexual character as a step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream television. His dynamic with other characters, particularly Prudence Night and Sabrina, has been lauded as one of the emotional cores of the series. Vulture describe him as a "mysterious brooding warlock" whose scenes leave a lingering atmospheric impact. Perdomo's performance has been lauded for elevating Ambrose beyond a supporting role, making him a standout in the ensemble cast.Perdomo's portrayal earned him recognition as a 2019 BAFTA Breakthrough Brit, and a Screen International Star of Tomorrow.