Riz Ahmed, the acclaimed actor and creator, recently clarified that his upcoming series, Bait, is not intended to be a James Bond production. During a panel discussion at the Sundance Film Festival, Ahmed shared insights about the show’s themes and its creative journey, including a notable conversation with Barbara Broccoli, the long-time producer of the Bond franchise.
The series follows the life of Shah Latif, a struggling actor who auditions for a pivotal role. Over the course of four chaotic days, Latif’s life takes unexpected turns, challenging his perception of success and identity. Ahmed emphasized the show’s exploration of the disparity between public perception and private reality, stating, “On the outside, it’s like, ‘Wow, you’re killing it man. You’re doing great!’ And the waiter comes up, it’s time to tip. ‘Oh, they think I’m really successful right now, I gotta send a big tip.’ You’re broke.”
Exploring Aspirational Themes
The creator highlighted how this juxtaposition of appearances shapes the narrative of Bait. Ahmed noted that it was inspired by his own experiences and discussions with co-showrunner Ben Karlin. “We were talking about our lives, our experiences, funny anecdotes,” he explained. “The Bond thing came up, and I was like, ‘Actually, that’s the perfect aspirational symbol that can help drive the story of someone who aspires to be someone else.’”
Despite the Bond connection, Ahmed clarified that the essence of Bait diverges significantly from the iconic spy franchise. He expressed gratitude for Broccoli’s understanding and support, stating, “She really loved the script.” Ahmed’s remarks underscore the creative freedom he has in portraying a more personal and nuanced narrative.
Distribution and Audience Engagement
The panel discussion, which included insights from fellow actor Guz Khan, has generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. As the premiere approaches, audiences can look forward to experiencing Ahmed’s unique storytelling that blends humor with poignant reflections on the nature of success.
For those eager to learn more, the full conversation from the Deadline Studio at Sundance, presented by Casamigos, is available for viewing online.
