Bill Nighy has returned to the world of contracted killers, starring as The Director in the new action series Ride or Die.
The actor leads a mysterious assassination agency opposite Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer. The series follows two best friends forced on the run after a mission goes wrong.
Nighy previously played a hitman in the 2010 film Wild Target. He described that role as the only other time he had used a gun on screen before Ride or Die.
The actor expressed a desire for a belated action career, noting he wants to do more physical, genre-driven work. He called the experience of shooting a pistol on set a pleasing development.
In Ride or Die, Nighy's character is softly spoken yet unmistakably the most dangerous person in any room. He described the script's direction as specific: quiet, collected, steely, and merciless.
The setting helped shape the performance. A vast office and imposing desk signaled authority, allowing him to rely on presence rather than elaborate preparation.
When asked about research for the role, Nighy was candid. He stated he did absolutely none, explaining that all necessary information was already in the script.
He also rejected the idea of being "in character," a concept he called outside his experience. The actor said he remains present at work rather than losing himself in a role.
Despite his range across decades of film and television, Nighy said he would welcome being typecast. He joked that repeating familiar genre roles would spare him from cosmic costumes and heavy prosthetics.
Years ago, Nighy quipped he could play James Bond's grandfather. He now sees Ride or Die as an entry into the romantic action comedy genre he enjoys.
The series is available to stream on the platform that released it.
