Navigating the High-Stakes World of Finance: Ken Leung's Insights on "Industry"

Ken Leung, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in "The Sopranos" and "Lost," has taken on a new challenge in the HBO series "Industry." As one of the stars of the show, Leung offers a unique perspective on the high-energy, high-stress world of international finance that the series explores.

Uncovering the Complexities of the Finance Sector through Captivating Storytelling

Embracing the Unpredictable Nature of the Industry

Leung's character, Eric Tao, a London-based managing director, serves as a mentor to the younger staff at Pierpoint & Co., particularly the character of Harper, played by Myha'la Herrold. Leung describes the dynamic between Eric and Harper as one of mutual understanding, as they both navigate the challenges of being people of color and Americans in the London finance scene. However, as the series progresses, Leung reveals that "something changes radically" between the two, and by the beginning of season three, they are no longer seen together physically. This unpredictable and chaotic nature of the show, Leung says, is a hallmark of the series, particularly in the upcoming season.

Exploring the Personal Journeys of the Characters

Leung's insights into season three of "Industry" suggest that the upcoming episodes will delve deeper into the personal lives of the characters, particularly Eric's. The actor explains that the season starts with Eric making partner, a significant milestone in his career. However, this achievement comes at a cost, as Leung reveals that Eric's wife has left him, and he has developed a drinking problem, forcing him to grapple with the challenges of aging in a young man's game. Leung hopes that the audience will gain a sense of the sacrifices and struggles that Eric, as an Asian American man, has had to endure to reach this point in his career.

Navigating the Unfamiliar Terrain of the Finance World

Leung admits that he joined "Industry" with little to no experience in the finance world, a sentiment he believes is shared by most of the cast. However, this lack of expertise did not hinder his performance, as Leung explains that as an actor, the focus is on understanding the stakes and motivations of the character in each scene, rather than being an expert in the intricacies of the finance industry. The collaborative nature of the cast, where they support each other in navigating this unfamiliar territory, has also been instrumental in Leung's portrayal of Eric Tao.

The Universal Appeal of Power Dynamics

Leung believes that the show's appeal extends beyond the finance world, as it taps into the universal human desire for power and the various paths individuals take to attain it. He notes that the current sociopolitical climate, with so much at stake, makes the exploration of power dynamics particularly compelling. Leung sees the show itself as an exercise in power, as it competes for the audience's attention in an era of streaming dominance, where relevance and impact are crucial.

Embracing the Challenges of the Streaming Era

Leung acknowledges the unique challenges of creating drama television in the streaming era, where the race for audience attention is fierce. He suggests that the show's creators are driven by a desire to be part of the ongoing societal conversation, to leave a mark on the zeitgeist. Leung believes that this sense of urgency and the need to be relevant is not unique to the current era, but the combination of factors that define this time makes the task particularly daunting.