Ken Leung has built a remarkable career after making his debut in the 1998 film “Rush Hour.” The New York-born actor is known for his roles in acclaimed series such as “The Sopranos” and “Lost.” Since 2020, he has been featured in HBO’s “Industry,” which showcases the intense and demanding realm of international finance.
As the third season of “Industry” is now available for streaming on HBO, Leung spoke with Jared Bowen on The Culture Show about his experiences in the fictional business environment, producing drama television amid global drama, and navigating the competitive landscape of streaming to capture audience attention.
Leung describes his character, managing director Eric Tao, who is originally from America but is based in London, as a “mentor” figure for the younger employees at Pierpoint & Co, especially for Harper, portrayed by Myha’la Herrold. He notes the connection between Eric and Harper, saying, “We kind of gravitate towards each other from the get-go. We’re both people of color. We’re both Americans in London, and so we follow that journey.”
He elaborates on the dynamic between Eric and Harper, stating that by the end of season two, significant changes have occurred. “At the beginning of [season] three, we no longer see them together, physically at least,” he remarks, adding that this season is particularly “explosive, chaotic, unpredictable.”
Leung provides a spoiler-free preview of season three, highlighting Eric’s personal growth, noting, “The season starts with him making partner, finally.” However, this achievement comes at a cost. “His wife has left him, he’s developed a drinking problem, so he’s coping with aging in a young man’s game.” He emphasizes the complexities of Eric’s journey as an Asian American man, suggesting that viewers will gain insights into his struggles.
Admitting that he initially had little exposure to the finance sector, Leung explains, “For most of us, this world [of finance] is completely foreign.” However, he believes this lack of expertise doesn’t hinder his performance. “As an actor, you don’t need to know finance… What you need to know is your stakes in the scene.” He appreciates the sense of collaboration among the cast, who share the understanding that they are all navigating unfamiliar territory.
Leung also points out that the show’s themes reach beyond the confines of finance. “Power is just a human thing,” he states, emphasizing the show’s broader relevance. “There’s so much at stake right now. And to see different people take different paths to power makes power interesting despite being an age-old human impulse.”
He further suggests that the series serves as an exploration of power dynamics in today’s society. “You can watch any number of shows,” Leung notes, highlighting the competition for audience engagement. “There’s this race to get attention, be relevant… We want to say ‘we were here for that, because we did this.’”
For the complete interview, tune in above, and catch The Culture Show every weekday at 2 p.m. on GBH.