Max Minghella, an accomplished actor known for his roles in award-winning projects, describes his current role in the HBO series “Industry” as the most fulfilling experience of his career. Portraying the enigmatic businessman Whitney Halberstram, Minghella has delivered an array of captivating performances throughout the season. However, his standout moment occurred in the sixth episode, “Dear Henry,” where he sings Whitney Houston’s iconic hit “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” during a pivotal phone call with Harper, played by Myha’la. Minghella expressed his excitement over this creative choice, noting it brought a fascinating blend of humor and depth to his character.
Introducing significant changes, Season 4 of “Industry” marks a new chapter for the series, which saw several original cast members exit and introduced new dynamics with the emergence of a neo-bank named Tender. Whitney, as a co-founder, has been portrayed as cunning and ambitious, even going so far as to oust his best friend Jonah, played by Kal Penn, in favor of leveraging Henry Muck’s political connections. However, the intrigue surrounding Tender and Whitney’s intentions with Henry continues to unfold.
In the latest episode, Harper publicly exposes Tender’s sordid activities, prompting Whitney to engage in damage control. As mounting pressures threaten his carefully constructed empire, Whitney attempts to maintain order among his associates, revealing himself to be increasingly ruthless. The episode concludes with a letter Whitney writes to Henry, expressing their shared complicity in Tender’s misdeeds while hinting at a deeper connection between the two.
Minghella discussed the complex, ambiguous relationship between Whitney and Henry. Initially rooted in genuine affection, the nature of their bond has evolved into something more mysterious as the season has progressed. The character’s moral ambiguity reflects a larger thematic exploration of ambition and manipulation. Minghella emphasized how the show intentionally left viewers questioning the authenticity of Whitney’s feelings, creating a tension that enriches the narrative.
Reflecting on his transition from the dystopian world of “The Handmaid’s Tale” to the corporate climactic sphere of “Industry,” Minghella noted that the stylistic differences between the two projects created an opportunity for fresh artistic exploration. He found specific nuances in playing Whitney as a character bearing complex contradictions and moral failings, highlighting how the British-American cultural dynamic added layers to his performance.
In discussing the motivations behind Whitney’s actions, Minghella pondered whether Whitney genuinely saw potential in Henry or merely viewed him as a strategic asset. The interplay between these motivations contributes to the show’s exploration of privilege and ambition. Furthermore, Minghella praised his co-star Kit Harington for providing a supportive environment that fostered their character dynamics.
With the series focusing on critical character revelations and intertwining narratives, the final episodes promise to delve deeper into the fates of Whitney, Henry, and their associates within the morally tangled world of “Industry.” As viewers await these developments, the captivating performances and storylines continue to keep audiences engaged in this gritty portrayal of ambition, power, and consequence.