Riz Ahmed recently clarified that his upcoming series, ‘Bait’, is not a James Bond-inspired show, despite its aspirational themes. The creator and actor revealed that while the series explores the life of a struggling actor, it was through a conversation with Barbara Broccoli, the longtime producer of the Bond franchise, that he received her endorsement for the project.
In a panel discussion at Deadline Studio during the Sundance Film Festival, Ahmed described the concept behind ‘Bait,’ which follows the character Shah Latif as he auditions for a pivotal role. The narrative unfolds over four intense days, showcasing how Latif’s life spirals unexpectedly amid the pressures of public perception and personal reality.
Ahmed expressed that the show’s central theme revolves around the stark contrast between how individuals are perceived by others and their true circumstances. “I started making notes in my little notepad 10 years ago now, about that crazy distance between our public and our private selves,” he stated. He illustrated this with an example of social expectations, saying, “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.”
The insights shared by Ahmed reflect a deeper narrative that resonates with many in the entertainment industry, particularly those grappling with the pressures of success. He emphasized that the conversation with his co-showrunner, Ben Karlin, helped shape the story. They drew from personal experiences and anecdotes, leading to the realization that Bond serves as a potent symbol for aspiration but is not the foundation of the series.
Despite any initial connections to the iconic character, Ahmed made it clear that the focus of ‘Bait’ is on personal struggle rather than espionage or action. “It was a conversation with Barbara Broccoli, who understood that and understood the show’s not really about that,” he explained. Broccoli’s support indicates a recognition of the unique narrative Ahmed and his team are crafting, one that diverges from the traditional elements often associated with the Bond franchise.
The production of ‘Bait’ is backed by Amazon and MGM Studios, with audiences eagerly anticipating a release date yet to be announced. As the series continues to develop, Ahmed’s vision appears poised to draw in viewers with its authentic exploration of ambition and reality, all set against the backdrop of the entertainment industry’s highs and lows.
For those interested in more insights, the full conversation from the panel is available through Deadline’s coverage of the event.
