Orlando Bloom discusses role in new film Deep Cover, sharing what made the experience so rewarding as he takes on a comedic performance set in London, due out on Prime Video on June 12. Featuring a notable cast and crafted by director Tom Kingsley, the film follows Bloom, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Nick Mohammed as their characters attempt to infiltrate a dangerous gang through unusual means.
Orlando Bloom Embraces a Serious Comic Role
In Deep Cover, Orlando Bloom steps into the shoes of a struggling actor who cannot help but approach life and work with utmost seriousness. The film, set against a London backdrop, is described as an action comedy where Bloom is joined by Bryce Dallas Howard as an improv teacher and Nick Mohammed as a fellow student. The trio faces the challenge of going undercover to expose a criminal group, with the task pushing them far outside their comfort zones.
The ensemble cast also features industry veterans like Sean Bean, Paddy Considine, and Ian McShane, adding depth and variety to the narrative. Tom Kingsley, known for shows including Ghosts and Stath Lets Flats, directs the project.
Bloom Reflects on the Character and Process
For Orlando Bloom, approaching the role involved a focus on authenticity and a willingness to lampoon himself. Reflecting on the central theme of taking one’s ambitions seriously, Bloom admitted how familiar this mindset was to him.
“Taking yourself too seriously is something [that’s] so easy to do – [I’ve] probably done it myself in the past. I loved the idea of getting involved because all I had to do was play it deadly serious.”
—Orlando Bloom, Actor
Bloom drew inspiration from his own early career, imagining what it was like to be a young actor fresh from drama school and struggling to find work.
“[I] imagined myself coming out of drama school and being depressed at not getting to do anything for my career and dreaming of a [better] life,”
—Orlando Bloom, Actor
He went on to comment on how the role reinforced his gratitude for the opportunities he has had in the industry.
“It reminded me of how lucky we are to do what we do. But yeah, it is low hanging fruit. I felt the torture of an actor out of work [while] desperately wanting to be in work – but we all had that,”
—Orlando Bloom, Actor
With a career that spans blockbusters like Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean, Bloom relates to the ambition and challenges his character faces, while also making space for humor in portraying these struggles.
Director Tom Kingsley’s Perspective
The director, Tom Kingsley, highlighted Bloom’s dedication and his comedic approach to the part. He observed how Bloom fully immersed himself into the unconventional requirements of the film’s narrative.
“He really commits [to the job] and he is improvising out of control, which is quite scary to his friends.”
—Tom Kingsley, Director
Kingsley commended Bloom’s sharp insights into the comedic nature of the role and his commitment to playing the part honestly.
“Orlando was really smart about why the character was funny and how he could play it by basically committing completely to the role. He’s really up for making fun of himself,”
—Tom Kingsley, Director
Alongside familiar names like Bryce Dallas Howard and Nick Mohammed, the supporting cast brought an additional layer of comic and dramatic flair that helped set Deep Cover apart. Kingsley’s approach, honed by his previous work in comedy series, appears to fuel the unique blend of tension and humor that runs through the film.
What Audiences Can Expect from Deep Cover
Deep Cover, to be released on Prime Video on June 12, brings together both seasoned actors and rising stars for an offbeat action comedy that explores the anxieties and aspirations of actors pulled into a scheme bigger than themselves. The script encourages its cast to balance comedy and drama, with Bloom’s role in particular drawing from his personal experiences for authenticity.
The film stands as a reminder of how ambition and insecurity intersect in performance arts. As Bloom and Kingsley highlight the challenges and humor inherent in such a role, audiences can look forward to a story grounded in real emotions, showcasing the difficulties of those seeking success in the acting world while navigating dangerous and comedic situations.
With prominent figures like Ian McShane, Sean Bean, and Paddy Considine involved and a setting embedded in London’s vibrant scene, Deep Cover positions itself to be a notable addition to contemporary British cinema, providing both laughs and thoughtful commentary on the realities behind the stage and screen.
