Richard Gadd discusses new HBO series 'Half Man' and career on Variety podcast

9 articles · Updated · Variety · Apr 24

Gadd, who won two Emmys for Netflix’s 'Baby Reindeer' in 2024, reveals 'Half Man' premieres Friday and explores two non-blood-related brothers in 1980s UK.
He describes undergoing a physical transformation for his role as Ruben and reflects on the series’ themes of male repression and violence, set against a backdrop of 1980s societal prejudice.
Gadd shares insights on his creative process, the title change from 'Lions,' and his personal journey since 'Baby Reindeer,' while the podcast also covers current Emmy race trends and industry news.

How did Richard Gadd's 40kg physical transformation shape his performance as the violent character Ruben?

Is Richard Gadd's 'Half Man' a masterpiece of trauma art or a 'trauma porn' misfire?

Can a critically divisive series like 'Half Man' capitalize on the record-low Emmy submissions?

How does 'Half Man' challenge modern understandings of masculinity by revisiting the 1980s?

Why did Gadd create an open ending, leaving the ultimate fate of the brothers ambiguous?