Hugh Bonneville Applauds Guy Ritchie's Remarkable Directing Abilities
Renowned actor Hugh Bonneville has openly praised filmmaker Guy Ritchie, describing him as an exceptional multi-tasker in the directing world. During a recent appearance on ITV's popular The Jonathan Ross Show, Bonneville shared insights from his experiences working with Ritchie, highlighting the director's unique capability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while filming.
Playful Evasion on The Gentlemen Role
When questioned about potentially joining the cast of Ritchie's Netflix crime drama The Gentlemen, which features Theo James in a leading role, Bonneville remained coy. He humorously stated that he "can't possibly talk" about any involvement, leaving fans to speculate about his possible appearance in the series. This playful dodging has sparked curiosity among viewers eager to see if the Downton Abbey star will transition into Ritchie's gritty crime universe.
Vivid Description of Ritchie's On-Set Multi-Tasking
Bonneville provided a vivid example of Ritchie's multi-tasking prowess, recounting a scene where the director was actively carving ham for his dog while cameras rolled and Theo James performed. "He's the only director I've worked with who is literally like, the cameras are running, and Theo was in the shot and he was carving a bit of ham to give to his dog at the same time," Bonneville explained, illustrating Ritchie's unparalleled ability to juggle directorial duties with personal tasks seamlessly.
Reflections on Downton Abbey's Unexpected Success
The conversation also turned to Bonneville's iconic role in Downton Abbey, where he reflected on the series' surprising longevity. Initially commissioned for just seven episodes, the period drama defied expectations by spanning 52 episodes and three films over 15 years. "Period dramas were dead, we were told. You never know how it's going to turn out," Bonneville remarked, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of television success and the show's enduring appeal to audiences worldwide.
Future Projects and Personal Limitations
Addressing his future in film, Bonneville humorously noted that he is unlikely to return for another Paddington movie, citing age as a limiting factor. "I think I should put this in context, I'm just too blooming old. I can't do the splits anymore like I did in the second film," he told Ross, though he left a slight possibility open by adding, "Never say never. If Mr Brown comes back in a bath chair, I could be available."
Riz Ahmed on Tom Cruise and Shakespeare Adaptation
Also featured on the show was actor Riz Ahmed, who shared his experiences working with Tom Cruise on the new film Digger. Ahmed described Cruise as a "force of nature" and "really incredible," likening him to an athlete and joking about not wanting to be chased by him due to his impressive speed.
Ahmed further discussed his contemporary adaptation of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, set in a British Asian business family in London. He explained how Shakespeare's works, once perceived as elitist, can resonate broadly. "These stories are the heart of our culture, they belong to all of us," Ahmed stated, emphasizing his goal to make classic tales accessible and relevant to modern audiences through innovative storytelling approaches.
Show Highlights and Broadcast Details
The episode also included appearances by England rugby union player Ellie Kildunne and comedian Harriet Kemsley, with a studio performance by singer Jason Derulo. The Jonathan Ross Show continues to air on Saturdays at 9:30 PM on ITV1 and ITVX, offering a mix of celebrity interviews and entertainment for viewers across the UK.
