Mr. Bridges, work on the first season of your series “The Old Man” (on Disney+) had to be stopped first because of the coronavirus pandemic, then again because you developed lymph node cancer and almost died from the disease Covid. For a long time it would have been unimaginable that there would even be a second season.
At first it was actually out of the question. In fact, for a while I was so sick that I didn’t know if I would ever be able to work again. But when I finally started feeling better again, I was extremely happy that we were allowed to film new episodes. Because I enjoyed working with this team more than on many other projects.
No, this is actually new to me and is one of the reasons why this series attracted me in the first place. Because I had never done anything like this before. When you make a film, it’s a self-contained story where you know the ending from the beginning. That wasn’t the case here. I found it an exciting experience as an actor.
He’s a former CIA agent, so he’s a spy. I found it exciting because it basically makes him an actor just like me. The best actors in the world are probably all ultimately spies. Or vice versa. Regardless, we all take on different roles to survive. Everyone can probably relate to the series and its characters in some way. Don’t we all have our secrets and don’t like letting anyone see our cards?
The phrase is pronounced in the first new episode of the series: There is nothing more dangerous than a good story. Would you sign it?
Oh yes! I recently read a book that I really liked: “The world is made of stories”. Our world is not made of atoms, but of stories about what connects these individual atoms. Stories can be anything from magical to destructive. And in times of artificial intelligence and fake news, unfortunately, they are easy to manipulate. This is getting wilder and wilder. Artificial intelligence in combination with quantum computing, we have already reached this point. Everything is developing so fast that we no longer know where it will end.
Clear! This whole topic awakens a wide variety of emotions and questions in me. Above all: how will we, as humanity, deal with the developments currently taking place? As a species, we have all kinds of qualities that could ensure our survival. But also many who have what it takes to destroy us. It remains to be seen which ones will prevail in the end. But this is a problem that will be faced above all by the younger generations, who will then be able to make films on the topic in about twenty years. Assuming there are still any films left by then. Maybe at some point you simply take a pill or press a button on your forehead and then it all plays out in your mind. Who knows? I just finished filming a new Tron sequel starring Jared Leto. Of course, an exciting future scenario is also emerging.
Everything about this movie surprised me. We shot it in black and white and the sets consisted of nothing but black Duvetine fabric and white ribbon. So I really didn’t have the slightest expectation of anything. But I was also amazed that there was even a third part. Which, by the way, is entirely thanks to Jared Leto. He probably loved the first movie as a kid and has been obsessed with it ever since. He tried for ten years to get “Tron: Ares” off the ground.
I ask myself this question again and again. But you know how it is with things that have been set in motion: it’s difficult to stop them. After a lifetime in front of the camera, how could I suddenly stop? But you must know that in all these years of work the main motto has always been resistance. My strategy has always been to say no first, in general in life. I get carried away too easily by other people’s dreams, so I always have to resist first if I want to have any chance of spending time with my family or pursuing my hobbies. Even with “The Old Man” I refused for a long time to meet the creators of the series because I actually wanted to be left alone. But if you are persistent and have a big plan, you will eventually have me. And then I immediately let myself be infected by enthusiasm.
Haha, maybe, though certainly not the first. Anyone who wants to describe me like this is certainly right: without my father I probably would never have entered the world of cinema. There are many parents who don’t want their children to enter show business. But my parents were the opposite, they loved this industry and wanted us to be a part of it. So: yes, my career is the result of nepotism. But that’s not that unusual, is it? If my father had been a shoemaker and often took me to work with him, infecting me with his enthusiasm, then I would certainly have become a shoemaker too. And apart from that: you still have to be talented and work hard. Nepotism gives you a head start, there’s no doubt about it. But then you also have to deliver.
What themes in “The Old Man” reflect the challenges faced during the pandemic and personal health struggles?
Time.news Interview: Mr. Bridges on “The Old Man” and the Future of Storytelling
Editor: Welcome, Mr. Bridges. It’s an honor to have you here today. Your journey with “The Old Man” has been quite challenging, to say the least. Could you share with our readers how the pandemic and your personal health struggles influenced your perspective on the series?
Mr. Bridges: Thank you for having me. It’s been a remarkable journey, to say the least. Initially, the pandemic halted everything, and then, as I battled lymph node cancer, it felt surreal that the series would even continue. For a long time, I wasn’t sure I would ever work again. But once I started feeling better, the excitement of returning to set was immense. I genuinely enjoy working with this team; it felt like a fresh beginning.
Editor: It’s inspiring to hear about your resilience. What drew you to “The Old Man” in the first place, especially since it’s a different format compared to traditional filmmaking?
Mr. Bridges: That’s one of the key reasons I was attracted to this project. It’s an episodic series, which allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and story arc, unlike a self-contained film. The thrill of not knowing where the story would lead really excited me as an actor.
Editor: Fascinating! You portray a former CIA agent, a character who wears many masks. How do you see the connection between acting and the themes of secrecy and identity in your character’s life?
Mr. Bridges: It’s intriguing, isn’t it? Playing a spy really hit home for me. Actors, in a way, are like spies too—we take on different roles and present different facets of ourselves. I think everyone can relate to the idea of keeping some secrets and not showing all our cards. The series dives deep into that aspect of human nature.
Editor: Speaking of narratives, one of the striking phrases in the new season is, “There is nothing more dangerous than a good story.” Do you agree with that sentiment?
Mr. Bridges: Absolutely! Stories have immense power. I recently came across a thought-provoking book that argued, “The world is made of stories,” not merely atoms. In today’s world, especially with the rise of AI and misinformation, stories can be easily manipulated. It challenges our understanding of truth and reality. The developments we are witnessing are so rapid; it’s both thrilling and terrifying.
Editor: You mentioned the implications for future generations. As an actor and storyteller, what are your thoughts on how they might navigate these complexities?
Mr. Bridges: Every generation faces its trials, but I believe the coming generations will have to confront these challenges head-on. I often wonder how they’ll create art, considering the rapid advancements in technology. Will we even have traditional storytelling, or will it transform into something entirely different? Maybe one day, people will just press a button and the story unfolds in their mind. The future seems unpredictable, but incredibly exciting.
Editor: You touched on your experience filming the “Tron” sequel, which also seems to explore these futuristic themes. What can you tell us about that creative journey?
Mr. Bridges: Filming “Tron: Ares” was a unique experience! We shot it in black and white, which was a departure from my usual expectations. The environment was minimalist, consisting of just black Duvetine fabric and white ribbon. I was genuinely surprised that a third installment was being made. That’s largely thanks to Jared Leto’s passion for the franchise—he’s been trying to make this happen for years. His dedication brought a fresh energy to the project.
Editor: It’s such an interesting time for storytelling, both in film and in broader narratives. Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Bridges. Your journey and perspectives are truly inspiring.
Mr. Bridges: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these themes with you. Storytelling will always evolve, and I look forward to what’s next.