Photographer: Michael Shelford
We had the pleasure of interviewing Actor Nick Blood, best known for his role as Lance Hunter in Marvel Agents of Shield, the brooding British actor has an exciting 2022, next up he will star in Channel 4’s thriller CLOSE TO ME, based on the best-selling novel by author Amanda Reynolds, appearing alongside Connie Nielsen and Christopher Eccleston, this show is bound to be a hit.
Nick is currently filming the feature LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP opposite Georgina Campbell and will next start on season two of the HBO hit series EUPHORIA.
We couldn’t wait to find out more about what’s in store for Nick…
Hi Nick where abouts in the world are you?
I’m currently in sunny LA about to have a breakfast burrito.
Nice! You are about to star in the new channel 4 British drama ‘CLOSE TO ME’ can you tell us a bit about that?
Close to me is about a woman named Jo, played by Connie Neilson, who we find at the start of the series lying in a heap at the bottom of the stairs with a head injury. She has no idea how she got there and no memory of the past 12 months. As she starts to piece together the past year, Jo becomes suspicious that her family are hiding things from her so she takes the audience on a journey full of twists and turns to uncover the truth. I play the daughters new boyfriend who’s somewhat of a disruptive influence on the family unit. He’s the kind of character you love to hate and Jo’s husband, Rob (played by Christopher Eccleston) really hates him.
“Aside from acting Id say the most important things in my life are friends and family”
You are probably most well-known for your role in marvels agents of shield can you tell us how you get into the character of Lance Hunter?
It all starts with the writing. That’s where you find all the clues as to who your character is. I was lucky in that Hunter was a sarcastic Brit. It wasn’t a huge leap…
Were you a Marvel fan and did you know much about your character in the comics before you got the role?
This is probably sacrilege but the answer is no. I grew up in an era when Marvel wasn’t the universal cultural force it is today. The comics I grew up reading were very British like the Beano. But I feel lucky to have been a part of the MCU and to learn more about it. The fans of the show really help with that too and have given me an appreciation of everything Marvel represent and do.
“Find happiness and self worth outside of the industry. If you let it define you then you’re gonna go crazy whether you’re successful or not.”
How did it feel to be part of such a major production?
I felt very fortunate. I remember saying to Iain one day, when we might have been having a little moan about something or other, that if our ten year old selves could see us now theyd be so stoked. It quickly got us back to a place of appreciation for what we were doing. We were lucky enough to be surrounded by a crew and writing staff that were not only talented but also lovely people, so they made it such a positive environment to be in, which helps reduce the pressure that can come with being part of such a big show. I definitely felt a responsibility to the fans and was nervous that maybe they wouldn’t take to my character but they’ve been nothing but supportive. And regardless, once you’re on set in front of the camera all that hype falls away and it’s the same as any other acting job.
What’s next for Nick Blood? Have you got any new projects in the pipeline?
I’ve got a couple of movies coming out next year that I’m excited to see. And I’ve been working on a personal project, although I don’t want to say too much about that until we get it over the line.
When did you first start acting? And did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
I was 7 when I decided I wanted to be an actor. The moment I first stepped on stage at this local drama group and was laughed at (it was definitely ‘at’ and not ‘with’) I knew it’s all I wanted to do. Unfortunately I didn’t come from a background where anyone was an actor and had no clue how you went about making that leap from amateur to professional. So it took a little time till I found myself at drama school. I graduated a bit older than a lot of my classmates so always felt I was playing catch up
“I was lucky in that Hunter was a sarcastic Brit. It wasn’t a huge leap…”
What tips would you give actors starting out in the business?
Find happiness and self worth outside of the industry. If you let it define you then you’re gonna go crazy whether you’re successful or not. Also, make your own stuff. Most people have a HD camera on their smart phone so write something, shoot it, edit it, fail, try again, fail better. There’s no reason to wait around for permission to do it anymore. That way you can exercise at least some control over what you do.
Out of all the characters you have played, which role have you found the most challenging?
Probably playing Stu Sutcliffe in the play Backbeat. I was barely off stage for the whole show and the character arc was pretty demanding, plus I had to learn to play bass guitar. Not only that, doing the same show every night for 6 months requires some stamina. It was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time
And the easiest and most natural role you’ve slipped into?
I wouldn’t say any of the roles I’ve played are close to who I am as a person but I suppose Hunter, being a sarcastic Brit as I mentioned, wasn’t too far off. But honestly, if the writings good, even if the character is a stretch, then it makes accessing the role so much easier.
Aside from Acting What makes Nick Blood Tick?
That is a very good question… aside from acting Id say the most important things in my life are friends and family. I don’t know what I’d do without them. That and music. And watching Liverpool FC. Life would suck without any of the above.
Who are your inspirations?
If anything it’s more likely those close to me like my Mum for the strength she’s shown in the face of adversity, or friends who possess characteristics I lack or aspire to. Other than that, I love Jurgen Klopp’s relatability and humble wisdom. And anyone who’s getting off their arse and making something happen.
Can you name 3 actors you would love to work with?
It’s probably more about directors I’d love to work with as opposed to actors. So I’d say Cohen Brothers, Shane Meadows and Andrea Arnold
What is your favourite film ever?
True Romance. (You’re so cool… you’re so cool…)
What is your favourite outfit?
That’s a tough question. I’m gonna say this silk burgundy paisley 2 piece by Stussy. It’s a special occasion outfit though – it’s kinda flamboyant.
What do you find cool about America?
The variety. With 50 states it’s like you have 50 different countries to choose from each with its own culture and demographics. I’ve done a couple of road trips during my time here and it really gives you a sense of the scale of the country. There’s that oft quoted statistic that snooty Europeans love about how many Americans don’t own a passport but I totally understand why that might be and it’s nothing to do with ignorance – you have very climate and terrain you could ever want right here so you don’t need to go elsewhere. And of course, like anywhere, it’s the people that make a place what it is and I’m fortunate to have met some wonderful people in the States.
And finally tell us what’s cool about you?
I’m only ever cool if the AC is turned down to 62 degrees.