[This story contains some spoilers for the Jack Ryan series finale. ]
Michael Kelly almost in a year of TV and movies Over the course of his career, he has portrayed a range of characters, from cops to political manipulators and Italian gangsters, to villains and allies of superheroes. But when asked which one was his favorite, Kelly admitted without hesitation that there are few jobs in Hollywood more than playing Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Independent/former CIA field agent Mike November made him even more delighted. Series , of which concluded its four-season run on Friday.
For the first time in the Prime Video series, viewers Meet character two of this season’s November. November was a stodgy, conformist CIA operative who ran the agency’s Venezuelan office. But corruption and chaos broke out, and one of November’s agents, Jack Ryan (played by John Krasinski ) shows his boss that it may sometimes be necessary to break Washington, D.C.’s directives in order to save the life of a fellow agent who is being held in the country against his will. Ryan was reluctant to leave a fellow agent behind, and November soon saw the light of day. Any dreams of a stable career trajectory within the CIA were dashed in November when he needed to choose between his personal career aspirations and doing the right thing, as well as finding fellow secret agents whom he eventually considered a part of himself. One family in the world of espionage.
The Hollywood Reporter
recently chatted with Kelly via Zoom (in July Actors Strike ) tells the story of November and his time in the outgoing series, from his debut to the last few episodes released this week — and why the pair
In Season 3, Mike November was a bit unhappy with the CIA (Jack Ryan and Eleven struggle to prevent a failed coup attempt in Russia and possible clashes between U.S. and Russian nuclear-armed warships). However, Jack Ryan and the agency ended up making it through November. The same applies to November’s heroism in season four. What made him continue to help Ryan after leaving the agency?
This goes back to what happened in season two, right? When we were persona non grata in Caracas (Venezuela), I was married twice and then divorced, my wife and I left CIA Innings, but still with Jack, because I feel like it’s the right thing to do. I’ve always sided with Jack because I know that if he has a hunch, it’s usually right.
It’s funny when you think about it, because this is a guy who has dedicated his life to it. He made it in the shade of the CIA. He has an easy job, an easy position. But I believe he is driven by a deeper moral compass and knows that Jack is right in this situation. He said, “Well, I’m going to throw it all away; throw it all away. I’m going to do the right thing.”
I think he too Kind of missed the action. And he can only go out by himself and start from nothing. Of course he has all the connections, of course he has all these things, and he put himself in a very good position in Greece to tell them to go in November. But their response was, no. However, sometimes you just can’t play by the rules.
What brings November back this season? We learned in season four that a drug and human-trafficking faction in the Asian nation of Burma is trying to work with a Mexican cartel in an attempt to enforce some form of integration on American soil through acts of terrorism. But at the start of the season, November seemed to be returning to his quiet underground life. Is this about brotherhood?
Jake and
The Mike November character also seems to give the story The plot brings a little comedy element. How did you become the humor agent for Jack Ryan’s straight man?
For that I have to thank John (Krasinski) and obviously the writers. But I am very grateful to John, he is one of the kindest and most genuine people you can work with. As the roles change, I think the writers took note of the personal relationship John and I have and the humor we share. I often say that I am lucky to have a job that makes me laugh until I cry every day. And, it’s true! Most of the time, if we are on set together, we cry because we laugh so hard! A lot of times, on set, John would say, “Say this” and “Say that,” and I’d be like, “Oh my god, I can’t put a straight face on it!” Mike said everything with a deadpan face, but said Words are so much fun, man! John has an excellent sense of humor, second only to his wife [Emily Blunt].
According to your rating, the TV version of Jack Ryan is different from the other version of this story in the film?
I think there are two things. One, John Krasinski! I think I’ve said it in a lot of interviews, and I really believe it in my heart, I believe he’s the best Jack Ryan we’ve ever seen. I think he’s capable of sharing three things: the humanity in the character, the palpable sense of humor in the character, and his ability to act like any of the best. And he did it, doing a lot of his own stunts.
And then you combine that with the fact that Jack Ryan’s story is being told in long form for the first time. So, you put those two things together, and I just think he makes the best, funniest Jack Ryan because you get to spend more time with him. Someone will be mad at me for saying that! (laughs) But that’s my point man, I stick to it!
Amazon Studios
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Let’s talk about some of the intense fight scenes your character faced in previous seasons and this season.
Even though we were filming it, the stakes were so high. I remember the massive shootout in the palace in season 2 (filmed in South America) and we used full loads in this marble covered palace! We’d go to these places and I’d never say it was like being in a firefight because I don’t know what that’s like. But, the noise! You’d say, I better let this go on! It’s really overwhelming and it’s scary and you’re like “well, I got your six” because you’re there for your brother. The shit is crazy and people are running. You know you can’t aim there, and you can’t aim there. You know your life is not in danger, but you feel your adrenaline pumping. That’s the exciting thing, especially for a 30age.
In the fourth episode of this season, the stone castle where the enemies are gathering in order to start converging seems to be a nod to the classic James Bond movie, Fleeing from Evil The mastermind’s lair. Can you talk about filming that episode?
I forgot the name of the fort, but where we actually went, there was like a woman in a glass box, and everything was for sale, right ? Of course, there is no such thing in real life, but it was filmed in Budapest. It was shot in a real old fort, and that’s how they set it up. I’m pretty sure that’s where we are, but it could also be Croatia. Anyway, it was crazy to be there filming, seeing all this stuff, and driving around… I forgot which crazy car I was driving. Every day you say “Wait, what am I going to “? ’ It’s certainly one of those things, but you’ll feel sorry for the girl in the cage. [This episode also shows the horrors of international sex trafficking.]
But filming this This show is fun. The nights are long and you get there at sunset and leave at sunrise, but it’s cool. Just one of those reminders, Jack Ryan No expense was spared in the set design and hiring the most talented people to create these worlds in this empty fortress. It’s truly impressive; drug it! It’s just the tiniest detail that this crew put together,
Do you have a favorite episode, season or location?
I’d say Croatia is spectacular. That’s beautiful. Mike’s location in Santorini.
Most of the season Did you do all the stunts yourself?
The three of us [and Kransinski and Pierce] did them to make We do everything. But I am in my Now, my wife is a personal trainer/yoga instructor, so I do keep fit. But, you feel it!
I’m on the show Got shot a few times in . Just this season — Minor spoiler for episode 5 — I got shot on a rock. When I got shot, I got shot every time Going back by these rocks every time. First, you have to go deep into the water to get there. John and I just stayed there and had our typical laughs and cries between takes.
But after about the third or fourth bang on those rocks, you feel it. The next day, you look in the mirror, sideways and say to yourself, “Yeah, that’s a bruise, Yes, that’s a cut. ’ But in my opinion, it’s better to do it yourself than to see someone else do it and say to yourself “I won’t do it”.
We Will we see Mike November in a future spin-off of the Jack Ryan saga?
I don’t know. This is Tom Clancy, I think anything can happen. They know that if they continue his character in any form, I’m all for it, because honestly, I had the best time of my life. From start to finish , it’s all one of the greatest jobs. I’ll be forever grateful for it. It’s just one of those gigs. I really appreciate it – it’s the coolest name ever!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity at SAG -Prior to the AFTRA strike .
Jack Ryan The fourth and final season is now live on Prime Video.
