Andy Serkis

Episode notes

(Photo: ISABEL INFANTES/AFP via Getty Images)

To say that Andy Serkis is good at so many different things is an understatement.

First, there’s his work in motion capture. Serkis’ 2001 portrayal of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings revolutionized the practice. And he’s continued to use mo-cap in dozens of other projects, including King Kong, Planet of the Apes, and Star Wars. 

Then, take off the mo-cap suit, and what do you get? Well, you get Andy Serkis, the genius real-life actor! He’s performed in blockbuster films like Black Panther and critically acclaimed TV shows like Andor. He was even nominated for a BAFTA award for his portrayal of rocker Ian Drury in the biopic Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll.

And finally, he’s skilled behind the camera as well. Serkis was a second unit for the entire Hobbit trilogy. He also just directed his fourth feature film. It’s an animated adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which is playing in theaters now.

Andy Serkis joined us to talk about the new film and his decision to make it in an animated format. He also shares his thoughts on the impact AI has had on technology film, and much more.