Bill Nighy Discusses New Film, Writing Ambitions, and Emojis

Actor Bill Nighy, known for his distinctive on-screen presence, is currently promoting his new film, '& Sons,' which features a science-fiction twist on a family drama. In the movie, Nighy portrays AN Dyer, a reclusive and eccentric novelist who is first seen in a state of repose, famously stating, "I don't do phonecalls." This contrasts with Nighy's own active communication habits, as he revealed in a recent interview that he spends a considerable amount of time on the phone and is an enthusiastic texter, having been proficient with mobile phones since the era of the Nokia. He expressed a particular fondness for certain emojis, including the flamingo, the purple dahlia, and the leaping shark, often combining them for expressive effect. Nighy also mentioned using the golfer emoji when congratulating someone, but he generally avoids using smiley faces, indicating a preference for more specific or nuanced digital expressions. His past aspirations included becoming a writer, a dream he pursued by running away to Paris with the intention of dedicating himself to literature. However, this ambition did not unfold as planned, leading to a period where he described himself as "begging." This experience highlights a period of dashed dreams and significant challenges in his early career, a stark contrast to his later success as an actor. Nighy also touched upon his admiration for performers who exhibit physical prowess, specifically mentioning a desire to perform a split, akin to Prince, suggesting an appreciation for dynamic and unexpected displays of talent. The film '& Sons' itself is described as having an eccentric twist that nudges the narrative into the realm of science fiction, though the specific nature of this twist is being kept under wraps to preserve the viewing experience. Nighy's character, AN Dyer, is depicted as being as reclusive as J.D. Salinger and as dishevelled as the fictional character Catweazle, emphasizing the character's detachment from conventional social interaction and his unique, perhaps eccentric, persona within the film's narrative. The interview also touched upon Nighy's aversion to working lunches, suggesting a preference for more structured or perhaps less intrusive meal arrangements during professional engagements. His reflections span his personal ambitions, his current professional endeavors, and his observations on modern communication methods, painting a picture of an actor who is both reflective about his past and engaged with the present.