Industry Season 4: A Season of Shocks and Uncertain Futures

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. The latest season of HBO’s Industry has delivered a gut-wrenching turn of events, leaving fans reeling and the cast themselves as surprised as the audience. Longtime co-stars Ken Leung and Myha’la Rankin recently discussed the pivotal moments of Season 4, admitting that showrunners Mickey Down and Konrad Kay intentionally keep scripts under wraps, ensuring genuine reactions from the actors.

The Fall of SternTao and Eric Tao’s Exit

As SternTao closed in on exposing the flaws of the banking app Tender, a devastating blow struck. Eric Tao (Ken Leung) found himself blackmailed, effectively forced out of the finance world. Myha’la, who plays Harper Stern, expressed her shock: “When I read episode six, I was like ‘damn, they killed my bro.’” She added, “We worked so hard to build this thing and now you’re just going to leave me.”

This apparent departure marks not only the end of SternTao but also a significant turning point in the four-year creative partnership between Leung and Rankin. The actors shared their insights with The Hollywood Reporter shortly before the episode aired.

Behind the Scenes: The Cost of Ambition

The lavish lifestyle of SternTao is a key element of the show’s allure. Ken Leung revealed that Eric Tao claims their hotel suite “office” costs $100,000 a month, though he suspects it’s closer to $15,000-$20,000. Myha’la questioned the logic, asking why such a substantial amount wasn’t being invested in the fund itself.

Both actors reflected on what aspects of their characters’ careers they would desire for themselves. Leung valued the effective partnership between Eric and Harper, while Myha’la simply craved the financial freedom without the accompanying complexities.

A Partnership Forged in Shock and Trust

The actors recall a strong connection from the beginning. Their first scene together, Harper’s interview, was marked by a sense of trust and recognition. Myha’la remembers thinking, “Ken is the grown-up. Pay attention to him. He knows some shit I don’t know.” This dynamic continued throughout the series, with Myha’la playfully describing herself as the “fun aunt” who brings the vibes to set.

She recounted a spontaneous dance party she initiated on the Pierpoint balcony, even on a day she wasn’t scheduled to film, demonstrating her infectious energy.

Navigating the World of Finance

Leung emphasized the importance of reminding new cast members that their presence on the show wasn’t accidental. He acknowledged the unfamiliarity many actors had with the world of finance, creating a sense of uncertainty and questioning their belonging. Sagar Radia, however, was an exception, possessing prior knowledge of the industry. Toheeb Jimoh recently discussed his pivotal moment on the show and the challenges facing Whitney.

The Inevitable Downfall and HBO’s Influence

Myha’la expressed sadness over Eric’s situation, particularly his inability to share the truth with Harper. However, she ultimately acknowledged the show’s penchant for dramatic twists: “This is Industry and HBO, it’s got to end this way.” She revealed that showrunners often attempt to introduce moments of levity, only to be reminded by HBO that such moments don’t align with the show’s core identity.

A Glimmer of Hope for Eric?

Despite the bleak circumstances, the possibility of Eric finding peace outside of finance remains open. Leung believes that any interpretation of the ending is valid, noting Eric’s defiant walk down a busy street as a symbol of his determination. Sagar Radia discussed Rishi’s leap of faith and potential for redemption.

A Powerful Scene and Lasting Impact

Both actors highlighted the scene where Harper reveals her mother’s passing as a particularly impactful moment. Myha’la worked closely with the showrunners to explore Harper’s vulnerability, a rare occurrence for the character. She felt a sense of safety with Leung, allowing her to delve deeper into the emotional complexities of the scene. Leung echoed her sentiments, noting how the scene brought them closer to their own dynamic as actors.

Political Leanings and a Budgetary Sacrifice

The conversation playfully touched upon the actors’ political views, with Leung admitting to having a Trump figurine on his Bloomberg monitors during the first season. He revealed that HBO spent a significant amount of money digitally removing it from every frame.

Industry releases new episodes on Sundays on HBO Max. Sign up for THR news delivered straight to your inbox.