Idris Elba has long been the subject of James Bond rumors, but with his Apple TV+ series “Hijack,” the endearing British actor has elevated the action-thriller genre to new heights.
Only twice in Apple TV+ history—after “Ted Lasso”—has “Hijack,” starring and executive produced by Elba, been included among Nielsen’s top 10 streaming shows.
With anticipation building for an even more thrilling Season 2, are you confident enough to rule the audition room? We’ll look at what the main CD of the program looks for as well as suggestions from the best performers in this guide.
What does “Hijack” entail?
Corporate business negotiator Sam Nelson is returning home to his separated wife Marsha when his seven-hour Kingdom Airlines flight from Dubai to London, KA29, is hijacked. It’s every frequent flyer’s worst nightmare.
Sam has to cooperate with the crew and other passengers on the plane to defeat the hijackers and persuade them to land the aircraft safely. He will use the skills he’s acquired during his time working in mergers and acquisitions.
Seven episodes of “Hijack” are set in real time, with each episode focusing on each hour of their flight. It’s plenty to keep you on the edge of your (window) seat with all the twists and turns.
Writer George Kay (of “Lupin,” “Criminal: UK”) and director Jim Field Smith (of “Criminal: UK,” “She’s Out of My League”) devised “Hijack.”
Who plays the characters in “Hijack”?
“Hijack”‘s first season included:
- Sam Nelson, played by Idris Elba
- Stuart Atterton, played by Neil Maskell
- Daniel O’Farrell, played by Max Beesley
- Robin Allen, played by Ben Miles
- Anna Kovacs played by Kaisa Hammarlund
- Deevia Khan, played by Zora Bishop
- Arthur is Jeremy Ang Jones.
- Colette Fisher, played by Kate Phillips
- Terry Reid, played by Jasper Britton
- As Jamie Constantinou, Aimée Kelly
- Jaden Dahir, played by Mohamed Elsandel
- Zahra Gahfoor played by Archie Panjabi
- Alice Sinclair, played by Eve Myles
- Lewis Atterton, played by Jack McMullen
- Karen Adams in the role of Marsha Smith-Nelson
- Marie Aitchison, played by Hattie Morahan
- Neil Walsh (Neil Stuke)
- Edgar Janssen, played by Simon McBurney
For Season 2, Christiane Paul, Lisa Vicari, and Toby Jones will join the cast.
Who is “Hijack”‘s casting director?
Amy Hubbard, who is well-known for her role in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, was the primary cast member of “Hijack”‘s first season.
In addition to the original casting process, Hubbard told Spotlight that she follows up on every production to check on the actor’s behavior.
“To find out how it went for everyone, I always follow up with a phone call to a few agents and the production—the producer or director, if I can speak to them,” she said. For future reference, “I do want to know how the actors behaved, how they were ready, how it went—any issues, that kind of thing.”
That being said, Hubert makes sure her performers are receiving respect by following up with them, so this is a two-way street. Hubbard went on, “I would like to know from the actor if I should work with that team again.” “I would like to know if they received proper care and respect.”
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How is the “Hijack” casting process conducted?
According to Hubbard, every enterprise needs a shining star to attract investors. She can start her favorite part of the process—casting day players and one-liners—as soon as they sign on. “To play a nurse, teacher, police officer, or any other position, an actor must possess extraordinary talent.
In a single sentence, they must convey that they are in a hospital or that they are a mother who has just received the news that her son has passed away. They’re my favorite because of what performers can do for a single line in a movie or television show; she told Spotlight.
Hubbard did concede, though, that “the first day of casting is hideous.” “You’re such a bundle of nerves, especially if the director is there,” she continued. I work with directors who are based overseas quite a bit.
I record people because I operate alone with the actor as a lone wolf. However, the first day is terrifying when the director is present since you sincerely hope you were able to gauge their preferences.
Hubbard uses social media to promote roles that are not often simple to cast in order to find actors that bring something more different to the table. However, as she pointed out, a casting director never knows what will happen on any given day. “People’s tastes vary so much.
Naturally, it’s very individualized, so you might be the one [CD] on ten distinct projects, but directors have such diverse views in terms of performing techniques as well as how things should appear and feel.
Therefore, you must align with that frequency,” she continued. “It’s a positive thing that every job makes you feel like you’re kind of a novice and that you’re starting from scratch.”
When does “Hijack” Season 2 filming begin?
Apple TV+ approved the second season of “Hijack” in January 2024. The Independent claims that it started filming in the United Kingdom in early June 2024 and will probably make its streaming debut in 2025.
Where are casting calls and auditions for “Hijack” held?
There aren’t any open auditions for “Hijack” Season 2 right now, but you may follow Amy Hubbard Casting’s Instagram account to stay up to date on the latest calls.
For updates, we also advise you to bookmark our main casting page. While you wait to enter the audition room, you might also want to look over our tutorial on how to audition for Apple TV+.
What are the top audition strategies to get a part on “Hijack”?
Handle each task as though it were your first: Elba encourages performers of all levels to treat every opportunity as though it were their first, since nothing in this business is guaranteed.
He told BET, “You’re only as good as the job that you’re doing at that junction.” “If you become extremely well-known for something else, it makes no difference.
You are only as good as the work you are doing at that precise moment. Elba continued, “You have to approach that job as though it were your first.
In this manner, you may be sure that your performance will always be sincere. That is my perspective. No matter how long I’ve been an actor, each job feels brand-new to me. Whether or not I am the film’s producer, I still want to make an impression on the filmmaker.
Become your greatest self: Getting roles hasn’t always been simple for Beesley. He previously told the BBC that he went to 65 auditions in a single year and did not get any jobs.
Fortunately, his passion for the performing arts kept him motivated to pursue his goals, which he feels are necessary for success. He also discovered that letting go of the notion of perfection enabled him to overcome obstacles he put in his own way and realize his true potential as an actor.
“For years, I battled perfectionism. And I didn’t even aware there was such a thing as perfection until about ten years ago,” Beesley remarked. “You just must be the greatest version of yourself. You only need to give it your all, and that will suffice.
Make a risky choice: Hubbard wants performers to understand that confidence is what she wants to see most of all. It also entails following your gut. “Avoid attempting to guess what this person could desire.
She remarked, “If only I knew the key to this specific part, then I could solve it. Choose a daring course of action for yourself to follow.
As your confidence increases and you gain more training and experience, begin to consider what would make you excited if someone else were to perform this role. In what way do you want people to understand it? And come in and carry out that action,” she said.
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