Bill Nighy reflects on & Sons, tech fatigue, and a booming podcast

The new movie & Sons centers on a reclusive, celebrated novelist who summons his adult children and ex-wife for a dramatic family announcement. The character, portrayed by Bill Nighy, is depicted as an abrasive, emotionally distant father whose literary reputation he believes excuses his behavior. The story juxtaposes his literary pretensions with the strained relationships of his offspring, played by Johnny Flynn, George MacKay and Noah Jupe, and his ex-wife, played by Imelda Staunton. Nighy emphasizes that the film’s tone leans toward science-fictional eccentricity, distinguishing it from more conventional family dramas.

The Guardian

During the interview, Nighy, now 76, describes a growing aversion to video-call platforms, noting that Zoom meetings have become a source of personal unhappiness. He prefers telephone conversations and remains an avid texter, though he admits a lingering philosophical opposition to most emojis, citing only a few—such as the flamingo, purple dahlia, leaping shark, leaping dolphin, and golfer in mid-swing—that he occasionally uses.

The Guardian

Nighy also rejects certain social conventions, explaining that he routinely discards unwanted invitations and avoids lengthy work lunches, which he finds confusing and unnecessary. When asked what would cause him to decline an acting role, he responds unequivocally that the only deal-breaker would be a requirement to wear a toga.

The Guardian

Reflecting on his own parenting, Nighy contrasts his fictional role with his real-life experience. He also notes that his career has spanned both blockbuster franchises—such as the *Pirates of the Caribbean* series—and more intimate, character-driven films that have earned him critical acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for *Living*.

The Guardian

Beyond acting, Nighy hosts the advice-oriented podcast *Ill-Advised*, which adopts an off-the-cuff format where he answers listener questions without prior preparation. The show, now entering its third series, attracts more than 300,000 monthly listeners and was named 2026 Podcast of the Year by the Broadcasting Press Guild. Nighy describes his approach as “rambling on the spot” while still having pre-thought on topics ranging from fashion to etiquette, revealing a personal fascination with details such as lounge-suit cuts and shirt collars.

The Guardian

Nighy’s comments convey a consistent theme: he values authenticity over spectacle, whether in his acting choices, his communication preferences, or his podcasting style. He frames his reluctance to engage with Zoom as a desire to preserve personal well-being, and his selective use of emojis as a reflection of his aesthetic standards.

The Guardian

*Ill-Advised* is slated to launch its third series in the coming months, continuing its weekly release schedule. No additional filming dates for *& Sons* are announced, but the film’s release is expected later this year, positioning Nighy’s latest performance alongside his ongoing podcast success.

The Guardian