Ken Leung and Myha’la Montgomery, stars of HBO’s Industry, recently discussed the dramatic exit of their characters from the series. In season four, episode six, titled “Dear Henry,” Eric Tao, played by Leung, faces blackmail that forces him out of the finance industry. This sudden turn not only ends Eric’s role but also marks the apparent dissolution of the SternTao fund partnership he shared with Myha’la’s character, Harper Stern.
The actors revealed that even they were kept in the dark about the plot developments until scripts were released for filming. Leung expressed surprise, saying, “When I read episode six, I was like ‘damn, they killed my bro.’” Montgomery echoed this sentiment, lamenting the hard work invested into their characters’ partnership. “It’s so sad. We worked so hard to build this thing and now you’re just going to leave me,” she said.
On-Screen Partnership and Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics
Leung and Montgomery discussed their immediate chemistry as scene partners from the start of the series. Leung recalled their first interaction during Harper’s interview scene, noting the natural rapport that developed despite just having met. Montgomery described Leung as “the grown-up” on set, emphasizing his experience and steady presence.
Over four seasons, their dynamic matured, both on and off screen. Montgomery described herself as “a fun aunt” to newer cast members, bringing energy while maintaining professionalism. Leung highlighted the challenge for newcomers to Industry, pointing out the fictional yet complex world of finance the show depicts, which can feel alienating initially. “It’s no mistake that they are here,” he said, reinforcing the deliberate casting choices.
Eric and Harper’s Story Arc and Future Speculations
The episode’s shocking narrative twist deeply impacted the actors, who felt the loss of their characters’ collaboration. Montgomery expressed sympathy for Eric’s inability to confide in Harper about his predicament. “I felt bad for both of them,” she said, noting the emotional trauma Harper experiences due to Eric’s silence.
Leung interpreted Eric’s final on-screen moments as deliberately ambiguous, symbolizing defiance and uncertainty. “He’s walking with purpose, but the show doesn’t tell us where he’s going or what he’s feeling,” he explained. When asked whether Eric might return to finance, Leung remained cautious, “If the story wants him to… I do have a hard time imagining what that would be.”
Notable Scenes and Character Depth
Montgomery highlighted a powerful scene where Harper reveals the death of her mother to Eric as particularly resonant. She collaborated closely with showrunners Mickey Down and Konrad Kay to ensure it conveyed deep vulnerability rarely seen from her character. “She’s never truly vulnerable,” Montgomery explained, calling this moment “earned.”
Leung agreed, saying the scene brought their characters closer to the genuine rapport shared by the actors themselves. This emotional authenticity has become a hallmark of their performances throughout the series.
Behind the Scenes: The Edited Trump Figurine
An interesting production detail surfaced regarding a small figurine of Donald Trump once visible on Leung’s Bloomberg monitors in the first season. Leung confirmed that the show’s team spent a significant portion of the budget to remove Trump’s image from every episode frame. “They blew the budget just to get that shit out,” Montgomery recalled.
This meticulous editing exemplifies Industry’s attention to detail and the producers’ intent to avoid real-world political distractions. It also underscores subtle character insights as Leung hinted that his character’s story indirectly addresses political affiliations.
SternTao’s Opulent Lifestyle Questioned
The actors also speculated on the extravagant spending habits of SternTao, their fictional fund. Leung humorously estimated the hotel suite office’s monthly cost between $15,000 and $20,000, contrary to Eric’s claim of $100,000. Montgomery criticized such expenses, questioning why the fund’s resources wouldn’t be better invested than spent on costly accommodations. This exchange illustrates the characters’ complex financial decisions and priorities within the high-stakes environment the show dramatizes.
Industry continues to release new episodes on HBO Max every Sunday. Fans of the show anticipate how the remaining storylines will evolve following such pivotal character exits. The candid insights from Leung and Montgomery offer a deeper understanding of the creative process behind the series and the emotional impact of its narrative choices.
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