Jack Bender on Mr. Mercedes, Working with Stephen King | Collider

Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King and executive produced by David E. Kelley and Jack Bender, the Audience Network drama series Mr. Mercedes follows a retired police detective (Brendan Gleeson) who is being taunted by a demented serial killer (Harry Treadaway). After a series of taunting letters and emails, Detective Hodges decides to undertake a crusade to bring the killer to justice before he can strike again.

While at the Audience Network portion of the Television Critics Association Press Tour, Collider got the opportunity to sit down with director Jack Bender to talk about how Mr. Mercedes came about, his friendship with Stephen King, how David E. Kelley got involved, keeping the focus on the characters, shaping the look and feel of the series, deciding how to handle that horrific car sequence, and wanting to do two more seasons, to cover the second and third book. He also talked about whether he might return to direct [ . . . ] More at: Jack Bender on Mr. Mercedes, Working with Stephen King | Collider

Brendan Gleeson: ‘My guiltiest pleasure? Fridge-foraging before bed’

The actor on the disappointment of puberty, tickling and why a bidet would change his life

Born in Dublin, Brendan Gleeson, 61, worked as a teacher and was a part-time stage actor until, at 34, he appeared in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart. His subsequent work includes Gangs Of New York, three Harry Potter films, In Bruges, Calvary and Suffragette; his latest film, Assassin’s Creed, is released tomorrow. He lives in Ireland and is married with four sons.

When were you happiest?
It’s ongoing.

What is your greatest fear?
War.

Which living person do you most admire?
My wife.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Self-hatred.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Sleeveenism: a self-serving sliminess.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
Advising the girlfriend of a former friend not to make up with him because he was a shit. They are still together. [ . . .  ]

Read Full Interview: Brendan Gleeson: ‘My guiltiest pleasure? Fridge-foraging before bed’ | Life and style | The Guardian