When Tom Ellis arrives for an interview at the Men's Health offices, the receptionist humorously announces, "LUCIFER IS HERE to see you." Known for his captivating portrayal of the Lord of Hell in the hit series Lucifer, which aired for six seasons, Ellis has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Despite the show's conclusion in 2021, he has remained active in various projects, including the drama Tell Me Lies, the acclaimed miniseries Washington Black, and the film adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club.
Ellis now steps into a new role as Colin Glass, a CIA operative, in CBS's latest series CIA. In this procedural drama, he partners with a straight-laced FBI agent, exploring the complexities of morality similar to his previous character. This new venture marks Ellis's return to leading a series, presenting unique challenges due to the fast-paced nature of network television.
In a recent conversation, Ellis shared insights about his transition to this role. He was drawn to CIA after discussions with creator Dick Wolf, who envisioned a character with a British background, providing a compelling twist to the narrative. Ellis expressed excitement about the opportunity to portray a multifaceted character, emphasizing the importance of depth in his roles.
Reflecting on the rigorous schedule of a network series, Ellis acknowledged the need to build up his stamina after a hiatus from such demanding work. He noted that the pace of production is unlike anything he experienced before, yet he embraces the challenge, stating, "I feel like I'm ready."
The actor also discussed the physical demands of the role, which he finds more intense than his previous work on Lucifer. As he navigates the physicality of the character, he is reminded of the importance of staying fit and agile, especially as he balances family life with a young daughter.
Ellis highlighted the involvement of consultants from the intelligence community, which enriches the authenticity of the show. This collaboration ensures that the portrayal of espionage is not only entertaining but also grounded in reality. He pointed out that their stories often blur the lines between fiction and real-world events, making the narrative resonate with contemporary issues.
As CIA unfolds, the show aims to tackle complex themes, reflecting on the moral ambiguities faced by intelligence agencies. Ellis believes that the series will engage audiences by presenting characters that embody the gray areas of right and wrong, ultimately encouraging viewers to think critically about the nature of justice.
With his transition into this new role, Tom Ellis continues to showcase his versatility as an actor, promising to deliver compelling performances that resonate with audiences. As he embraces this new chapter, it opens up possibilities not only for his career but also for how stories about intelligence and morality are told in modern television.
