We Speak Actors

Interview with Riz Khan: Bringing Kirk to life in ‘Last Breath’

Published

6 days ago

March 3, 2025

British actor Riz Khan, known for his roles in ‘This England’ and ‘Curfew’, is appearing alongside Woody Harrelson in the highly anticipated survival thriller ‘Last Breath’. We spoke with him about his experience on the film, working with Emmy-nominated director Alex Parkinson, and his exciting upcoming projects.

You play Kirk in the upcoming film Last Breath. Can you tell us more about your experience working on the project?

Filming took place in May 2023 at the film studios in Malta. It was an incredible experience, and my jaw dropped when I saw the impressively realistic set they had created. It was also a privilege to work alongside Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Finn Cole—an experience I will never forget.

I played Kirk, one of the team of deep-sea divers in the film. The role gave me a real appreciation for the challenges faced by saturation divers, from the long hours spent in confined spaces to the mental and physical endurance required to survive in such extreme conditions.

How was it working with Emmy-nominated director Alex Parkinson?

It was fantastic working with Alex Parkinson. I learnt so much from his unique style. He is meticulous, with a clear vision of the project, striving to achieve cinematic gold in every moment. His attention to detail really brought authenticity to the film, and it was inspiring to watch him in action.

What have been your most significant projects to date?

I’ve been fortunate to work on several exciting projects. I had a recurring role in the TV series ‘Changing Ends’ and played Arjun in the Paramount production ‘Curfew’. Most recently, I filmed ‘My Oxford Year’, a feature film set to be released later this year.

“Each project has given me the opportunity to explore different characters and work with some incredibly talented people.”

Who would you recommend Last Breath to, and when can people watch it?

I would recommend ‘Last Breath’ to anyone who enjoys a gripping survival thriller based on a true story. It offers a fascinating look into the dangerous and admirable life of deep-sea divers. Those who watched the original documentary will likely be intrigued to see how it has been adapted into a feature film. The movie was released in cinemas on 28 February 2025.

Do you have any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?

Yes! I recently had the pleasure of working with Tom Hiddleston on an NDA television series project, which is very exciting. It’s definitely a career highlight for me, and I can’t wait for it to be released later this year.

“I’m also developing a sitcom at the National Film and Television School. It’s called ‘Needs Help Seriously’ (NHS) and is based on my experiences as a general practitioner over the past 15 years.“

The series is set in a London GP practice and follows a burnt-out doctor navigating the absurdities and challenges of the NHS. It’s a passion project of mine, and I hope to see it commissioned in the near future.

Featured photo credit: Kim Hardy

We Speak Actors

‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat

Published

4 weeks ago

February 12, 2025

Anna Sutton

Travis Lee Eller isn’t just an actor—he’s a storyteller deeply immersed in the world of Westerns, both on-screen and off. Whether portraying rugged frontiersmen or crafting authentic, weathered cowboy hats through his business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, Eller understands that every detail—especially the right hat—helps define a character. Currently, you can catch him in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, now streaming on YouTube. Later this year, he’ll appear in two Western short films, ‘Darlin’’ and ‘Stubborn’, both directed by Robert Gamperl and set to make the film festival rounds before landing on streaming platforms. And, of course, fans of ‘Elkhorn’ can look forward to season two, premiering in late 2025 produced by Morningstar Entertainment on the INSP Network. We caught up with Eller to talk about his career, the legacy of Westerns in Hollywood, and why the perfect hat is more than just an accessory—it’s the finishing touch that brings a character to life.

You’re known for acting in Western film and TV projects. Which ones are you most proud of?

I don’t think I play favorites when it comes to my projects. What I remember most are the experiences on set, the incredible people I’ve worked with, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Each project pushes me to grow as an actor. That said, I’m especially proud of my latest script, ‘No Man Was Civilized’. It’s a story I’ve spent years developing, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I’m filming season two of Elkhorn for the INSP Network. The series takes place in the 1880s and follows a young Teddy Roosevelt as he ventures west to prove himself as a cowboy. I play Joe Ferris, the town shopkeeper, and the story is rooted in true events. The new season is set to premiere in late 2025. Beyond acting, I recently finished writing a Western feature film called ‘No Man Was Civilized’, which weaves together four short stories into a single, cohesive narrative. Writing has been a long but rewarding process, and I can’t wait to see it take shape.

Your business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, is also connected to Western projects. In what way?

My hats are known for their worn, distressed look—it’s a craft I’ve spent years perfecting. Over time, actors, directors, and costume designers have reached out for custom pieces to fit specific characters. I even wear my own designs in my work. In fact, the hat I’m wearing in ‘Elkhorn’ season two is one of mine. I’ve always believed that in a Western, the hat is the final touch that defines a character. It tells a story before a single word is spoken.

How do you balance your business and acting career?

During my downtime, I’m usually making hats.The two never really interfere with each other—if anything, hat-making is therapeutic for me. I often find myself running lines in my head while working in my studio. If it weren’t for acting, I probably wouldn’t have started my business in the first place. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to balance both without feeling overwhelmed.

What advice would you give to actors who want to appear in Westerns?

Every actor has their own approach to storytelling, character development, and capturing the right tone. There’s no single “right way” to do it. But for me, my love of Westerns comes from a deep passion for that era of American history. I grew up in a household where Westerns were always on TV, so it became part of my DNA. If I had to give one practical piece of advice? Don’t wear your hat backward. I see it happen in movies and TV shows all the time, and it always makes me cringe a little.

What upcoming projects do you have?

Right now, you can watch me in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, available on YouTube. Later this year, I’ll be in Darlin’ and Stubborn, two Western short films directed by Robert Gamperl, both of which will hit the festival circuit before streaming. And, of course, Elkhorn season two arrives in late 2025, produced by Morningstar Entertainment.

Beyond that, my agent, Beverly Brock, is always pitching me for new opportunities. I’m excited for whatever comes next and grateful for every step of the journey.

Featured photo credit: Morgan Weistling