EXCLUSIVE | 'Billions' star Daniel K Isaac says he's learned to turn around on the streets if anyone calls him Ben
For Daniel K Isaac, five seasons of 'Billions' meant five installments where's he's been a key component of the Showtime hit drama. Known for his sense of optimism and the vibrancy he brings to the series, his character Ben Kim, who is part of Axe Capital, has been a fan-favorite since inception.
Ahead of the series premiere, MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) had the opportunity to speak exclusively to the star as he shared his thoughts on the ongoing pandemic, the new season and how close Ben Kim is to his heart. Excerpts:
How is the COVID-19 lockdown treating you?
[Laughs] Just staying isolated. I'm trying to stay sane, doing a lot of reading and binge-watching and some writing projects to keep me afloat. But, I'm thankful for my health and for my family's health for now.
Congratulations on 'Billions' and five epic seasons. How does that feel? Is there a sense of increased challenge with each passing season?
It's incredible to look back and think this is a whole chapter of our lives, with this family, and to see how much the show has evolved and grown, and how big the 'Billions' family has gotten. It's mind-blowing and exciting. We're very excited for the new season to come out this Sunday.
I'm sure there is [the challenge]. Absolutely. I think we have an incredible writers' room and the team that sort of faces that challenge head-on. I am biased when I say they absolutely deliver.
It's crazy how much they write and, how it can predict the future at times or real-life circumstances seem to mirror what happens in 'Billions' when the show has been written and shot months before.
I think our executives, Brian and David are really great about not being daunted by the task but facing the challenge. And letting that inspire them and help them fuel their work. And I think the product continually grows and, as have the audiences, I'm thankful for that.
How much of a pressure is this for you to deliver consistently, to be the same fan-favorite character?
I love Ben. I've learned to turn around on the street if anyone calls Ben or Ben Kim. It is fun to have to juggle. I think he's such a sweet character and such a ray of sunshine that it helps me stay optimistic and positive in darker times, such as the one we're in now.
I do love how it balances out the toxic masculinity environment and that there are people of all backgrounds and outlooks in life in the workplace, and to have, someone as sweet as Ben, I think only enhances the team.
What can we expect from Ben this season?
So, Axe capital has gone through a lot of upheavals with a split, and then with our season four finale moment...reuniting Mason capital and Axe capital. So there will be some growing pains with the company having to go through this new reunion or a marriage of sorts.
And I think we can always count on Ben to be the one smiling and the one finding the glass to be half-full. And he has friends and family here, so I hope it at least helps bring a smile to someone else's face during these times.
How would you trace Ben's evolution?
I think we go from in the pilot seeing a new employee sort of being cocky about their educational background and wanting to come in a little hot and being humbled immediately by the intellect, and ferocity of Axe (Damian Lewis).
And sort of having to backpedal from there, and learn to navigate the shark-infested waters— that is the financial world.
I see him grow over the years from something shyer or more reserved to what Maggie Siff's character Wendy brings out and him— courage, resilience and inner strength two to speak up and step outside of his box more.
And that is never more evidence than stripping in an elevator for strangers and your own boss. So I do love watching him grow over the years and come into his own.
What qualities of Ben do you mirror in your real life?
When I first moved, which in New York City from California, people would say, "I can tell you're not a New Yorker because you smile too much." And I wondered if I took that to heart at some point and sort of didn't smile as much in my everyday life or if I tried to hide that aspect. And I think Ben has only brought it back out again.
I can only appreciate that now to have someone who radiates such goodness and joy. And in a sense, when I'm in a world where just city life, in general, can be brutal. So I hope to share his optimism in these times.
City life and work can have its ups and downs, and Ben is always going to be like the good, and make sure he's spreading that around too.
What can the audience expect from the latest installment of 'Billions'?
I think, expect the unexpected. If our creators are great at doing anything, it's not delivering cliche. It's not pandering and it certainly isn't doing anything that has been done before. And so I believe they have a wild ride crafted for us.
You know, buckle up and enjoy, because they work their asses off... really put in so much love and sweat and blood into this. And I believe I'm excited to see people go on the journey of surprise. It always surprises us as we're reading it.
Without giving away much, if there is one piece you're allowed to say about Season 5, what would it be?
I would just say we have incredible castmates returning and new additions to the 'Billions' family that it will blow your mind. They are the greatest talent of New York City stages, and the industry is large.
It is phenomenal that these people come together and we get to play, pretend that and make this come to life. I am in awe of watching them and getting to share the same space with them. And I hope that people are equally thrilled to see these people pop up on their screens. It's amazing.
How would you describe working with your costars?
It really has become a family, I think in these times where we've had to go into quarantine, we've been texting every day, emailing, Marco polo-ing, and staying in touch. Five years is a long time to spend with a group of people, that's more than high school or university.
And I think it comes from the top down. Our executives and our leads of the show are such wonderful human beings who have no diva tendencies. And so they have created an atmosphere where we can truly bond as a unit. It sounds cheesy to say that it feels like a family, but it does.
I'm in constant awe and in a state of gratitude to work with them and also just care about them deeply. I hope to model their, their work ethic, and their kindness and light for the rest of my career, I feel like they've been my role models, and we're so fortunate to get to work together for however long that may be.
'Billions' Season 5 debuts on May 3 on Showtime.