This year will see Mike Dickman play Harry Sparks in the new TV series Gandhi, which will premiere on Netflix, with Pratik Gandhi as Mahatma Gandhi and it will be directed by Hansal Mehta. Previously, Mike has appeared in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and James Mangold’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and he is set to film for the future film release The Manor, in which he will play The Artist, and will star as Robert in the upcoming feature film Secrets. As a producer, Mike’s work includes Love Is Thicker Than Water, which starred Johnny Flynn and Lydia Wilson, and he will be executive producing a project later this year. Speaking with us, Mike told us about his upcoming role of Harry Sparks in Gandhi, preparing to play The Artist in feature film The Manor, starring as Robert in upcoming feature film Secrets and his producing work.
What can you tell us about the upcoming TV series Gandhi, in which you will be playing Harry Sparks, and your character?
I’m incredibly excited and humbled to be involved in this project. The story of Gandhi is so seminal and embedded in global socio-culture but there’s rarely been an in-depth exploration of the man for a global audience (not since the 80s adaptation starring Ben Kingsley!) – and never mind to this depth. The series isn’t just about ‘what he did’ but ‘why he did it’ – what drove him/what opposition did he encounter and what effect did this have on him and his family? You wouldn’t believe some of the events and characters involved that have been lost to history…
What was Harry Sparks like to play and how did you prepare for filming?
Harry Sparks was on the wrong side of history, shall we say! I was once told that an actor should always try and tap into the relevant parts of themselves and bring that into any character they are playing – well, that was tricky with Harry – when you watch the series you’ll see why! Harry Sparks is one of those historical characters that played a major role in the shaping of Gandhi and that has rarely been showcased – suffice to say they’re not friends… In terms of preparation – well, Harry Sparks was Afrikaans so I watched a lot of District 9 on YouTube! – when I turned up for wardrobe, one of the producer’s said to me: “Oh…you’re English?!” – I took that as a compliment…
How was it meeting and working with the rest of the cast, which includes Pratik Gandhi as Mahatma Gandhi, and being directed by the show’s creator Hansal Mehta?
It was a fabulous experience. Many of my scenes were opposite Pratik (Gandhi) and it was amazing to witness how much emotion he was able to convey while actually doing very little – which I always think is the hallmark of great actors. Some of the confrontation between our characters is quite harrowing – so I did find myself apologising a lot before and after takes – I think he’s forgiven me though 😃. Hansal Mehta is a true visionary – he’s already renowned in India for his ability to execute exemplary, character-driven stories and think after this he’ll be recognised on a global level for that innate skill.
How did you feel booking your role in Gandhi and was there anything that drew you to the series?
To be honest, I felt utterly elated. I mean, I love doing comedy, drama – all genres really, but to be able to play a role in the telling of this seminal story – well, it’s an honour. I was aware of Hansal’s reputation after his success with drama, Scam: 1992 (2020), so to be able to work with someone with his vision and focus on character work was a huge privilege and learning experience.
Why would you recommend watching Gandhi and who do you think it will appeal to?
I believe anyone who loves compelling drama will love this show – the fact that the subject matter is so poignant historically is a massive bonus – triumph over adversity can be a remarkable thing and it rarely comes without cost – I think this series will be unique in exploring the human cost of such a titanic achievement.
We understand you will be playing The Artist in the future release of the thriller film The Manor, what are you looking forward to for filming the project?
This feature should be a lot of fun. Director Kevin Lewis directed Nic Cage in Willy’s Wonderland, which was a geniusly kooky movie – I’m hoping for more of the same. It’s a mystery thriller with some very unexpected twists… and it will be a real honour to work with the ensemble cast, including Mena Suvari (American Beauty), whose work I’ve always been a big fan of.
You will be starring as Robert in the upcoming feature film Secrets, how would you describe the character?
Hmm… Admirably stoic, incredibly well-intentioned, but woefully out of the loop!
What was Robert like to play and what did you enjoy most about filming for Secrets?
Secrets is a female-driven narrative – a story about mothers, daughters and sins of the past. Robert is Sammy’s (our lead played by the brilliant Charlotte Jackson Coleman) partner and confidant who is trying to help her unravel the mystery that surrounds and suffocates her. Writer/director Chris Norton is an absolute powerhouse – he’s a T-shirt in -4 degrees kind of guy (quite literally, as we shot the movie last January!) and his energy is infectious… his passion for the story was evident throughout – he was intrigued by the idea of an inescapable past, the metaphorical net closing in on someone and them not knowing why… the film is intense and fairly relentless with a sense of inevitability throughout. I also adore my co-actors, Charlotte Jackson Coleman and Anna Georgina – they did such an incredible job – it was just a pleasure to be on set with them each day! I’m proud to say I had my producing hat on with this one too – working closely with Chris and his sister Lizzy (a phenomenal producer), who has already had a real success with My Month With Mrs Potter, a thriller which achieved 40 million downloads on Prime.
How did you find the experience on set of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and James Mangold’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny?
Just invaluable. To get a chance to share a stage with actors like Harrison Ford, Margot Robbie and Will Ferrell is a lifelong dream – I never envisaged I’d be lucky enough to experience that – especially so early in my acting career. In Indiana Jones, I was little more than an extra but I had this one job… to shoulder charge Harrison Ford as he tried to get by me! It was my first morning and I was quite nervous – James Mangold told me ‘not to take it easy on him’ – which made me even more nervous! I thought, well I don’t know if I’ll ever get to talk to Harrison Ford again, so just before the scene I took the opportunity to warn him, politely, about the instruction I’d been given. He stared at me for a moment, then put his arm around me and said: ‘I’m not gonna take it easy on you either…’ – and he didn’t!
We understand you were a producer on Love Is Thicker Than Water starring Johnny Flynn and Lydia Wilson, what was this like to work on?
This was the first movie I was ever involved in – my good friend Matt Barber (Downton Abbey) brought me in to help raise money given my background in finance but it quickly became an all hands to the pump affair – I found myself negotiating with acting agents, trying to secure locations, hiring heads of departments etc. – I had no idea what I was doing but sometimes that’s the best way to learn! Looking back, we had an amazing cast – and one of our leading ladies, Jess Gunning, recently won a Golden Globe for Baby Reindeer, so that was lovely to see.
How did you get into acting and producing, and had you always known you wanted a career in the industry?
To be honest, I think I did know – it had always been simmering beneath the surface but it took me a while to realise it. I acted in the theatre at Durham University but I come from a relatively conservative background and pursuing a career in ‘the arts’ was seen as quite a risky choice compared to e.g. a job in finance – which is what I did initially. My parents always encouraged me to do whatever I wanted to do but I suppose I also felt a subconscious obligation to honour their investment in my education by achieving commercial success and the city seemed like the best way to do that. I don’t believe in regrets and I had a great time in my early professional life and it taught me some valuable skills – likewise, when I joined Manchester City Football Club to work in their commercial sponsorship team – but there was still an itch I couldn’t scratch. It was COVID when I finally had the time to have an honest reckoning with myself about what I wanted to do with my life and I’ve never looked back. I don’t think it’s ever too late to make a good decision…
Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch?
Loads! Like most people, I’m a huge drama fan – shows like Succession with brilliant character work and scripting are the nirvana for me. I also binge on comedy, love a nostalgic rewatch and have a penchant for the fantasy/sci-fi genre too – I suppose that doesn’t really narrow it down! Michael Mann’s Heat is one of my all-time favourite movies – I even named my production company after it. In my view, it’s a masterclass in genre storytelling – Mann created his own world, his own pace and, most importantly, he made us care so much about both the good guys and the bad guys… it helps that (Robert) De Niro and (Al) Pacino starred, of course! Val Kilmer, who I’m a huge fan of, is an understated MVP for this performance too.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I don’t have a huge amount at the moment, to be honest – but I love that because I feel like I’m just starting out on this path! When I do though, I love my sport – I’m a big golf and football fan and I travel a lot. A niece, nephew and four godchildren keeps you busy too!
What are you hoping this year brings for your career, and do you have any further projects coming up that you can share?
I’m extremely excited about Gandhi’s release later this year, of course. I have a few acting projects coming up and, in addition, I can’t share too much just yet but I’m exec producing on a female-driven war film (a co-production with MGM) set to shoot later this year… an incredible story that we can’t wait to share, so watch this space…
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