*Warning: This contains spoilers for Black Doves
Netflix’s latest show Black Doves has every ingredient for an essential thriller – from political corruption to high-octane action sequences – but for Ben Whishaw one scene still didn’t ‘feel quite right.’
The Paddington actor, 44, plays hitman Sam, alongside Keira Knightley’s spy Helen, who becomes entangled London’s criminal underworld as she seeks to avenge her lover Jason’s (Andrew Koji) death.
And Helen is not the only character contending with a complicated love lifeon top of a backdrop of murder, lies and deception as Sam’s ex Michael (Omari Douglas) return from the past.
However, Black Doves creator Joe Barton, 39, told Metro they changed a scene after This Is Going To Hurt star Ben and Omari, 30, felt it did not chime with their characters’ relationship.
‘We had a discussion as the scene didn’t feel quite right to them,’ the Giri/Haji showrunner explained.
‘It was a scene where they were deciding whether or not they wanted to to get back together, and it was about why you would do that and how you’d feel about your ex boyfriend being a hit man, and all that kind of stuff.
‘We changed it and then we filmed it again.’
Joe began writing Black Doves – which could rival Die Hard as the ultimate Christmas Thriller – on Boxing Day in 2022.
There was no narrative need for the eight-parter to take place over the festive season, but Joe said it was an ’emotional prop’ that adds ‘10% more stress’ for viewers.
He explained: ‘There’s something about that time of year where everything feels quite heightened.
‘There’s a lot of pressure on everyone to be happy or to be with families or to have some form of connection, but as we know, it can be a really lonely and difficult time of year for a lot of people.
‘So I liked the idea that these characters were going through a lot of emotional turmoil during the holidays.’
But you’re mistaken if you think Black Doves is just about bloodshed and strife, as it’s all about friendship, according to Joe. ‘That was how I always pitched it,’ he said.
Joe explained: ‘Of all the different relationships that get covered on screen, I find that friendship is not as explored as others.
‘Our friendships are some of the most powerful relationships that we’ll have in our lives but so often stories are about romantic love.
‘It’s more about Keira and Ben’s characters’ friendship then trying to get a briefcase back.’
Black Doves is available to stream on Netflix.
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