Nick Blood has never been interested in staying in one lane. From Shakespeare at the RSC to Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., sharp-edged comedy, and unsettling theatre, he has built a career around roles that keep both him and audiences guessing. Earlier this summer, he played controlling police officer Dom in Sophie Swithinbank’s Sting at the Young Vic. Now, he returns to the force from a very different angle in Howard Overman’s Hit Point, starring opposite Saffron Hocking as detectives drawn deep into West London’s criminal underworld.
Speaking to 1883 for 18 Questions, Blood discusses Hit Point, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fan devotion, and his instinct for challenging roles.
What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?
I jumped off some rocks into the Mediterranean Sea.
What’s the best thing you’ve read recently?
I’m currently reading The Nix by Nathan Hill, and I’m really enjoying it so far. The best book I’ve finished recently is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Straight into my top five.
Favourite memory growing up?
Backside noseslide shuv-it out down a set of stairs. [For the uninitiated, that’s a very impressive skateboarding trick.]
Where was the last place you travelled to?
I’m currently in Sóller, Mallorca.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
My wife’s choice of headwear.
What’s your nighttime ritual?
I have to read to try and switch my mind off. If that fails, I’ll raid the fridge until I feel sufficient shame to go back to bed.
Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?
If I could bring my dad back to life, then just him, my wife, and the rest of our immediate family.
Favourite quote from a film or TV show?
‘It’s better to have a gun and not need one than to need a gun and not have one’ from True Romance.
Either that or ‘Can we just play heads and volleys?’ from Ladhood.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
The Gambler by Kenny Rogers.
Favourite item in your wardrobe?
A Supreme x Missoni long-sleeved knitted polo in puke green.
What is the major throughline of Sting?
A toxic relationship.
Could you share some of your favourite moments from working on Sting?
Phoebe Ladenburg, who played Lily, and I would play a hybrid version of tennis and badminton using a beach bat and ball before each show. I’d always win.
Sting casts a scathing light on systemic injustice and the institutions meant to protect us. What did Sophie Swithinbank’s writing make you think about most deeply?
How our insecurities can cause us to exhibit controlling behaviour. In the play, it’s taken to an extreme, but I think it highlights how that can happen in really small, subtle ways in almost any relationship.
With Hit Point releasing this August, how will you celebrate on the day?
We might have some people over for a watch party, and I’ll probably spend it in the kitchen reading the BBC Sport website.
In Hit Point, Leo and Bella are pulled into the underworld of West London as the lines between their personal and professional lives begin to blur. What drew you to Leo?
The script initially drew me in because of the incredible dialogue. Howard Overman manages to blend drama and comedy in a way that feels so natural. It felt like I was reading two mates shooting the breeze. But the thing that really hooked me was the plot twists. I had a physical reaction to it, which almost never happens when reading a TV script.
You’re perhaps best known to many fans as Lance Hunter in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. What does that character still mean to you, and what has it been like seeing the affection fans still have for him?
It’s just so lovely that people still care. The fans are very dedicated and really show up for you. There have been tattoos, and even someone changing their name in my character’s honour. Mad.
You’ve moved between Shakespeare at the RSC, satirical comedy in Twenty Twenty Six, Marvel, thrillers, and theatre. How does that range of work affect what you look for in a role now?
It’s all about avoiding being typecast and finding new challenges. If the role is a little scary, I try to run towards it rather than shy away.
Finally, what is something you would like to manifest for yourself, and why?
Health and happiness. Neither needs much explanation.
Hit Point starts Thursday 13th August, 9pm on U&Dave, all episodes boxset drop on U.
Check out the latest trailer for Hit Point on YouTube here!
Photography by Alex Beer
