Exclusive Interview – Eddie Marsan Discusses Discovering Humanity in Epic Pictures' No Ordinary Heist

      Eddie Marsan has established a career featuring films such as Sherlock Holmes, Deadpool 2, and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, but his latest endeavor, No Ordinary Heist, ventures into new ground—a bank heist thriller based on true events. Drawing inspiration from the 2004 Northern Bank robbery, one of the largest cash thefts in UK and Irish history, the film tells the story of two rival bank employees who are thrust into a dire situation when criminals abduct their families and force them into executing the biggest heist in Ireland.

      For Marsan, however, No Ordinary Heist transcends the magnitude of the crime; it is fundamentally about the human narrative at its core. Rather than following the typical thriller format, the film offers a compelling exploration of conflict, consequences, and the complicated relationship between Richard (Marsan) and Barry (Éanna Hardwicke). In the interview below, Marsan discusses his preparation process, the emotional challenges of the role, and what lies ahead, including season 3 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Find out where to watch No Ordinary Heist here. View an exclusive clip of the film titled “What’s Your Plan?”

      No Ordinary Heist is more than just a standard crime tale. What initially attracted you to the project?

      I was intrigued by the story because it involves two men caught in an impossible predicament. Their mutual animosity compels them to confront their own biases in order to protect their loved ones. That’s what captivates me about the film; it’s not merely centered on the heist, but rather on how these two men manage to navigate their differences to achieve their goal.

      What was the pre-production phase like for you on this film? Did you conduct any research before jumping in?

      Absolutely, I conducted extensive research. I collaborated with the director to determine where my character would have lived, what music he would have enjoyed, and his school background. This helped me create a backstory for him. I also trained daily with a boxing coach and worked with a voice coach to perfect the accent.

      What specifically drew you to the character of Richard, and what was your approach to bringing him to life?

      I found Richard to be an intriguing character, as he is battling his crumbling marriage while prioritizing work above all else. He’s then faced with the daunting task of robbing a bank to save his wife. This forces him to confront the implications of his past decisions over the last two decades. As an actor, I find that complexity fascinating. I also wanted to portray someone different, as I hadn’t played a character from Northern Ireland before. I strive to continually diversify my roles, avoiding repetition.

      Does this role leverage your strengths, or does it challenge you in new ways?

      Every role pushes you into uncharted territory, which can be a strength as an actor. You need to be open to exploring new areas and willing to let go of your comfort zone. I think one of my strengths lies in my unwillingness to rely on past performances. I’m always seeking new challenges. Currently, alongside No Ordinary Heist, I have The Rings of Power, Campeón Gabacho—which recently won an award at SXSW—and the Sky project Prisoner. My goal is to pursue roles that push me outside of my comfort zone.

      How much time did you have between these projects? Did you ever have any breaks, or were you consistently moving from one project to another?

      I’m constantly transitioning from one project to another. I’m always working—either prepping for one, filming another, or promoting something.

      Do you have a favorite scene from the film? What makes it your favorite?

      The final scene of the film was likely the most demanding yet also my favorite. It signified a moment of understanding and collaboration with Éanna as actors. During our work together, we reached an emotional peak, and I felt we executed it well. The film focuses on the relationship between two men, and both performances were challenging, leaving me very proud. With over 34 years of experience, I knew we captured it effectively because of our teamwork.

      Did you have a prior relationship with Éanna before working on this film, or did you meet him through this project?

      We only met for this film, and we developed a great rapport. He’s a fantastic guy.

      Heist films often rely on precision and timing. Did these elements affect how scenes were rehearsed or filmed?

      The film features a continually ticking clock to emphasize constraints and pressure. As actors, we were acutely aware of this aspect while embodying our characters within the narrative. Colin, who co-wrote it with Aisling, excellently guided us through our positions in each scene. Since the film was shot out of sequence, we had to be very mindful of our continuity throughout the filming process.

      Are there themes in the film that resonate with you personally?

      Several elements in the film manifest in hindsight. One