“I want to show people that this is what a hero can look like,” says Shah, the character played by Riz Ahmed in the upcoming series ‘Bait’. This poignant statement encapsulates the essence of a show that delves into the life of a struggling actor auditioning for the iconic role of James Bond.
Set to premiere on March 25, 2026, ‘Bait’ follows Shah over four tumultuous days as his life spirals out of control due to the pressures of the audition. The series, which consists of six episodes, is both created and written by Ahmed, who is also an Academy Award and Emmy winner.
In this contemporary narrative, Shah faces the daunting question of whether he will be the next James Bond, a role that has historically been a symbol of heroism and charisma. The show features a talented cast, including Guz Khan, Sheeba Chaddha, Sajid Hasan, Aasiya Shah, Weruche Opia, and Ritu Arya, and is produced by Ahmed alongside Allie Moore and Jake Fuller.
Ahmed’s involvement in ‘Bait’ marks a significant step as he attempts to break into the British market, particularly with the launch of ‘Saturday Night Live UK’. The first episode of this new venture is scheduled for March 21, 2026, where Ahmed will serve as the host.
As the anticipation builds for both ‘Bait’ and ‘Saturday Night Live UK’, audiences are eager to see how Ahmed’s unique perspective and talent will shape these projects. Following ‘Bait’, he will also star in a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, set for release on April 10, 2026, and appear alongside Tom Cruise in ‘Digger’, hitting theaters on October 2, 2026.
Shah’s journey in ‘Bait’ is not just about the audition; it reflects the broader struggles of many actors in the industry. “It’s only an audition, but it could be his last shot at glory,” Shah remarks, highlighting the high stakes involved in the world of acting.
With the premiere of ‘Bait’ just around the corner, viewers are left to ponder how Ahmed’s portrayal will resonate with audiences and what new dimensions he will bring to the character of Shah.
