Actor Shakil Hussain Joins the Cast of Apple TV's Upcoming ‘Wild Things’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Acclaimed actor Shakil Hussain (“EastEnders”) has joined the cast of Apple TV’s upcoming series ‘Wild Things,” starring Andrew Garfield and Jude Law.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this amazing cast,” Hussain said. “I had actually auditioned for a different role a few months earlier and made it down to the final two. In the end, they went with the other guy — who is a fantastic actor, by the way. But they really liked my work and remembered me when the role of Dr. Harris became available.”

“Wild Things” tells the story of legendary illusionists Siegfried & Roy, whose spectacular performances with exotic animals helped transform Las Vegas entertainment before Roy Horn’s near-fatal onstage tiger attack brought their celebrated act to an abrupt end.

For Hussain, Dr. Harris offered the opportunity to play a character whose strength comes not from authority or bravado, but from his ability to connect with people at moments of extraordinary vulnerability.

“Dr. Harris has incredible empathy. I don’t think I’ve played anyone quite like him before,” Hussain said. “But I have played characters where empathy and the ability to connect with another person are really important. For me, so much of that comes down to listening. Really listening. It’s probably one of the most important things you can do as an actor.”

The role is the newest for Hussain whose television credits include “Boat Story” (BBC), “Riches” (Amazon Prime Video/ITV), “Emmerdale” (ITV), EastEnders (BBC), “We Hunt Together” and others. On stage, he has appeared in acclaimed touring productions including “Now That’s What I Call a Musical” and “Frankie Goes to Bollywood,” demonstrating a breadth of experience across drama, comedy and musical theatre.

Originally from London, the son of immigrants from Kashmir and Mauritius grew up with a love and deep appreciation for the theater and performing.

“There’s definitely creativity in my family,” he said. “Both of my parents are incredible singers, and my dad actually came close to pursuing acting himself when he was younger, so I definitely think some of that filtered down to me. Both of my sisters are very artistic too — one is incredibly creative and the other is a fantastic singer.”

Although attending drama school was not an option, for the then budding actor, due to its high costs, so Hussain began working in various jobs until he eventually saved up enough money to afford the tuition and learn his craft.

Thanks to his innate talent and ability to embody unique characters, Hussain soon found an agent and landed his first professional bookings.

“Every character I’ve played has given me something different,” he said. “Some have challenged me dramatically, some have allowed me to be funny, some have introduced me to incredible people and others have taken me somewhere or into a world I’d never experienced before.”

“Wild Things” is executive produced by John Hoffman (“Only Murders in the Building”), who is also the showrunner. Matt Shakman (“Wandavision”) and Brian Grazer (“A Beautiful Mind”) also serve as executive producers. The series is set to debut in 2027.