In new projects, the British actor of South Asian descent takes on two parts — James Bond and Hamlet — that have long been defining roles for white actors. By Maya Phillips James Bond: a coveted role ...

In the latest big-screen adaptation of Hamlet, Riz Ahmed grips a car steering wheel, speeding through a tunnel in contemporary London as he delivers the title character’s “To be or not to be” speech.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. You can listen to an extended version in the latest episode of The Mishal Husain Show podcast. Your new film ...