Jeremy Strong (The Gentlemen, The Trials of Chicago 7) had a private conversation with PEOPLE magazine at the 2024 Tony Awards Meet the Nominees event, where he revealed that it was highly unlikely he would return to his role as Kendall Roy in the TV series Succession from 2018 to 2023. Strong was recently nominated for a Tony for his performance in a play called An Enemy of the People.

According to PEOPLE, Strong acknowledges that fans likely desire more Succession episodes. He then suggests that the decision ultimately lies with the show’s creator, Jesse Armstrong (Peep Show, Fresh Meat). Strong believes that Kendall’s story has been fully explored and that there’s no further meaningful development or progression left for the character to undergo within the show’s narrative framework. He sees no need or desire to revisit the role because he believes Kendall’s journey has already reached its conclusion.

“I think in terms of the role that I played, he came to his terminal point,” Strong said. “So for me, that’s something that is very happily put to rest.”

In 2020, Strong won an Emmy in the Outstanding Actor category for his portrayal of Kendall Roy. In his acceptance speech, Strong shared a quote from a poem by Stephen Dunn (New & Selected, Different Hours), expressing that he aspired to work on a project that would deeply resonate with him and continue to inspire him long after it was finished. He then reflects on his role in Succession, describing it as fulfilling that aspiration.

PEOPLE then discusses Strong’s post-Succession project, a Broadway production of the play An Enemy of the People. Strong told PEOPLE that despite its historical origins, this version has been updated to appeal to modern audiences. By featuring contemporary actors and adapting the themes to resonate with current issues, they’ve made the play more accessible and relevant. Strong reflects on his initial reaction to the play and highlights its relevance to contemporary society.

“It hit me like a thunderbolt when I first read it,” Strong revealed. “It’s a play from 1882, but it speaks urgently and presciently to now.”

Strong explained that despite the play being written over a century ago, the themes of truth, deception and power resonate strongly with current events and societal concerns, such as the prevalence of misinformation and the abuse of authority. Strong delves deeper into the play’s themes. He highlighted its broader message about the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths and the tendency of people to ignore or deny inconvenient realities.  The star concludes by expressing his appreciation for being a part of the production and the significance of the play’s message to him personally. He sees it as an honor to share this meaningful work with audiences and to contribute to its impact on them.