Actor Rhys Ifans Discusses Journey from Blockbusters to Indie Film

EDINBURGH, Scotland — Rhys Ifans, known for his role as Chris “Finchy” Fincher in the U.K. version of The Office, has made headlines once again. His latest film, Two Neighbors, is premiering at the Edinburgh Film Festival, just weeks after he starred as the villain Galactus in Marvel‘s major hit, currently grossing over $230 million worldwide.

The 55-year-old actor attended the premiere of his new project, directed by Ondine Viñao, which features an ensemble cast including Chloe Cherry from Euphoria and Anya Chalotra from The Witcher. Ifans shared his thoughts on the significant budget differences between his recent films.

“I don’t think anybody will have had a budget drop from film-to-film as I’ve had with The Fantastic Four to Two Neighbors,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “To me, the job’s pretty much the same.”

Though fans may recognize Ifans for his collaborations with acclaimed director Robert Eggers and appearances in Harry Potter films, he emphasizes choosing projects based on creativity and collaboration. In Two Neighbors, he portrays the Genie, a dark and bored entity that manipulates a wealthy socialite and a struggling writer at a lavish party.

“He’s from hell, he’s a dark entity of sorts,” Ifans said. “But he’s also kind of bored in the film. It’s more about the fun and curiosity he has in manipulating these ridiculous people he encounters.”

Ifans revealed he was intrigued by the film’s “weird and dirty” script, especially with its roots in Aesop’s Fable, “Avaricious and Envious.” He highlighted the importance of reflecting a character authentically, stating that what the film implies about greed and wealth is up to the director.

“As far as the message goes, it’s Ondine’s film. My job is to play the character in the way she wants to tell her story,” he explained. “In that sense, I concentrate on making the Genie a real and authentic presence.”

Two Neighbors opens up discussions around beauty standards and gender dynamics, themes Ifans found particularly resonant in the direction by a woman. He praised Viñao’s creative energy, noting it brought a collaborative spirit to the set. “I often find with women directors, the sets are calmer and much more reflective,” he added.

With the film premiering on a prestigious platform, Ifans commented on the significance of working on smaller-budget indie films following his blockbuster success. “I intentionally aim to work with interesting filmmakers, and budget is just a part of the equation,” he said. “It’s about the stories we tell and how we tell them.”

As Ifans gears up for the premiere, he reflects on the enriching experience it brings. “I’m excited to see the film with the audience,” he said, mentioning that his son also appears in the movie. “It’ll be a memorable night at the festival.”