James Norton: “I’ve had experiences where my work has consumed me.”

James Norton is sitting in a minibus parked amid the vast hillsides of Iceland. He’s on the set of King and Conqueror, the forthcoming drama series telling the story of King Harold II and William the Conqueror. Deep into the second week of shooting the Battle of Hastings scene, Norton, 38, is dressed in chainmail and leather armour and a crown. Having appeared in works like 2019’s Little Women, Norton is no stranger to a period-drama costume, but this one – not including its actual heftiness – carries with it extra weight. It’s a physical embodiment of a piece of history.

This is something that Norton, as his flourishing acting career evolves, is keen to impart on the world. His other recent venture, Playing Nice, which will grace our television screens later this year, marks not only his foray into production but, equally, his dedication to telling consequential stories – this time the tale of two couples who discover their children were swapped at birth. “Apparently, you’d be surprised how often it happens,” Norton says. It’s by no means a niche experience to contend with, but something about the scenario speaks to bigger questions around family, a key aspect of Norton’s own life. He takes his dad to film with him as an extra, after all. But if you can make your old man’s dreams come true, then why not?