James Norton reflects on men becoming 'passive' post MeToo movement

James Norton argues that men should be “proactive” in confronting misconduct in a post MeToo world.

Norton, who’s rumored to be the next James Bond, says some men mistakenly decided to become passive following the movement.

The Happy Valley star told the Radio Times magazine: “What interested me was the question of what it is to be a modern man, post-MeToo, with the attempt to rebalance the patriarchal crimes of the past.”

“With a lot of men, there’s a misconception that what we should be doing is making space, stepping back and almost becoming passive,” he added.

Norton’s interview was part of his promotional activities for the new psychological thriller Playing Nice, where two couples realize that their toddlers were swapped at birth in the hospital and face the dilemma of whether they should keep the sons they’ve raised as their own, or claim their real biological sons.

Linking his comments to his character’s journey, Norton said Pete realizes that he has to be confrontational with Miles (James McArdle).

“You have to be proactive and, sometimes, confrontational,” he remarked.

Playing Nice also stars Niamh Algar and Jessica Brown alongside James Norton and James McArdle. The thriller has received rave reviews and will air on ITV from Sunday, January 5.