Work in Progress with Sophia Bush: Episode Summary

Episode: Work in Progress: O-T Fagbenle
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Sophia Bush
Guest: O-T Fagbenle, Actor and Director

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, Sophia engages in a deep and multifaceted conversation with the talented actor and director O-T Fagbenle. The discussion delves into OT's artistic journey, his experiences on The Handmaid's Tale, his perspectives on politics, parenthood, and the evolving landscape of technology and society.

Early Career and Background

Sophia opens the conversation by highlighting OT Fagbenle’s impressive body of work, including his award-nominated role as Luke Bengkole in Hulu's acclaimed drama series The Handmaid's Tale, his performance in Presumed Innocent alongside notable actors like Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Negga, and his comedic roles in Lute with Maya Rudolph.

Notable Quote:

Sophia: “I was obsessed with his character in Presumed Innocent... and he was absolutely hysterical in Lute.”
(03:14)

OT shares his unconventional path into acting, initially planning to study economics and politics before pivoting to drama. He reflects on the challenges and unexpected successes of gaining admission to drama school in England, emphasizing the rarity and significance of his acceptance.

Notable Quote:

OT Fagbenle: “I think passion is really the precursor to talent. So, yeah, it was wonderful for me.”
(16:22)

Acting in The Handmaid's Tale

A significant portion of the discussion centers around OT’s role in The Handmaid's Tale. He describes the surreal experience of portraying former President Barack Obama in The First Lady and the intricacies of embodying complex characters. OT recounts how working on the series with director Reid Morano and co-star Lizzy Moss enriched his acting craft and deepened his appreciation for collaborative creativity.

Notable Quote:

Sophia: “You have such a wonderful political mind and it's so much fun, to dig into these things and ask questions...”
(89:04)
OT Fagbenle: “It really just kind of like opened my eyes, my little. Yeah. Self-obsessional to like, oh, there is a bigger picture out here.”
(22:50)

Relationship with Co-Cast and Director

OT emphasizes the strong camaraderie on set, particularly his working relationship with Lizzie Moss. He credits Lizzie’s directing style for bringing out some of his best performances, highlighting her ability to understand and support his acting process.

Notable Quote:

OT Fagbenle: “She doesn't need our support, because she was just an absolute natural and nailed it visually and acting...”
(37:03)

Perspectives on AI and Society

The conversation shifts toward OT's thoughts on artificial intelligence and its societal implications. He expresses both optimism and concern, acknowledging AI's potential to revolutionize fields like medicine while cautioning against its misuse, particularly in perpetuating violence against women through technologies like deepfake pornography.

Notable Quote:

OT Fagbenle: “The ways in which AI may change our societies over the next decade are going to be quite profound.”
(55:30)

Sophia adds to this by discussing the alarming rise of AI-driven abuse and its psychological impact, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory measures.

Notable Quote:

Sophia: “Deepfake pornography... is the digital rape of women and girls... over 98% of the victims of this kind of abuse are female.”
(56:38)

Optimism and Pessimism about the Future

Both Sophia and OT delve into their outlook on the world, balancing concerns about rising fascism, economic disparities, and technological advancements with hope for community solidarity and positive change. OT shares his pragmatic optimism, believing in the power of collective action and the innate goodness of people to foster a better future.

Notable Quote:

Sophia: “We are better together, people. I really do think people are good.”
(50:28)
OT Fagbenle: “I'm hoping that AI can go solve diseases and we can still make art, because people need art so badly.”
(60:04)

Work on Upcoming Projects

Looking ahead, OT reveals his excitement about upcoming projects, including The Miniature Wife, a bizarre and surreal comedy series for Peacock, and collaborative ventures with his brother through their production company. He underscores the importance of maintaining creative momentum and embracing new challenges.

Notable Quote:

OT Fagbenle: “The main project I'm working on now is called The Miniature Wife, which is this bizarre comedy... coming to screen near you.”
(92:37)

Balancing Creative Work and Parenthood

A heartfelt segment explores OT’s role as a father and the delicate balance between his professional aspirations and personal responsibilities. He discusses the challenges of being present for his children while managing creative projects, highlighting the importance of patience and active involvement in their growth.

Notable Quote:

OT Feg Benle: “The thing that I'm thinking about most today... is basically just being a great father.”
(98:17)

Closing Remarks

Sophia wraps up the episode by praising OT’s dedication to expanding diversity in the entertainment industry and fostering inclusive creative environments. She underscores the importance of representation and equitable opportunities, commending OT’s proactive approach in supporting marginalized communities.

Notable Quote:

Sophia: “You really do get to sort of learn so much about people in society... it's wonderful.”
(96:43)
OT Fagbenle: “Just making it happen, because I think we need permission to do that.”
(97:56)

Conclusion

This episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush offers a comprehensive and engaging glimpse into OT Fagbenle’s professional journey and personal philosophies. From his nuanced portrayal in The Handmaid's Tale to his insightful perspectives on AI and societal change, OT embodies the essence of being both a masterpiece and a work in progress. Listeners are left inspired by his commitment to art, advocacy, and personal growth.

Notable Quotes Overview:

• [03:14] Sophia: “I was obsessed with his character in Presumed Innocent...”
• [16:22] OT Fagbenle: “I think passion is really the precursor to talent...”
• [22:50] OT Fagbenle: “She doesn't need our support, because she was just an absolute natural...”
• [55:30] OT Fagbenle: “The ways in which AI may change our societies...”
• [56:38] Sophia: “Deepfake pornography... is the digital rape of women and girls...”
• [50:28] Sophia: “We are better together, people...”
• [60:04] OT Fagbenle: “I'm hoping that AI can go solve diseases...”
• [92:37] OT Fagbenle: “The main project I'm working on now...”
• [98:17] OT Feg Benle: “The thing that I'm thinking about most today...”

This structured summary captures the essence of the conversation, highlighting key topics and insightful exchanges between Sophia Bush and O-T Fagbenle, while omitting non-relevant advertisement segments.