‘Succession’ Star Arian Moayed on Gaza, Iran, and the Rich People Who ‘Run Everything’

Quick Overview

Arian Moayed, star of "Succession," discusses the show's impact on him and his family, noting that while he loves the show's portrayal of power dynamics, the open discussion about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Iranian diaspora's activism has created concerns regarding his family's safety and public perception, forcing him to be cautious about what he says publicly.

Key Points: Moayed initially loved 'Succession' but grew concerned when discussions about complex real-world issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict began to bleed into the public narrative surrounding the show. He cites the Iranian diaspora's strong political engagement and activism, especially following the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022-2023, as a source of personal anxiety. Moayed mentioned that his family, who are Iranian immigrants, are scared to speak out because of the political climate, fearing repercussions like deportation or being labeled extremists. He notes that while the show itself has nuanced moral arcs, the public reaction often simplifies characters into purely 'good' or 'bad' based on their political stances, which he finds damaging. Moayed revealed that his work on 'Succession' (playing Stewy Hosseini) and his political activism led to him being recognized in public, sometimes resulting in uncomfortable interactions. He admires the show's writing, particularly how it handles complex, messy moral ambiguity rather than simple good-vs-evil narratives. The conversation shifts to the idea that the arc of history bends toward justice, even if slowly, contrasting the slow pace of justice with the immediate, often negative, attention celebrities receive.

Context: The video features an interview between Mehdi Hasan (host) and Arian Moayed (actor known for playing Stewy Hosseini on HBO's 'Succession'). The discussion centers on Moayed's personal experiences navigating fame, his Iranian heritage, his political activism, and how these elements intersect with the themes and public reception of 'Succession,' particularly concerning Middle Eastern politics and diaspora identity.