In Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger, Chrissy Metz steps into the role of Jessica, a sharp, New York journalist whose job is to observe the world – but whose heart is transformed by the people she meets.
Our Peter Gray spoke with the actress about stepping into communities different from her own, finding vulnerability in her character’s emotional armor, and the subtle joys of connection and growth that emerge when characters – and actors – open themselves to new experiences.
From on-set chemistry with co-star Amit Shah to the real-world impact of Dave Fishwick’s viral fight against payday lenders, Chrissy shares insights into the humanity, humor, and heart at the center of this uplifting British comedy.
With your character, Jessica, and her emotional arc — Jessica is a journalist, so obviously her job is to observe people. But in this story, she ends up being changed by the people she’s observing. Do you think actors experience something similar when stepping into communities that aren’t their own?
For sure. I know I did, personally. I was married to a man from Yorkshire for many years but never got to visit the north of England. Going there, I realized it’s very similar to the south and where I was raised in America – people are just salt of the earth. They’re willing to do whatever they can for friends, for community, for family. It felt familiar, and also really special to see it in another country. It reaffirmed my own values. And yeah, it changes you. It has to affect you; I don’t know how it couldn’t. That’s really the point of being an actor.
You’ve played characters before who carry emotional armor. What interested you about the kind of armor Jessica has, and how did you find the moment where it begins to crack?
Jessica’s from New York, and there’s definitely an edge to East Coast people. They’re direct, even if they have big hearts underneath. Her armor begins to melt when she encounters people’s genuine kindness – and Amit (Shah), who plays my love interest, shows (Jessica) that people can care deeply for their community and families. Eventually, that softens her hardened view of the world. It’s a reminder that life isn’t about staying jaded, even though it’s easy to harden your heart. Strength, I think, comes in vulnerability. And that’s what I loved about her journey – she allows herself to see happiness again and be open to connection.
That resonates a lot with me. I spent many years people-pleasing and then put up walls after some hurt. It’s hard not to get jaded.
Exactly. It’s so easy to harden yourself, but the world is so much richer when you stay soft.
Speaking of New Yorkers, I’m going there in a few months. It’s comforting to hear they have good hearts.
Absolutely! Just be direct. Ask what you need, but be straightforward yourself. People are moving fast, focused on their business. They appreciate honesty, and they truly care, even if it’s underneath that direct exterior.
One of the beautiful things about the film is the real-world impact. Dave’s “weapon” is visibility – going viral and exposing the truth. As someone who lives in the public eye, how do you see the power and danger of that kind of visibility?
It’s a double-edged sword. You open yourself up to criticism and opinions, which can be scary. But there’s real power in voices being heard, in focusing on the good and the mission, in trying to affect people positively. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by negativity, but staying focused on the purpose is key. People don’t really know us anyway, so why let it consume you? It’s a practice, some days easier than others.
Working with Amit, the relationship between Jessica and Oliver grows in an unexpected way. Were there off-camera discoveries that helped shape that chemistry?
Definitely. Amit is married, and I’m naturally curious about people’s lives, their relationships. I love getting to know someone as a person first – their background, family, passions. That curiosity naturally blends into the on-screen relationship. Amit and I had similar personalities – both people-pleasers – so it was easy to check in with each other constantly, make sure everyone’s okay, and that care came across on screen.
Those little moments, like at the concert when she realizes she might want to go away with him, are so sweet.
Yes! Small gestures like that add up. The audience feels it without it being overplayed. Her growth, realizing she’s deserving of happiness and connection, is subtle but powerful.
In your personal life, has a place or a group of people ever shifted your perspective like that?
Oh, absolutely. Most projects change me. Whether I’m on location, getting to know someone’s community, their culture, or the city itself, it’s enlightening. In Leeds and Burnley, the people were real, honest, and genuine – no pretense, no Hollywood facade. I felt at home. That kind of openness is inspiring.
The film ends with Def Leppard in quite a big, unexpected moment. If you could pick one artist to appear in Bank of Dave 3, who would it be and what would that scene look like?
I’m obsessed with Def Leppard, so having them in a scene would be incredible. I’d also love Adele – she’s just effortlessly cool and English, so she’d have the perfect pull for the story.
Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger is now available on Digital and On-Demand in the United States, and to stream on Netflix in Australia.
