Exclusive Interview: Writer-Director Jack Huston and Star Michael C. Pitt Talk ‘Day of the Fight,’ Brotherhood, and More

Jack Huston has spent years captivating audiences with his on-screen performances, but with Day of the Fight, he takes on a new challenge as both writer and director, proving he’s ready to go the distance as a storyteller. This isn’t just another boxing movie—it’s a raw, deeply personal exploration of redemption and resilience. Crafted with a striking black-and-white aesthetic, the film tells the story of Mike Flannigan, a former boxer fighting to rebuild his life after years of loss and regret. Huston’s debut behind the camera is as bold as it is introspective, showcasing his talent for storytelling both on and off-screen.

At the heart of this powerful narrative is Michael C. Pitt, for whom Huston wrote the role of Mike Flannigan. Pitt’s performance is a masterclass in duality, balancing raw strength with searing vulnerability as he brings to life a man haunted by his past but desperate for redemption. His visceral portrayal captures the emotional and physical stakes of Mike’s journey, perfectly complementing Huston’s vision. Together, they’ve created a cinematic experience that hits hard.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Jack Huston and Michael Pitt to discuss the profound brotherhood they forged while working on Boardwalk Empire and how that translated to Day of the Fight. They opened up about the collaborative process behind bringing this story to life and shared their hopes that the film will inspire the next generation of actors and filmmakers to pursue their creative visions.

PC: Jack, you’ve spoken about the brotherhood you formed with Michael on Boardwalk Empire and how he challenged you to grow as an actor. How did that dynamic evolve and influence your process as you stepped into the role of writer and director for the first time?
Jack: I always see it as a privilege that Michael and I got to work together. It was a turning point in my career. When we were in scenes together, I was able to witness how an actor can truly pull you in and elevate your performance. There’s something very selfless about that.

One of my earliest memories of Michael was when he was off-camera. He’d say things and push me to get a reaction for the scene, even though he wasn’t on camera. He understood that sometimes you’re only as good as your counterpart. It was a brotherhood. It was a very selfless thing to do, and you don’t come across that often as an actor in this business. It’s something I’ll always remember. We stayed close throughout it.

When I conceived the story, I couldn’t imagine anybody else playing this role but Michael. It was written with his voice in my head—every single word. There’s beauty in that friendship and trust. When you give someone your word, stand by it. This role was his; there was no one else. I’m eternally grateful that I got to make this movie and that I got to make it with my brother.

PC: I can’t imagine anyone except Michael playing this part. Michael, this role was written with you in mind. How did the trust and prior relationship with Jack allow you to take agency over Mikey’s journey and influence the creative decisions you made throughout? There’s such a beautiful contrast between strength and vulnerability that you brought to him.
Michael: I put everything into playing this role. This may sound funny, but the only person’s opinion I cared about was Jack’s. That’s who really mattered to me. If I’m good in the film, it’s because he created an environment for me to be good.

I’ve been doing this a really long time, but it’s been a while since I’ve been able to just be an actor. Jack wanted that. I knew from our past working experience and our friendship the quality he expected. I knew where the performance needed to go to meet what he envisioned. He set the tone on set, and for me, it was about bringing everything I could to this character and winning that fight.

PC: Jack, you’ve said in previous interviews that you’re a student of cinema, and the best thing you can do is watch and learn. What do you hope aspiring filmmakers take away from this film and your journey as a debut writer and director?
Jack: I’m so glad you’re bringing this up because films like this don’t get made that often anymore, and even more rarely do they make it to cinemas and have a life. That’s why I implore people to come and watch this movie—it’s a throwback to a type of film that makes you feel something. I wanted to create something that makes you weep for a character. I like to feel; I don’t like to forget. I want to remember when I leave the cinema.

If this film gets support and does well, maybe another first-time filmmaker gets the chance to make their movie. I’ve been in this industry for over twenty years, working pretty consistently with a lot of great people, but this was, by far, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It continues to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Every day is a fight. If it’s this hard for me—sleepless nights, blood, sweat, tears, and time away from my family—imagine what it’s like for a kid coming out of film school.

I want to lift these people up and say, “There are so many incredible young filmmakers who are going to have a bloody hard time making their first film in today’s world. Unless we do something about it. Let’s stop complaining. Let’s support each other. Let’s raise up these voices and go find and support some great filmmakers.

PC: Beautifully said. You can feel that passion as someone who’s seen the film. Michael, without giving any spoilers, Mikey has so many complex and complicated relationships with everyone throughout the film. It doesn’t work unless you believe that shared history between all of these characters. How did you build that trust with your co-stars and go to the places needed in such a short amount of time? How did their performances feed into your own?
Michael: Everyone I was working with was a pro. When the stage is set and you’re working with professionals, you do what you do.

Jack: He’s right.

Michael: When Jack and I were working together, he talked about how I would push him. If you meet an actor who’s good, you push them. But it’s not just that—they push you back. When you get into that rhythm, you’re both elevating each other. There’s nothing like it. It’s like boxing. A true champion wants to go head-to-head with another true champion. That’s when you’re at your best.

Jack: That’s the beauty of it. It’s so funny because when you’re working with a great actor, it’s like working with a great musician—they can fit into anyone’s rhythm. We had many different types of actors with very different styles and approaches to acting. But it all came down to the music that Michael created with each of them. He helped everyone find the same rhythm.

It was crucial to have an anchor in these situations. In this film, especially without that anchor, there’s no film. The ship would be lost at sea. It was beautiful because we had titans of the industry come in and perform.

Michael: It’s a miracle that Jack pulled this film off. It’s a miracle that it even got made. He was able to raise the money, cast me, and assemble this incredible cast to shoot in black and white. It was a bloody miracle.

Jack: And that we got it this far. The real miracle will be if people love this film and come out to see it. We want people to actually experience the movie. I’ve never been so proud of what we’ve done.

Michael: We also hope to inspire young filmmakers and actors who need it. If it’s this difficult for us to put it together, they’ll need all the help they can get.

Jack: We all need to support each other.

Make sure to follow Jack (Instagram) and Michael (Instagram). Day of the Fight is out in select theaters now.