Harper Stern’s journey: A new chapter in ‘Industry’

The last time we saw Myha’la’s Harper Stern in the gripping finale of Season 2 of “Industry,” she was at a crossroads. Her mentor, Eric Tao, played by Ken Leung, had just revealed a shocking betrayal. Harper’s college transcript was exposed as a forgery, leading to her dismissal from the elite bank Pierpoint & Co. This moment was a turning point, not just for Harper but for the entire series. Eric, who had once supported Harper through thick and thin, now seemed to be her greatest adversary. “I have to let you go,” he said, a line that felt more like a breakup than a corporate dismissal.

The rise and fall of Harper Stern

“Industry,” the fast-paced HBO drama set in the high-stakes world of London finance, revolves around Harper, a young woman who has left behind a troubled past in New York to forge a new identity as an analyst at Pierpoint. Her deception caught up with her in the final moments of Season 2, culminating in a dramatic fallout with Eric. This betrayal set the stage for Harper’s potential comeback, stronger and more determined than ever. As Myha’la puts it, “Now we’ve got Harper outside the bank. Anything is possible!”

Season 3: New challenges and higher stakes

With Season 3 premiering on August 11, the stakes are higher than ever. HBO has given “Industry” a prime Sunday night slot, following the conclusion of “House of the Dragon.” This move signifies the network’s confidence in the show, which has developed a cult following. Adding to the excitement, Kit Harington joins the cast as an aristocratic entrepreneur, further elevating the show’s profile.

For Harper, this season is a chance to rebuild and redefine herself. The world of “Industry” is ruthless and transactional, where enemies can become allies in an instant. This dynamic is reminiscent of the Roy family in “Succession,” making “Industry” HBO’s best bet to capture the audience still mourning the loss of that show.

Myha’la’s evolution with Harper

Myha’la has been instrumental in shaping Harper’s character from the very beginning. Selected from over 200 audition tapes, she brought a unique blend of vulnerability and self-possession to the role. This duality has made Harper a compelling protagonist, perfectly positioned to navigate the cutthroat world of finance.

In a show co-produced with the BBC, having a Black American woman as the lead is a bold choice. Harper’s perspective on race and gender adds depth to her character, allowing her to manipulate others’ expectations to her advantage. “She uses the way she’s perceived in the industry to her benefit,” Myha’la explains.

The emotional and financial stakes

“Industry” immerses viewers in a jargon-heavy world, making the actors’ performances crucial in conveying the emotional stakes of financial maneuvers. Myha’la excels in this, making Harper’s ambitions and desires clear, even if the financial details remain elusive. “The finance stuff genuinely goes in one ear and explodes out the back of my brain,” she admits with a laugh. “But understanding how finance people feel about these things is what’s most important.”

Expanding horizons in Season 3

Season 3 broadens the show’s scope, taking Harper from the confines of Pierpoint to new environments, including a fund dedicated to eco-friendly investments. This shift introduces new characters like Petra Koenig, played by Sarah Goldberg, who offers a stark contrast to Eric’s management style. Petra’s firm boundaries challenge Harper to separate business from personal matters, a lesson she struggles to learn.

The tension between Eric and Harper continues to simmer, culminating in explosive scenes that highlight their complex relationship. “It’s like having little sticks of dynamite, and knowing exactly where to place them throughout the season,” says co-creator Konrad Kay.

Filming challenges and rewards

Filming Season 3 presented its own set of challenges, from battling seasickness on a yacht off the coast of Mallorca to navigating the emotional depth of Harper’s relationships. Myha’la describes the experience as both grueling and rewarding, noting the significance of such luxurious locations for the show’s visual appeal.

The rise of Yasmin and Harper’s evolving bond

As Harper navigates her new reality, Yasmin Kara-Hanani, played by Marisa Abela, steps into a more prominent role. Their relationship, marked by jealousy and sporadic solidarity, adds another layer of complexity to the show. The flashbacks to their time in Mallorca reveal the emotional depth “Industry” has achieved, despite its cutthroat setting.

Myha’la’s career beyond ‘Industry’

As “Industry” has gained traction, so have the careers of its cast. Myha’la has appeared in notable films like “Leave the World Behind” and “Dumb Money,” and is set to star in a biopic of Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd. These roles have allowed her to explore different facets of her talent, even as she continues to grow with Harper.

Looking ahead

While “Industry” awaits news of a Season 4 renewal, Myha’la has her sights set on new goals, including directing and returning to the theater. “I’m working full time as an actor, and that is my dream. But my dream is, really, to make my Broadway debut,” she says.

“Industry” remains a coming-of-age story at its core, reflecting the growing confidence of its characters and cast. As Harper and Myha’la continue to evolve, their journeys are far from over, promising more drama, ambition, and transformation in the seasons to come.

For more on “Industry,” check out the trailer and stay tuned for the new season.