Sam Nivola, son of acclaimed actors Alessandro Nivola and Emily Mortimer, is preparing to share the screen with James Wilkie Broderick, the son of Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, in the upcoming film *Days Ending in Y*. The two 23-year-olds have enjoyed a long-standing friendship and are excited to collaborate on this unique project, directed by their mutual friend Theo Quantick.
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In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Sam reflected on his relationship with James, expressing admiration for his talent. “I’ve known him since I was really little, and he is an incredible guy,” Sam stated. He described the experience of making *Days Ending in Y* as a collective effort with friends, highlighting the creative atmosphere in which it was produced. “We shot it out in Wales for very little money, but I think it turned out really well,” he noted. He emphasised the joy of bringing together a passionate group of young artists eager to create meaningful work.
The film follows the story of two friends navigating through their eccentric Welsh hometown in a quirky narrative. The plot centres around a young alcoholic named Rollie and his ambitious friend, Can, who must raise funds to repair a significant hole in a car caused by a falling frog. The supporting cast includes Oliver Hatfield, Callum Burns, and Raffey Cassidy, promising a mix of talent to enrich the film.
This isn’t the first time Sam and James have collaborated; they also worked together on the short film *Why Not, Pat?*, which Sam co-wrote and directed. Sam’s foray into acting began with his role in Noah Baumbach’s *White Noise* in 2022, and he has since appeared in movies such as *Maestro* and *Eileen*. He gained recognition for his performances in popular series like *The White Lotus* and *The Perfect Couple*, which have helped establish his individual identity within the industry.
Despite having prominent parents, Sam has consistently sought to forge his own path in the entertainment industry. In an interview with Variety last August, he firmly addressed the notion of “nepo babies,” stating, “Other than my genes, I don’t think I can attribute much of my success to my parents.” He expressed pride in his achievements, insisting that he has worked hard to ensure that his accomplishments are recognised as his own.
Sam further explained that he pursued roles independently rather than relying on familial connections, noting that his role in *White Noise* was obtained without the influence of his father’s agent. “I wanted to ensure that no one could say that I achieved anything because of anyone other than myself,” he revealed, demonstrating a strong-willed approach to his acting career.
Interestingly, while Sam was drawn to acting, his parents were initially hesitant about him entering the profession. “My parents really didn’t want me to be an actor, which I totally get,” he shared in a June 2025 interview with Variety. “It’s a really mentally tough career to be in.” Despite their concerns, Sam affirmed his passion for acting, indicating that he would pursue it regardless of his success.
Alessandro Nivola, in a conversation with PEOPLE earlier this year, expressed his pride in his son’s budding career. “He really doesn’t need my advice,” he remarked, acknowledging Sam’s independence as an actor. However, Alessandro also confirmed that he sometimes assists Sam in preparing for roles. “We’ve read through stuff together that he was rehearsing,” he explained, describing the support system within their artistic family.
As *Days Ending in Y* approaches its release, both Sam and James are poised to draw upon their friendship and shared experiences to deliver a captivating performance. With a promising narrative and a talented ensemble cast, the film is anticipated to resonate with audiences, showcasing the next generation of actors emerging from notable acting lineages.