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‘Half Man’s’ Mitchell Robertson Diving Into the Sexual Tension Between Niall & Ruben [VIDEO]

The Newcomer Does Emmy-Worthy Work In The HBO Max Series

Frank J. Avella by Frank J. Avella
June 5, 2026
in Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series, Emmy Awards, Featured Story, Featured Television, Interviews, LGBTQ, News, Television
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‘Half Man’s’ Mitchell Robertson Diving Into the Sexual Tension Between Niall & Ruben [VIDEO]

Photograph by Anne Binckebanck/HBO

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Is Niall in love with Ruben? And does Ruben feel the same way? That is one of the many fascinating Half Man discussion topics with the captivating Mitchell Robertson.

Half Man is Richard Gadd’s follow up to his immensely successful Netflix series Baby Reindeer and is currently streaming on HBO MAX. The show chronicles the sometimes-toxic relationship between two non-blood brothers, Niall and Ruben, played as teens by (Robertson & Stuart Campbell and as adults by Richard Gadd & Jamie Bell.

Episode one opens at the wedding of older Niall, with an uninvited Ruben crashing and instantly turning violent. The series then flashes back to the boys at ages 15 and 17, and how they become bonded. Their very strange relationship develops, and both boys connect with each other, until they don’t. Until they do…

The dark and daring series deals with male rage, sexual repression, shame and trauma. Those last three can easily be monikers for young Niall, who hero worships Ruben, to the point of deeply crushing on him. The boys refer to themselves as, “My brother from another lover,” since their moms are in a lesbian relationship.

All four actors do remarkable work and should be in the Emmy conversation. Robertson is especially deft at showing us Niall’s complex and conflicting feelings towards Ruben as well as giving us glimpses into his own internalized homophobia.

Born in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, Robertson is at the center of the first three episodes, along with Campbell. The actor and writer is a relative newcomer to the industry having appeared in the TV miniseries, A Very British Scandal, episodes of Marriage, Mayflies, Grace and Moonflower Murders as well as a major role in the limited series Curfew.

The Contending had a great VIDEO chat with this upcoming star.

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Tags: Half ManJamie BellMitchell RobertsonRichard GaddStuart Campbell
Frank J. Avella

Frank J. Avella

Frank J. Avella is a proud staff writer for The Contending and an Edge Media Network contributor. He serves as the GALECA Industry Liaison (Home of the Dorian Awards) and is a Member of the New York Film Critics Online. As screenwriter/director, his award-winning short film, FIG JAM, has shown in Festivals worldwide and won numerous awards. Recently produced stage plays include LURED & VATICAN FALLS, both O'Neill semifinalists. His latest play FROCI, is about the queer Italian-American experience. Frank is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild.

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