The Gambler is all about Jim Bennett’s (Mark Wahlberg) gambling addiction and his self-destructive habits, but one of the most engaging elements of the film is his relationship with Michael K. Williams’ character, Neville, a local loan shark who gives him a hefty sum to hit the tables.  He isn’t happy when Jim recklessly loses it all and then some, but, at the same time, there’s still something to suggest Neville genuinely wants to see Jim pull himself together.

With The Gambler making its way into theaters on December 25th, I got the opportunity to sit down with Williams to talk about that unique relationship, what it was like working with Wahlberg, whether or not he does much gambling himself and the status of The Purge 3.  Hit the jump to check it all out.

Michael K. Williams:

• Is he any good at gambling himself?
• On the unique relationship between Jim and Neville.
• Working with Mark Wahlberg.
• On the status of The Purge 3.