Theo James and Stephen Fry Team Up for Grotesque New Film

Theo James and Stephen Fry Expose Ocean Destruction in Shocking New Film
By Alex Doyle | Updated: 14:33 BST, 8 June 2025

[IMAGE: Theo James and Stephen Fry on set, covered in fake bycatch. Caption: "Theo James and Stephen Fry star in The Bottom Line, a film highlighting the devastation of bottom trawling."]

Theo James (White Lotus, The Gentleman) and Stephen Fry (Jeopardy!) have joined forces for a startling short film, The Bottom Line, shedding light on the environmental horrors of industrial fishing. The project, created for the ocean conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation, depicts the grim reality of "sustainable" fishing practices.

In the 90-second clip, Theo, 40, plays a diner at an upscale restaurant, questioning Stephen’s character—a smug waiter—about the origins of his "sustainably caught" fish. Stephen, 67, responds with eerie cheerfulness, explaining how bottom trawling devastates marine ecosystems: “Up to 80% of what’s caught is discarded or destroyed.”

[IMAGE: Theo covered in debris. Caption: "Theo James reacts as bycatch crashes onto his table in the film’s grotesque climax."]

The scene takes a visceral turn when Theo is suddenly buried under a deluge of dead sea creatures—a graphic representation of “bycatch” (non-target species killed during fishing). “It’s in my mouth! Stop, please!” he screams, highlighting the wastefulness of the practice.

Stephen Fry, a longtime environmental advocate, shared his outrage: “Bottom trawling in protected areas is morally corrupt. I’ve seen the destruction firsthand—it turns thriving ecosystems into wastelands.” Theo, an avid diver, added: “This film made me grasp how grotesque bottom trawling truly is. We need change now.”

[IMAGE: Director Ben Mallaby on set. Caption: "BAFTA-nominated director Ben Mallaby helmed the project."]

Directed by Ben Mallaby (Borderlands, Island Queen), the film aims to pressure UK lawmakers to ban bottom trawling in marine protected areas. Blue Marine Foundation reports that 90% of British marine reserves remain unprotected from such practices, endangering species and habitats.

Why It Matters:

• Bottom trawling drags heavy nets across the ocean floor, destroying coral and seabed ecosystems.
• Over 1,000 UK vessels engage in this method, often in protected zones.
• The UK government has delayed a proposed ban until 2025, despite urgent calls from scientists.

[IMAGE: Graphic of trawling impact. Caption: "Bottom trawling devastates marine life, capturing 80% non-target species."]

Both actors hope the film’s shocking imagery will spur public action. “It’s unsettling, but necessary,” Theo emphasized. Stephen added: “We must protect our oceans before it’s too late.”

The Bottom Line is now streaming on Blue Marine Foundation’s social platforms.

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