Kayvan Novak‘s portrayal of the ancient, yet clueless, vampire Nandor the Relentless in “What We Do in the Shadows” has become a fan favourite. But there’s a surprising source of inspiration behind one of Nandor’s most hilarious and poignant episodes: Novak’s own father.

The episode in question is “The Night Market,” where Nandor, desperate for some excitement, decides to open a “Nandor’s Emporium” stall at a local night market. This leads to hilarious chaos as he attempts to sell his vampire wares to unsuspecting humans. While the episode is full of absurdity, it also reveals a surprising depth to Nandor’s character, as he struggles to connect with the modern world and find purpose.

Novak has admitted that his father, a successful businessman, inspired Nandor’s “hustle” and “determination” to succeed at the night market. He has also shared that his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and desire to connect with people resonate with Nandor’s character.

The episode’s success lies in its balance of humour and heart. It’s both hilarious to watch Nandor’s attempts to sell “cursed” items and heartwarming to see his genuine desire to engage with the outside world. By drawing inspiration from his own father, Novak has created a unique and relatable character in Nandor, proving that even the most seemingly ridiculous situations can hold profound insights.

“The Night Market” serves as a testament to the power of real-life experiences to shape fictional characters. Kayvan Novak’s father, unintentionally, became a key ingredient in crafting a truly memorable episode of “What We Do in the Shadows,” adding a unique layer of depth and relatability to Nandor’s character.