“The Wheel of Time” star Taylor Napier sits down with DAMAN to discuss the series‘ latest season, his passion for travel and his most memorable trips
Taylor Napier began his acting journey in 2012, building a diverse filmography spanning multiple genres. However, his role as Maksim in Amazon Prime’s epic series “The Wheel of Time” propelled him into the spotlight. Beyond acting, Napier showcased his storytelling skills with his writing debut, “Atacama,” a 2018 short psychological thriller. Following a photoshoot with DA MAN, the actor opens up about the latest season of “The Wheel of Time” and how his love for travel has shaped his perspective on acting and life.
DA MAN: Hi Taylor, before we dive in, how’s 2025 treating you so far?
Taylor Napier: So far so good! It‘s been hectic as hell but good. I think this week is the first time I’ve spent more than three nights in one place since the beginning of the year. It’s nice to feel settled.
DA: With the third season of “The Wheel of Time” premiering this March, can you share insights into the filming experience?
TN: Filming “The Wheel of Time” is always an epic adventure spanning multiple countries and continents. It’s an incredible experience. Since most of us are away from home for the entire shoot, the cast and crew become like family. We’ve endured three seasons, filming through COVID lockdowns and industry strikes, which created a bond that only comes from facing challenges together.
DA: What can the audience expect from the new season? Are there any particular themes or character arcs you‘re excited for fans to see?
TN: Season 3 is bigger, bolder and more badass than anything we’ve done before—maybe bigger than anything that’s ever been attempted on TV. That might be a bit much but we really go all out. It’s fun, confident and daring. I’m honestly excited for fans to see the whole thing because I believe we’ve created something truly special this season. “The Wheel of Time” is unique because it blends emotional depth with epic spectacle and I think we excel at both this time.
DA: Looking back to the start of it all, what drew you to your character—Maksim? How do you relate to him on a personal level?
TN: Maksim may be a warder—our version of a knight or bodyguard—but he leads with his heart, which makes him different from the stereotypical fighter, soldier or warrior characters you often see. That doesn’t mean he isn’t a badass—he is—but he’s also not afraid to show emotion and be vulnerable with those he loves. When he loves, he does so with everything he has. I’ve always connected with Maksim’s sharp sense of humor. He’s quick-witted but his jokes often mask deeper pain. There’s always something behind the humor—it’s his way of coping and I think we can all relate to that.
DA: How did you prepare for all the action scenes? Did you undergo specific training or adopt new routines for the role?
TN: So much training! I’m constantly in stunt rehearsals for upcoming sequences. This season, we spent a full month rehearsing one fight. It was massive—probably one of the most insane things I’ve ever been a part of. We even set off the largest on-camera explosion ever done in the Czech Republic, where most of the series was filmed. The ground shook and a few production cars actually got damaged from the force of it. Naturally, we rehearsed that quite a bit for safety. Maksim also fights with a spear, daggers, a broadsword, a bow and arrow and even a katana this season. He’s a jack of all trades when it comes to weapons so I have to at least look like I know what I’m doing. That means a ton of training, but our stunt team is incredible..
DA: How has your character evolved since his first appearance in the first season until today?
TN: The Maksim you meet in season one is still a boy. Despite his dark past, his life is relatively stable—until the two people he loves most are drawn into the high-stakes mission to find and protect the Dragon Reborn, a responsibility Maksim would rather avoid. This season, he truly steps into manhood. He endures an immense amount of trauma throughout the season and by the end, he emerges wiser, stronger and perhaps a little more certain about what he wants out of life. A major theme this season is stepping into responsibility even when it’s not the path you would have chosen.
DA: On a broader note, are there any specific character types or genres that you would love to explore?
TN: I’m desperate to play a spy. I just love the world of espionage. It’s obviously sexy, but there’s also a hint of fun in the genre that makes it a feast for an actor.
DA: Are there any directors or writers you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
TN: I have a ton of writer friends with amazing projects coming up, so I’d love to work with any of them in any capacity. As for directors, I’ve always admired how visceral Darren Aronofsky’s films are. You can’t watch one of his movies without being completely swept away—exactly the way he intends.
DA: Out of all the roles you’ve played throughout your career, which are your favorites?
TN: Maksim is pretty great, to be honest. But I recently played Edmund in “King Lear,” and I loved it. I think we can all relate to feeling like we haven’t been given what we’ve earned or deserve just because of who we are or where we come from. He’s villainous, but in many ways, he’s also right. He just takes it a little too far too fast.
DA: What are the key factors that have helped you succeed in the entertainment industry?
TN: Never giving up. Being stubborn. Having a plan and sticking to it no matter how bleak it feels. Developing a skin thin enough to be sensitive as an actor but thick enough not to crumble under constant criticism—which will only get worse the higher you climb.
Have skin thin enough to be sensitive to be an actor, but thick enough not to crumble under the constant criticism, which only gets worse the higher you climb
DA: We checked your Instagram account and saw that you love traveling. Can you tell us about your favorite destinations? How have your travels influenced your perspective on life and acting?
TN: I can’t name just one—it’s too hard, and it depends on my mood. I adore Sri Lanka; the people and the food are magical, and there’s something for almost everyone.
Greece is another favorite, especially once you start going off the beaten path. There’s something otherworldly about those islands—they almost demand that you relax.
Travel forces you to confront things about yourself and puts you in situations that can be uncomfortable but also incredible. You have to adapt quickly, which I think translates well to both life and acting.
DA: Can you share some of the most unforgettable trips you’ve ever had?
TN: The craziest trip I’ve ever done was a two-week hike through the Mustang region of Nepal. It didn’t open to tourists until the ’90s, and they still limit the number of visitors at one time. It was tough—sleeping on thin mats on concrete floors, walking 12 to 13 miles a day straight uphill, no cell service… but I’m so glad I did it. The scenery was breathtaking, and the people we met—it’s something I’ll never forget. Plus, it’s always good to test your limits once in a while.
DA: Are there any destinations you’ve been wanting to visit?
TN: I’ve been to Bali, but I’d love to see more of Indonesia and Malaysia. Both are spectacular countries with rich and varied histories.
DA: Lastly, are there any future projects you can tell us about?
TN: I have a couple of fun things coming out later in 2025—maybe even next year—but I’m not sure I’m allowed to say anything about them just yet.
Photography Lens by Mi
Styling Kimberly Yvette Goodnight & Cirque Alexi
Grooming Sonia Lee for Exclusive Artists using Balmain Hair and Jaxon Lane