Amir Wilson stars in His Dark Materials

HBO Max has been making the headlines this month with the release of over 17 new films from Warner Brothers in 2021 on its streaming service. The brand has also been putting out hit after hit of its own including The Flight Attendant and Industry including His Dark Materials which is currently premiering its second season and ready for binging now! Actor Amir Wilson plays Will Parry in the second season of the show. We caught up with him to talk about the show, his style of course, and what inspires him on and off the screen

MM: Needless to say, we are all working from home this year for the most part! How are you doing with the pandemic, have you managed to learn a new hobby or return to a past love?

AW: I have been doing a lot of cycling, actually.

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Photographer: Nick Thompson; Stylist: Rose Forde and Groomer: Carlos Ferraz

MM: How would you describe His Dark Materials, and what they can expect from season 2?

AW: It’s quite complex there are so many different storylines going on.  In season two you get to see the journey that Lyra and my character Will get to go on. You also get to see witches, spectors, I think it is much darker than season 1 as a whole. I think you have a lot to look forward to.

MM: Was there a favorite moment filming this season?

AW: My favorite part of filming is going to have to be the knife fight in season 2. I had such fun filming that. I trained a good amount for the boxing scene, and with the knife fight, we trained to make sure it was perfect!

MM: Did you look to any other fictional characters in film or literature to inspire your portrayal of Will?

AW: I based him off the character in the books and a bit of me actually. Bits of my personality definitely comes out in the character.

MM: During the pandemic, we imagine you have had plenty of time to fantasize about future roles! If you could take on the role of Spider-man or Green Lantern Corp. which would you prefer?

AW: Spider-Man 100%! Spider-Man is probably one of my favorite Marvel superheroes. He is the guy! I would love to play Miles Morales.

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MM: A lot of heroes in film and literature represent a morality of sorts. As a human where do you pull experience and inspiration from to play the good guy in His Dark Materials?

AW: I guess the people around me. My mom 100%. My mom is so loving and so caring. She makes sure everything is right for me. That’s kinda what Will does for his mom in the book.

MM: What have you been wearing at home once lockdown happened, has it changed your style much?

AW: I wouldn’t say my style has changed much but I definitely got used to wearing comfy clothes. I didn’t touch jeans for the entirety of lockdown.

MM: Do you have any style icons?

AW: I like what I see on Timothée Chalamet.  His outfits at the Met Gala and stuff. I also like what Dave the rapper wears like Stone Island.

MM: Which actor wins best dressed (before they go into costume and makeup) on the set of His Dark Materials?

AW: Ariyon Bakare! He’s always wearing nice jackets, shoes or boots. He’s always looking good.

MM: Who do you admire?

AW: My mom definitely. She has dedicated so much of her life to helping me achieve my goals. I am the first to ever get into the industry so it is really special.

MM: Who challenges your thought process and approach as an actor the most?

AW: Myself really. I am always telling myself what is working and what isn’t. I worked with an acting coach called Bryan when I was in Prague. He made me think more about what I was doing and made it more real for me. The real acting process by reflecting my real life to what I do now as an actor. So I thank him a lot for that.

MM: Last time you laughed extremely hard?

AW: My friends. I went camping with my friends this weekend for one night. Always good times and a lot of laughing.

MM: Words to live by?

AW: Rules are meant to be broken.  I don’t mean that in a bad way. I just mean sometimes you have to take risks and that is part of growing up. You can learn from your mistakes and that is what helps you grow.