Taylor Napier Talks Maksim & LGBTQ+ Representation in The Wheel of Time Season 3

EXPLORING MAKSIM AND LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION IN "WHEEL OF TIME" SEASON 3 WITH TAYLOR NAPIER

Season 3 of The Wheel of Time is set to premiere on March 13, 2025, on Amazon Prime, and fans couldn’t be more excited to return to its epic fantasy world. In this interview with Taylor Napier, who plays Maksim, we explore what’s ahead for his character, the significance of LGBTQ+ representation, and some behind-the-scenes moments fans will love.

Maksim’s Journey in Season 3: What to Expect

Taylor Napier teased that the new season starts with a bang—literally. "The first eleven minutes kick us off real strong, and then we just ratchet it up," he shared.

Maksim’s evolution as a warder takes center stage this season. His relationships with Alanna and Ihvon are explored in more depth, showcasing his vulnerabilities and strengths. "It’s about showing the evolution of someone from a novice warder to being a great warder and a man," Taylor reflected.

LGBTQ+ Representation in The Wheel of Time

Maksim stands out as one of the few explicitly LGBTQ+ characters in The Wheel of Time, and Taylor acknowledges the importance of this role. "I think it’s important to have that representation in the fantasy world," he said.

What makes Maksim’s portrayal even more groundbreaking is how queerness is normalized in the Wheel of Time universe. "It’s beautiful to play someone who doesn’t carry societal baggage and can just be himself," Taylor explained.

Beyond queerness, Maksim’s relationship with Alanna and Ihvon represents a rare example of polyamory in mainstream fantasy. Taylor emphasized that the show doesn’t just label them as polyamorous—it authentically portrays the layers, conflicts, and deep emotional bonds within their dynamic.

The Complex Warder-Aes Sedai Bond

One of the most fascinating aspects of Maksim’s character is his role as a warder. In Season 3, we will see more of the intricate bond between warders and their Aes Sedai. Taylor described the emotional and magical challenges that come with this relationship.

"Are you on an endless feedback loop where your sadness contributes to her sadness, which contributes to your sadness? How do you get out of that?" Taylor pondered, highlighting the psychological depth of these magical connections.

He also shared insights into the dynamic between Maksim and Ihvon, ensuring there is no visible hierarchy between them despite Ihvon being more senior. "We worked hard to ensure there was no visual hierarchy between Maksim and Ihvon," he noted.

Behind-the-Scenes: Snacks, Stunts, and Fan Love

Fans of Maksim will be delighted to learn that Season 3 includes some "big snack moments." While Taylor couldn’t reveal much, he teased, "There’s definitely a fun thing happening!"

When it comes to action, filming fight sequences comes with challenges. "The day after is the most challenging part—when you’re really sore," Taylor joked. He also highlighted the difficulty of working with CGI-powered channeling effects. "You’re constantly thinking, ‘Am I stepping through a weave that would kill me?’"

Taylor expressed immense gratitude for the Wheel of Time fandom. One of the most touching fan tributes was a Maksim-themed thirst-trap calendar created to raise money for charity. "The Maksim calendar helped buy books for kids in the UK!" he shared.

Maksim’s Growth and Taylor Napier’s Takeaways

Maksim’s backstory, particularly his troubled relationship with his father, plays a key role in shaping his character. However, through his relationships with Alanna and Ihvon, we see him grow emotionally. "He’s always searching for love and acceptance, and he’ll take it wherever he can find it," Taylor reflected.

Portraying Maksim has also impacted Taylor on a personal level. "Maksim owns his space, and that’s something I’ve tried to take on more in my own life," he shared.

What to Look Forward to in Wheel of Time Season 3

While Taylor remained tight-lipped about spoilers, he did tease an epic moment from the trailer: Maksim shouting while shooting arrows. "It’s like living out your medieval fantasy childhood dream," he said excitedly.

Season 3 is set to deliver powerful moments, intense battles, and deeply emotional character arcs.

Celebrating Representation and Storytelling

Taylor Napier’s dedication to authentic storytelling shines in his portrayal of Maksim. From LGBTQ+ and polyamorous representation to high-stakes warder action, his role in The Wheel of Time is a game-changer for fantasy television.

Season 3 of The Wheel of Time premieres on March 13, 2025—what are you most excited to see? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to tune in on Amazon Prime!