Bringing Maksim to Life: Taylor Napier on Portraying a Bisexual, Polyamorous Character in The Wheel of Time

The Wheel of Time star Taylor Napier had just returned to Los Angeles when he joined me for a Zoom call. Despite his recent flight, Taylor looked fresh, with his slightly tousled hair and casually stylish outfit. Behind him, a guitar hung on the wall, surrounded by shelves of books, hinting at his creative spirit.

The timing of our conversation was perfect as the third season of The Wheel of Time had just premiered. Taylor was excited to discuss the series, which is based on the beloved fantasy novels by Robert Jordan and brought to life on Prime Video. "It's fantastic," Taylor shared, "It’s being well received, and it’s been lovely to share something we started filming two years ago."

In the series, Taylor portrays Maksim, a warder and protector of Alanna, an Aes Sedai who can channel a powerful energy. Alanna's first warder, Ihvon, is not just a fellow protector but also a beloved partner for both Alanna and Maksim, forming a loving polyamorous relationship. As season three begins, the tranquility of their relationship is shattered by a dramatic battle, resulting in Ihvon's tragic death.

Exploring Love and Loss

This loss profoundly impacts the dynamic between Maksim and Alanna. "It changes everything," Taylor explained. "Maksim’s role as a warder was intertwined with his love for Ihvon. While he loves Alanna, Ihvon was the love of his life." This emotional upheaval forces the remaining members of the throuple to navigate their grief together, all while facing new challenges and dangers.

Bringing the polyamorous relationship to life on screen was aided by the natural chemistry between Taylor, Priyanka Bose, and Emmanuel Imani. "We wanted to portray the communication that’s vital in polyamorous relationships," Taylor said. "We constantly checked in with each other, creating a functional and realistic relationship."

Representation Matters

Maksim’s character also provides rare representation of bisexuality in mainstream media. "Playing a bisexual character feels special," Taylor noted. "It’s important to explore what being bisexual actually means, beyond stereotypes and clichés." The show’s portrayal of diverse queer relationships has resonated with fans, enhancing the richness of its world. Taylor emphasized, "Representation is crucial, especially now."

The series not only highlights Maksim’s story but also features other queer characters, such as Moiraine Damodred and the newly confirmed couple Aviendha and Elayn. The inclusive nature of the show reflects the underlying themes present in the original books, now brought to the forefront.

Fighting for LGBTQ+ Visibility

In today’s socio-political climate, where the LGBTQ+ community faces increasing challenges, stories like The Wheel of Time take on even greater significance. Taylor observed, "There’s been a noticeable backpedaling in representation. We need to continue telling diverse and complex queer stories."

Despite these challenges, Taylor remains hopeful. "I hope our show can be a beacon, proving there’s space for these stories. We’ve just begun to explore the complexity of being queer."

The Wheel of Time continues to stream on Prime Video, inviting viewers to engage with its rich tapestry of characters and themes. Taylor Napier’s portrayal of Maksim not only brings authenticity to the screen but also sparks vital conversations about love, identity, and representation.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the show and its representation of queer relationships. Share your perspectives in the comments below, and let’s keep the dialogue respectful and open.