Maxim Baldry plays Isildur, shaped by JRR Tolkien as a tragic hero. He confides in Tanzim Pardiwalla about how Tolkien and LOTR shaped his cinematic journey.
“Oh my gosh, we met in Mumbai! Lovely to see you again,” says Maxim Baldry over a long video chat weeks ahead of the release of The Lord Of The Rings: The Ring Of Power Season 2. His dreamy eyes lit up as I remind him of our in-person chat when the cast flew down to India for the series premiere in 2022. Back then, the actor was a kid in a candy store, leaning in to answer my questions. This time, the weight of expectations sits on his shoulders, although if you ask him, he says it isn’t all that heavy. The English actor, a bonafide Tolkien nerd, returns as Isildur for the second instalment of the popular fantasy series. Playing Isildur as a young boy pushed into manhood, Baldry speaks of experiencing everything from mesmerising sets to having a meet-cute in Middle-earth. Looking at him now, it’s wild to think that his acting journey began when he was 10 years old with Mr. Bean’s Holiday, an iconic 2007 comedy. But he has only just begun referring to himself as an actor, after years of doing odd jobs from being a delivery boy to a bartender. Each phase brings him closer to fulfilling the dreams of his inner child sitting on the sofa, reading Tolkien’s books, watching Peter Jackson’s films and hoping to be a part of the fantasy someday. Excerpts:
You started your career as a child actor in Mr. Bean’s Holiday, a film that’s much loved in India. How do you look back on that experience?
As a child actor, I relied heavily on instinct, not overthinking the script. This instinctive approach still guides me, especially with physical roles like Isildur’s, where you can’t overly prepare for things like scrambling in the mud with an orc. As you grow and learn more about acting, it becomes more intellectual and involves deeper rehearsal and discussion. On The Rings Of Power, the showrunners value our input, fostering an inspiring and collaborative environment. It’s a pleasure to start early, go through the extensive makeup process, and be part of a team creating something we’re all proud of.
You play Aragorn’s ancestor in The Rings of Power. Was that exciting or intimidating to take on?
Taking on Tolkien’s story comes with immense expectations, but we approach it with a deep love for fantasy. Entering Middle-earth is a daunting task and we aim to honour it faithfully. We did extensive research, including studying The Silmarillion. Despite Isildur’s significant lore, he remains fundamentally human and I wanted to emphasise that. He’s a boy transitioning to manhood, experiencing the full range of human emotions and struggles. It’s a big responsibility. But my goal is to portray the genuine human experience.
How surreal was it to return to the sets of The Rings of Power for Season 2?
Returning to the sets of The Rings Of Power for Season 2 was surreal. Each shoot excites me because of the grand, intricate scale. I recall filming the spider sequence, which was the only studio shoot amid all our location work. They created a claustrophobic spider cave with incredible detail—muddy, rocky and wet. The environment immerses you completely, making the acting process feel almost effortless. I loved every moment of it.
Fans have been thirsting for young Isildur, Elrond and even Sauron. How do you feel about these reactions?
I’m hearing this for the first time. But it’s exciting to play the younger versions of these characters. As a fan, I was eager to explore Elrond’s origins and his journey to Rivendell. Season 1 set up the worlds and characters, while Season 2 dives into the action. This season introduces Sauron in human form, a challenging role for Charlie Vickers, who has portrayed Halbrand and Annatar brilliantly. Being part of this and telling Isildur’s backstory is a privilege. I’m glad to receive positive feedback along the way.
Since very little is known about Isildur, apart from the text, did you look at the characters from Peter Jackson’s films during development?
That’s a great question. We know what Isildur does, but exploring where he starts has been key for JD Payne and Patrick McKay (showrunners). In Season 2, we delve into his growth and survival. He faces profound adversity, realising he’s abandoned by his family and people. This sudden thrust into manhood, having to fend for himself, shapes his character deeply. The losses he endures this season will influence the man he becomes and explain why he fails to destroy the One Ring. It’s been fascinating to portray this journey.t
As a fan of Tolkien’s works, did you find yourself having apprehensions about some of the things book fans wouldn’t agree with in the series?
I remember sitting on the sofa with my dad, watching The Lord Of The Rings, and thinking, “This is why I want to be an actor.” My dad was sceptical, saying it was a dream unlikely to come true. So, getting this role felt like a childhood dream realised. I was deeply aware of Tolkien’s world and aimed to create a meaningful romantic subplot for Isildur. If he were to have a love interest, it had to be profound, not just superficial. In Season 2, Isildur meets Estrid, a mysterious and captivating character. Their connection is rooted in shared loss, which makes Isildur open up to her in ways he hasn’t before. Trapped in Middle-earth, he finds solace and understanding through their relationship. This is where Tolkien’s world shines, through deep, meaningful connections that help characters make sense of their world.
Tell us about having a meet-cute in Middle-earth.
Despite the darkness in Middle-earth, there are moments of lightness and unexpected connections. Isildur is constantly on edge, even stabbing someone he mistakes for an orc. Yet, this encounter leads to a meaningful bond. Playing that scene was challenging because it needed to balance pain with lightheartedness. I’m glad it translated well and is received as such.
What were some of the challenges of getting into the physicality of the role?
In Season 2, Isildur’s physicality significantly intensifies. I had to hit the stunt room for the first time to handle the physical demands, which included strength and gym training. Night shoots were particularly tough; filming in the middle of the night was draining but it mirrored what Isildur was enduring. Tapping into these challenges as an actor helped bring authenticity to the role. Additionally, being covered in mud daily added hours to my makeup routine. But Sara, my makeup artist, was an incredible support throughout the shoot.
What was it like going from studying English literature and then quitting school to become an actor?
Choosing a path in life often involves confronting intense fear, dropping out of university was no easy decision for me. I reached a point where I knew I couldn’t continue on that path. Thankfully, I was able to pick up various odd jobs, although many of them weren’t ideal. I worked in bars and even as a delivery rider, which was particularly challenging. Being an actor is a unique lifestyle. But I was prepared for the uncertainty of juggling these odd jobs while pursuing my passion. It was the fear of being stuck in those unsatisfying jobs that drove me to persist. The relief of finally landing a role like this is profound. It genuinely changes your life. I only began to fully identify as an actor when I got this job. Before that, I would describe myself as an actor in the present moment, but with the constant uncertainty of whether I’d be back in a bar or delivering packages the next day. Donning that helmet and riding through the rain in London was never enjoyable. Now, with this role, I can proudly and confidently say I am an actor. This is a significant milestone, especially since I’ve been involved in acting since I was around 10 years old. It’s taken a long time to reach a point where I can be truly independent in this profession, and I take great pride in that achievement.
Are you going to continue making music?
Music has been a significant part of my life from a young age. My grandfather was a musician in a jazz band, so I was surrounded by jazz from the start. My grandmother was a ballerina, which meant that performance and music were always part of my environment. I’ve always been drawn to music. I picked up a guitar when I was 14. While I wouldn’t consider myself a virtuoso, music has served as a creative outlet for exploring my identity. I currently play in a band with some friends from school, and we tour around the UK. We take our music seriously. It’s more than just a hobby for us.
