Maxwell Jenkins

Maxwell Jenkins stars as the titular character Will Robinson in Netflix’s hit Sci Fi series Lost in Space, a remake of the popular 1968 show. This is the last and final season, which the audience sees Will coming into his own and taking on the role of hero in Season 3. He was recently seen opposite Mark Wahlberg in Joe Bell, streaming now. When not at work on set, Maxwell performs in his family’s Midnight Circus troupe and also plays mandolin and guitar in various bands in Chicago.

T-shirt by Harley Davidson
Jacket by KEISER Clark

How did you get into acting at such a young age?
I actually got into acting by accident. My mom was an actress and, for that reason, she didn’t want her kids to be in the business. But after passing on several auditions, she brought me to an interview, and the next thing I knew I was on a plane to Los Angeles for a screen test. It took off from there. I booked a series here in Chicago with James Cromwell and Henry Thomas (who was an idol for me as I was a huge ET fan). From there, the Wachowskis cast me in Sense8 for Netflix. At that time, I didn’t even have headshots and had never taken an acting class. I got really lucky because I was fortunate to work on really incredible projects over the years with incredibly talented and generous people and I got to learn on the job. I remember going to my first day of work ever. I was 8 years old and had no idea what to expect. My mom said as we were driving to set, “There is absolutely no way to prepare you for what’s about to happen, so all I can say is remember these three things: (1) Keep your eyes open. Sets can be chaotic. There’s going to be a hundred people working their butts off all focused on making you look good, so watch them and learn from them, they are the real magic makers. (2) Keep your ears open. Acting is listening and reacting and as long as you are truly listening you will always be okay. And (3) Don’t forget to say please and thank you. Kindness and good manners will take you further in life than about anything else.” I never forget that advice and I remind myself of it before every new project.

What was it like growing up in your family’s circus?
Growing up in Midnight Circus was incredible. I was able to perform alongside my Dad, who was my partner in the ring initially, which was awesome. I was also able to perform with such talented acrobats. I mean what kid wouldn’t want to grow up with real-life superheroes defying gravity before your eyes? I am so lucky that many of these exceptional artists took me under their wing and became mentors to me. They also taught me how to bend the laws of physics and gravity a bit too. Because our circus rehearsal studio is literally in our backyard, it was pretty common to see people flying through the air when I walked home from school. Our circus is also very much like a family. Artists gather for rehearsal and it’s very intense. We work together, play together, eat together for months each year (in that way it’s like working on a series). I’ve had acrobats from France help me with my French homework, jugglers help me with Math, and musicians help with English. We play music together too, so it’s a true family in every way. I’m so grateful to have had that experience as the key part of my childhood.

T-shirt by Harley Davidson
Jacket by KEISER Clark
Jeans by Levi’s
Chain by Alexander McQueen

What lessons did you learn in the circus that you believe have translated into your acting career?
The circus prepares you for anything in life really. I think the greatest thing the circus has taught me is the value of a good work ethic. This has been really helpful on set, especially a set like “Lost in Space,” which is both physically and emotionally demanding. Working in the circus has also taught me to be in the moment, which also applies to acting. When you are performing a circus trick, you can’t be thinking about anything but that moment or you could get really hurt. In acting, you can prepare and rehearse all you want, but being focused enough to adapt and react in the moment is really key. So, in a way, my training in the circus ring has really been the best kind of training to be on a film or television set. Circus is really hard work. It’s fun work, but it’s very taxing. As a circus artist, you don’t just do your act, you help put the tent up and down. I think it’s really given me a great appreciation of our crews on set. There’s no performance without the hundreds of people who work tirelessly on set, and I’ve understood and appreciated that from a very young age. There have been a lot of times on set when directors or crews will comment about how hard I am working and my response is always, “Nothing’s harder than the circus.”

Has it been difficult or nerve-wracking to work with such well-established actors, like Mark Wahlberg, when you yourself are so young?
It has never been nerve-wracking to work with well-established actors like Mark, but it has been humbling. I look at each experience as a chance to learn more about acting, especially as I have never had any formal acting training. I have also found that no matter how established the actor is, we all have the same goal, and that’s to tell the story. Any kind of nerves take a back seat to that really. I will say that my first day on Joe Bell was the most intense experience I’ve had. I had to improvise standing up to an angry and abusive father (played by Mark). I had never really had to improvise on a set before. But Reinaldo Green, the director, provided a really safe space where we could explore what was possible in each moment, and Mark was super open and supportive. It helped to have Connie Britton there too because she’s an actual queen and so nurturing. Again, I’ll say that I have been super lucky to work with real legends in the business since my first project at 8 years old with Patti Jenkins, James Cromwell, and Henry Thomas, to the next projects with the Wachowskis, Gerard Butler, Gretchen Mol, and, of course, Parker Posey and Toby Stephenswho remain like family to me and my family.

Sweater Vest by Salt Murphy
Shorts by DKNY
Shoes by Aime-Moi Paris
Belt bag by Supreme
Necklace by 8 Other Reasons
Beanie by Urban Outfitters

As someone who has worked in both films and TV Series, do you prefer either? If so, which one?
I actually love working in both. My experiences with film have offered such freedom and intimacy. I feel like that process can be much more collaborative than being on a tight TV schedule. But TV, especially streaming and in particular for me “Lost in Space,” well, that provides such stability and family. You’re together with your costars and the writers and showrunner much longer. It feels much more of a permanent connection as opposed to doing a film and moving on to the next. At least that’s been my experience so far. But, with streaming and the direction of TV now, it’s really like doing a film, just an epic 8–10-hour film. I guess what I am saying is, I like both. I want to do more films, but I’d also love to do another series at some point too.

You have often spoken out in favor of Animal Rights, what inspired this passion for you?
Having a passion for Animal Rights is something that came very naturally to me. I grew up with rescued Pitbulls. Some of my earliest childhood memories are sharing a bubble bath with Lola, on of our many rescued dogs. My dad has worked in animal welfare since before I was born. He rescues and rehabilitates dogs, as well as tirelessly advocates for treating our dogs with kindness and empathy. I share my home, the circus ring, and really my entire life with rescued animals, and I am a better person for it.

Sweater by Stylist Own
Jacket by Yeezy Mafia
Jeans by Amiri
Shoes by Jean-Baptiste Rautureau
Pearls by Vitaly

Of your various projects, which have been your favorites, and why have they resonated with you?
That’s a hard one. I’ve loved all the projects I’ve worked on and have certainly learned from each one. Of course, I would have to say my favorite has been “Lost in Space.” The cast and crew, writers, producers are like family to me. Will Robinson is such a cool character, and it was a true honor to play him. I remember Bill Mumy (The OG Will Robinson) told me after Season 1 that there was nothing like being Will Robinson, and I would have to say that I agree. So far anyway, it’s good to know the series is coming to an end so we had the ability to tell the complete story. That was a real gift from Netflix. The character arc is incredible, and in some ways aligns with my own coming of age. I grew up on “Lost in Space” and Will grows up on “Lost in Space” too. I would also have to say that working opposite Gerard Butler so closely on “Family Man” was something I will never forget. Gerry taught me a lot about the process and I don’t think I would be half the actor I am today had he not taken me under his wing.

What can we expect to see from your character in the upcoming season of “Lost in Space?”
The final season is EPIC in every way. Will has grown up a lot. The writers talked to me a lot about this being the end of the hero's journey, so there is a lot of action, but also so much heart involved. An older, sometimes wiser, sometimes more reckless, Will Robinson can be expected. Of course, you can also expect to see the true meaning of friendship and love. It’s a show with a big heart and that is certainly reflected in the third and final season.

Sweat Suit by Fairplay
Shirt by William Lei
Shoes by Jean-Baptiste Rautureau
Tie by Prada

What other goals or plans do you have for future projects?
My first plan is to get through high school. I’m a junior now, and because of the pandemic, I haven’t really been able to enjoy high school in person. So, I am doing that now, and having a great time, even though it’s school. In terms of future projects, I am excited to follow up Will Robinson with something totally different. I’d love to play a grittier, more flawed character. I have been involved in a few projects recently (that I can’t talk about yet) that have stretched me in different ways as an actor. I have to say it’s a ton of fun to play characters that are not so “ good” or well-intentioned. I’m also interested in developing my own projects. I love acting, but I also love creating the story, so I’m actively looking for ways to do that.

Social Media.
Instagram: @maxwelljenkins
Twitter: @maxwelljenkins8
Facebook: @maxwelljenkins8
TikTok: @maxwelljenkins