Maxim Roy – Shadowhunters

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been working on?

A) Last Fall, I was kind of busy. I was working on “Shadowhunters” and then I did a miniseries called “Bad Blood” that will air on City TV next Fall. It is based on the true story of Vito Rizzuto, a mafia godfather. I did that with Anthony LaPaglia and Kim Coates. I did Season Four of “19-2.” I was very fortunate to do an indie movie called A Worthy Companion with Evan Rachel Wood.

Q) How was Jocelyn Fray originally described to you and did that breakdown change from then to your ultimate portrayal?

A) They have actually gone very far away from the books for the second season. They went in their own direction and I feel that the way that I had understood Jocelyn from the books and what people had told me was that she was the queen of the Shadowhunters and very, very strong. I feel in the second season that she is not as strong as I thought she would be. It was also a big surprise on my part, in regards to the fandom. A lot of people don’t like Jocelyn from the books and I didn’t know that. I can’t really understand why, to be honest; because I hadn’t read all of the books. Maybe it is the rebellious teenager side and she is the controlling mom trying to protect her daughter and her daughter is fighting to be respected as a woman and as her own person. Maybe that is what it is, but a lot of the fans don’t like Jocelyn for some reason. That was one of the biggest surprises for me. I thought she was going to be stronger and much more of a leader knowing what we know about her past – that is what I was expecting.

Q) Was there something you added to her that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) I think I tried to add a bit more compassion and a bit more humanity to her. The next episode is a scene with Magnus (Harry Shum, Jr.) where he says, “You always manipulate people to do things according to yourself.” When we shot it I teared up, naturally, because I truly feel like that’s not Jocelyn. That’s not who she is. I think she does things for the right reasons. Maybe she is clumsy sometimes. Maybe what ends up happening from her actions is not what she was expecting and what she would hope for, but I don’t think her intentions are bad ever – that’s what you have to look at for anybody. If someone hurts your feelings, if the intention was to hurt your feelings that is one thing. If the intention is not to hurt your feelings, then it is forgivable. So, I think I tried to add it. I didn’t try to add it, but I think it came naturally to show that she is a victim. She’s a victim, too, as everyone else is so she is showing a bit more was on the page originally.

Q) What keeps challenging you about playing Jocelyn?

A) I have never been in a situation before where there is a fandom or shoot something from books where there is already a huge following. So, the thing I find difficult is reading the bad comments about Jocelyn. I have never experienced that. I have played unlikeable characters before, but I think with social media you see the reaction more and quicker. So, I think that is what I find the most difficult. And I tend to take it personally, which is stupid. But I tend to do that.

Q) What is it like for you working with Katherine McNamara?

A) Kat is the ultimate professional. She is extremely prepared and she is a Type-A. So, she shows up and has read everything, knows every character and has done her homework. So, it’s always easy. I’ve been doing this for twenty-seven years and it is fun to be working with someone who is younger and clearly doesn’t take it for granted. She shows up very well prepared so it’s great!

Q) With such a large cast, is there someone you’d like to work with that you haven’t yet or something you’d like to have more scenes with?

A) Alan [Van Sprang] who plays Valentine. I was in a coma so I didn’t really have any scenes with him last year. So, he had scenes with me, but I didn’t have scenes with him. I would love to have scenes with him, for sure. We could go at it! I’d love to kick his ass. Wouldn’t that be great? I think the one thing I’m kind of hoping to show a bit more about the adults and the backstory of the adults. Not the flashbacks, but to see them in action! Why are they so expected? We have to see them as Shadowhunters killing demons. We have to see that and I find that is lacking.

Q) What are some moments that fans can look forward to this season?

A) I think, especially for fans who haven’t read the books, I am looking forward to them understanding stuff. Understanding the whole Jace (Dominic Sherwood), Jonathan and Sebastian backstory. They are changing stuff to make it surprising for people that have read the book, but for people that haven’t read the books there will be some surprises. But I think that I’m looking forward to everything coming out. I am looking forward to the truth coming out. That’s what I’ll say.

Q) What do you think it is about “Shadowhunters” that has made it a fast fan favorite series?

A) The whole world of demons is always really, really attractive. I find even my friends in their 40’s watch the show because it is a fascinating world. It’s got good looking people on the show because all the kids are really good looking. I think it is a very interesting, intricate world with the runes and the powers. It is good versus evil and the mix of the legends. I thought that was a great tagline for Season One – “all the legends are true.” I think that alone attracts a lot of people.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure that fans know about Jocelyn and what is to come for her?

A) It is going to be a complete shock! I think there will be an uproar. I think people are going to be completely shocked in an episode that will come very soon. I don’t know if the fans are going to like it or hate it, but there will be mixed emotions for sure – completely in regards to Jocelyn.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you for understanding her. Thank you for understanding that she is a loving mother and her intentions are good. It comes from a really pure place. I think the big thing is a lot of the fans are reacting to Jocelyn as if she was their mom. I think that is kind of funny, odd and endearing, but I totally get it. Thank you for supporting her. For the fans that didn’t like Jocelyn in the movie or the book, but like my interpretation and what I’m doing then I am completely grateful.