In the upcoming season of “Maxton Hall,” actor Hardung reveals the complexities of his character, James, delving into the darker aspects of his psyche. In a conversation with ELLE Canada, he shared how familiarity with the character from Season 1 allows for a deeper exploration this time around. “The second time around with a character, you don’t need to do the exposé…You can just read it and intuitively have a picture in your head of how you want to do it,” Hardung explained. This freedom to grow and evolve is something he feels the audience is ready to embrace, unlike in the first season where fans may not have been prepared to navigate such depths of darkness with James.
As Hardung prepares for the launch of Season 2, he has been candid about the emotional toll of portraying James, especially as the character confronts profound grief and a sense of isolation within his family. James grapples with feelings of being unloved by his father while also pushing away his closest confidant. This complexity, according to Hardung, required him to fully embrace the character’s struggles. He noted that the second season was the most intense filming experience of his career, stating, “We really explore what all of this does to a person with a brutally honest perspective.”
The narrative promises to not only challenge the character of James but also engage viewers on a deeper emotional level, offering a reflection on grief, love, and the search for belonging. As the audience joins James on this tumultuous journey, they may find themselves reflecting on their own experiences with sorrow and healing, marking a season that emphasizes resilience amidst pain.