Interview by Juan Marco Torres.
Amir Wilson is a British actor. He started acting at the young age of eight with a theatre group in London. Fast-forward eight years later, and the actor is now playing the lead role in HBO’s His Dark Materials as Will Parry – a twelve year old boy set up to uncover the mysteries of a fantastical parallel universe. ContentsMan sat down in conversation with Wilson on his career, life during the past year, and his experience filming his most recent project.
JMT: We got to see a quick glimpse of Will Parry in Season 1 of His Dark Materials. What was it like stepping fully into the central role in Season 2?
AW: Will’s arc in season one definitely prepared me for what I could expect in season two, especially all of the intense adventure sequences that Will and Lyra endure together. I feel like Will’s appearance in the first season allowed me to come to grips with the character and allowed me the time and space to understand him better. Although I did film my scenes in season one only a month before we started production on season two, it still allowed me to process the full scope of this journey I was about to jump into.
JMT: 2020 has been a roller coaster of a year. How are you doing as we reach the end of it? What have you learned?
AW: I learned that seeing people and socializing (in a safe capacity of course) is really good for our mental health. I also realized how much we take for granted our “normal” life. It’s strange that only when things go wrong that we really appreciate how lucky we are.
JMT: You started your acting career when you were just eight years old with a theatre group. How does it feel being here eight years later and seeing your career developing with such success?
AW: I feel so blessed and lucky. Life is changing for me fast in a very positive way, and I owe so much to the people around me for helping me achieve my goals. I want to extend a HUGE shoutout to my mum for being such an instrumental part of getting me to where I am today.
JMT: Has your upbringing and family played a particular role in you becoming an actor?
AW: I’m actually the first person in my family to pursue acting at this degree. When I first started acting, everyone in my family was incredibly supportive by attending performances for the theatre shows I starred in, and they continue to encourage me through every audition, whether or not I book the role.
JMT: Can you share a bit about what drew you to the role of Will Parry?
AW: From the beginning, I’ve always been so intrigued with Will’s qualities of being a genuine person. Not going to lie, I also was so excited about playing the role after reading the knife fight scene in the books and in the script. It’s been a dream to play such a beloved and dynamic character, and it’s a huge honor to help bring Phillip Pullman’s story to the screen.
JMT: What sides of Amir were you able to bring to the role of Will in the series?
AW: Hopefully I was able to bring a more funny and daring side to Will. Humor and thrill are things that are inherently in my blood, and I hope those qualities were portrayed naturally in the performance.
JMT: His Dark Materials takes us through fantastic parallel universes. Can you talk me through your experience on set?
AW:I can’t explain how thankful I am for the art and production teams and the amazing sets they built for us. They successfully created a real world for the entire cast to play in, allowing us all to feel transported to these places. The Cittàgazze set was crafted like a functioning mini-town that was built on the backlot of the studio, complete with a real bakery and barber shop, among other places. These realistic sets allowed us a rare opportunity to exist in these fictional worlds.
JMT: What are you doing when you are not working on acting projects?
AW: Right now, my biggest priorities are attending my college classes and seeing my friends when I can. I live a pretty normal life. In my spare time, I love to go rock climbing. During lockdown, I got myself a bike which has kept me busy and given me a new mode of transportation around London.
JMT: There seems to be a natural sense of connection between Lyra and Will throughout the series, although there is a sense of mistrust between them. What do you think brings these two characters so well?
With Lyra and Will – opposites attract. Lyra is really spontaneous and has a tendency to rush into things. On the flip side, Will is used to approaching everything with careful thought and always likes to have a plan. As the story progresses, we get to see Will and Lyra to learn from each other and ultimately better each other. They both learn to trust and value each other over time.
JMT: You are no stranger to acting in fantasy TV shows with your previous role in Netflix’s The Letter for the King. What draws you about this genre?
AW: I’ve always been drawn to living in a unique universe that is worlds different from my everyday life. I’ve been lucky to play all sorts of roles that are based on existing works of fiction. I’m ready for a new challenge in playing a role that is original or set in modern times. I’m very excited to see what is next.
