Actor Taylor Napier stars in the hit Prime Video fantasy series The Wheel of Time, a sprawling adaptation of Robert Jordan’s beloved novels. In this candid episode of Actors With Issues, which you can watch below, the actor reflects on his journey as an actor, the importance of queer representation in fantasy, and what keeps him grounded in an ever-changing industry.
Redefining Success
When Taylor Napier began acting, his goals were modest. “At the beginning for me, success always looked like I just want to do something. I just want to have a few lines on a TV show and support myself,” he said. But as with many actors, success evolves.
“You get one wall down and then there’s not a beautiful green pasture on the other side. It’s just another wall that’s thicker and harder to get over,” he shared. “Every step along the way, you set up another goal that’s even loftier, and suddenly you’re like, oh, well, I’m not achieving that, so I’m not successful.”
Napier was candid about the mental toll of the entertainment industry, especially when validation feels external. “The confidence you need to have to be successful in this industry, unfortunately, has to come from within. But the whole system is kind of based around you being given approval by other people.”
Staying Focused Through Industry Shifts
Despite a tumultuous few years—pandemic shutdowns and dual strikes—Napier considers himself fortunate. “I got cast in [The Wheel of Time] in 2019. My last day of shooting on season one was the last day before they shut down from the pandemic.”
Though he acknowledges the privilege of having steady work, he also feels the weight of an industry in flux. “Now that season three is out and we haven’t really been filming any of that, I’ve been feeling that. It’s maddening. It’s infuriating.”
He adds, “I think the strikes are an easy scapegoat for why this is all happening. But I think there was some slowdowns before that.”
The Push to Create Your Own Work
Many actors today feel pressured to become content creators. Napier recognizes the value but also shares his ambivalence. “I don’t particularly love producing short content for YouTube. It’s not my jam. I want to make longer things or theatrical things.”
Still, he understands the necessity: “If it keeps you motivated, and if it is good for your mental health, then that’s what you should do.” He encourages actors to “shift the way you think of yourself” and explore all avenues of expression, from writing to theater groups.
Crafting His Role in The Wheel of Time
With its intricate lore and massive ensemble, The Wheel of Time demands full immersion. “There’s so much work that goes into the physicality of this character,” Napier said. Each stunt involves one to two weeks of rehearsal. “We have this amazing stunt crew… they don’t let you off the hook.”
He adds, “Eventually you’re like, oh, I am good at this… When I watch back, I’m like, oh, that actually looks really good. That’s not embarrassing at all.”
Even the accent work requires careful attention. “Between the first and second season… I was just remembering what my character’s voice sounded like.”
Emotionally, Napier balances staying in character with remaining present on set. “If it’s a very emotional scene… I try to stay in a state. But if it’s more jovial or expositional, I like to stay present with the cast. That keeps me present in the scene.”
Queer Joy in Fantasy Worlds
Napier has spoken openly about queer representation in fantasy. “It’s a world that is not our own and it allows for an escape that feels fantastic.” He adds, “Typically it’s a genre in which people who are different are celebrated… or they have a secret that makes them more.”
In The Wheel of Time, queerness is treated as a non-issue. “There was never a moment where any of these characters were ever judged for their sexual orientation. That was really important to all of us making it.”
He appreciates that fantasy can provide a refuge. “Sometimes it’s us being afraid because of our experiences… when you’ve been made to feel afraid so many times, you walk into spaces with a defense mechanism. To not have that because you’re queer was really interesting.”
Representation and Visibility
Growing up in a small Southern town, Taylor Napier didn’t see many queer characters who reflected his own experience. “We just watched Will & Grace, which is amazing, but has a very narrow perspective.”
He didn’t find relatable representation until later. “It wasn’t until I started watching Queer as Folk or reading Angels in America that I saw characters that felt dynamic and nuanced.”
Even today, challenges remain. “Last year, I met with a producer… and they said, ‘The problem with our last film was the male lead was gay and there was no chemistry with the woman.’ I couldn’t believe they said that.”
He reflects, “No one’s not getting a job because they’re straight. But I still think people don’t get a job because they’re gay or queer.”
You can watch our full interview with Taylor Napier above, or tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
