At a young age, LOST IN SPACE actor Maxwell Jenkins has already worked with some of the topnotch creators and people in the industry like Patty Jenkins (Betrayal), Lana and Lilly Wachowski (Sense8), David Nutter, Gerard Butler (A Family Man), Mark Wahlberg and Connie Britton (Good Joe Bell). His experiences growing up performing in a circus with his family helped develop his skills as an actor and as an entertainer.

In the Season 2 release of the Netflix series, which is a re-imagining of the 1965 series with the same title, Jenkins plays the character of Will Robinson, a character who embarks and navigates on various adventures and relationships in space.

In this exclusive interview, the young actor dishes on the new season’s surprises, Carrying the legacy of playing Will Robinson, growing up in a circus, managing his time, being inspired by Captain America and playing Joseph Bell in Good Joe Bell.

What’s the best part of playing Will Robinson in Lost in Space?

The best part about being Will Robinson is carrying on the legacy of such an iconic character. Will Robinson meant so much to so many people and it’s an honor and a huge responsibility to play this role. Another thing is meeting the amazing people that make up the cast and crew of Lost in Space. I was able to learn so much. Working with the likes of Parker Posey, Toby Stephens and Molly Parker allowed me to grow as an actor and as a human being. I have also been lucky that the crew has really taken me under their wing and taught me about filmmaking. As a kid, I wouldn’t normally get these experiences. It was also incredible to meet the fans of Lost in Space from so many different generations. The other thing I really love about Will Robinson is his compassion. We always say if Will had a super power, it would be his compassion. I think the world needs more of that, especially these days!

What are the differences between your portrayal of this version of Will from the 60’s version?

I had the opportunity to meet Bill Mumy during season 1 filming. We instantly bonded over comic books and Pete Seeger. We shared stories about wearing spacesuits and going to school on set. He has become a really good friend and mentor to me. When we originally spoke about being Will Robinson, he mentioned how he patterned his Will off of Bucky Barnes and I mentioned how my inspiration was Captain America (Steve Rogers). I think the biggest difference is that in my version of Will Robinson, Will starts out timid and unsure of himself, and he grows to be a hero by the end of Season 1. In Bill’s version, Will was always a hero! But both Wills are really smart, brave characters, they just show it in different ways.

How excited are you for Season 2?

I am super excited about Season 2! Filming it was truly an epic adventure. I think that all of the incredible places we got to visit like Iceland, and Drumheller, Alberta will really show how huge the space world is. I am also excited that I will get to watch season 2 with my family because it literally launches on Christmas Eve day! I am excited for people to see how much Will Robinson has grown up.

What should the audience look out for in this new season?

Audiences should look out for a bigger, more action-packed season. The VFX this year are mind-blowing! As far as Will Robinson goes, people should look out for his development as a person and as a friend to the Robot. In this particular season, they will see how he learns to be a true friend and what that really means. They should also look out for more of the Robot origin story. It is a huge season. I’m not even quite sure how we were able to finish filming it in 6 months.

What do you wish the audience to take away from watching the season 2 of the series?

I hope that the audience will love watching the show as much as we loved making it. I also hope that they will be inspired. The Robinsons have epic adventures and they stick together. They are a really inspiring version of how to behave in a less than perfect world. In this season, we also deal with how we, as humans, treat other species. My family has always worked in animal welfare. It really upsets me how we treat the other species that we share the planet with. I hope the show makes people think about not only how we treat each other as humans, but also how we treat other species as well.

“I want to tell important stories that mean something to the world that can evoke change.”

Let’s talk about your acting career. How did it start and what inspired you to do it?

My family runs a circus in Chicago (midnightnightcircus.net). Yes, Seriously. I grew up in the circus performing with incredible acrobats from all over the world, my family and our rescued pitbulls (Junebug and Rosie Rae) since I was 3 years old. Because of that, performing was not such a stretch for me. I have never taken a formal acting class, but I have always had a very vivid imagination. Me and my sister played elaborate pretend games everyday. I wasn’t pursuing acting when I booked my first job. My first booking was an ABC series called Betrayal. For me, learning the craft of acting while on an actual set with actors such as Henry Thomas and James Cromwell was incredible. Spending a season on a set inspired me to want to continue. I love being exposed to new opportunities and learning from other incredible people- not just other actors, but also the camera department and the sound department. I am inspired by production in general. Watching so many people work to create something bigger than themselves is always inspirational.

I have been very lucky because I was able to work on some great projects with incredibly talented people. My first job was directed by Patty Jenkins then I followed that up with two seasons of Sense8 on Netflix being directed by Lana Wachowski. I also did a film with Gerard Butler and Gretchen Mol which taught me a lot! And of course on Lost in Space, I have worked with some of TVs best directors such as David Nutter. This past Spring, I was able to do a film with Mark Wahlberg, Gary Sinise and Connie Britton. It was a completely different way of working- an intimate film versus big, action TV, so I really learned a lot there!

Is there any type of role that you dream to play in the future?

In the future, I want to tell important stories that mean something to the world that can evoke change. Of course, if they ever make a live action How to Train Your Dragon, I would love to play Hiccup. I identify with him. If they ever make Young Avengers I would LOVE to be a part of that too! As an actor, I hope to work opposite Chris Evans one day because, well, Captain America. I would also love to work with Spike Lee- I saw Do The Right Thing this summer in 35mm film, and it blew my mind! I’d love to work with the Wachowskis again now that I am older.

How do you manage your time?

It’s hard to say exactly how I am able to manage my time. It takes a village truly. I go to Public high school in Chicago. My teachers at Lane Tech College Prep and the administration there have been amazing. Of course, as an actor on set I am required to do school which is really important in trying to fit it all in. Sometimes we only have 30 minutes at a time to get school done, so I have really had to learn how to focus and prioritize my work. My family also keeps me on track for sure. I couldn’t do this without the help of a lot of people.

You have Good Joe bell coming up in the works. Can you tell us a little bit about your character Joseph Bell?

Good Joe Bell is a film that I was lucky to be a part of. It is the tragic story of Jadin Bell who, after being bullied for being gay, committed suicide. His father Joe Bell, decided to walk across America to raise awareness for bullying. I play Joseph Bell. Joseph is the youngest son of Joe & Lola Bell and brother to Jadin. He’s a really thoughtful, soulful person. I got to speak with him before filming. I just wanted to make sure his story was told accurately. Joseph is a strong, athletic kid. He loves his brother, but in some ways wishes his brother could fit in because it would be easier for Jadin. I think it’s going to be a really special film and I hope it can really help people be more tolerant and accepting of each other.

To those kids who want to enter the entertainment industry early, what tip can you give to help them navigate the show business?

Stay grounded, humble, and balanced. Get involved in other things so you have a big life to draw from. My parents don’t let me work all the time. You only get one childhood so don’t spend your entire time working.

Aside from acting what else keeps you busy?

I joined the cross country team at my high school. I love it. I also play mandolin and guitar in a band. We are called, Cowboy Jesus & The Sugar Bums. I love to write music. I also love snowboarding, skateboarding, and I hope to get better at surfing soon. I also do circus. I juggle, I do rola bola, and I walk a tight wire. I want to be a director of photography when I grow up, so I like taking pictures too. Aside from that I like hanging out with my friends and I may or may not play video games occasionally.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? (Can be a type, tile, genre or made-up book)

I would be a graphic novel because they seem to be able to bridge the gap between many different worlds. They can be action-packed and full of fantasy like a Marvel comic, or politically-charged and powerful like Maus or John Lewis’s March. My life is kind of like that. I go from Public schools in Chicago where our teachers have to fight for basic services such as nurses, librarians and counselors, to giant film sets like Lost in Space where I get to play pretend all day. As my friend Bill Mumy likes to say, “Life is a strange river”

Catch Maxwell Jenkins as Will Robinson in the 2nd Season of LOST IN SPACE, streaming now.