Damian Hardung has recently completed filming the second season of “Maxton Hall” and shared his feelings about wrapping up production. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 27-year-old actor, who portrays James Beaufort in the series, expressed his relief that the emotionally demanding season has come to an end. The show, based on the bestselling Save Me trilogy by Mona Kasten, follows James as he navigates the aftermath of his mother’s death and his relationship struggles.
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Reflecting on the challenges of season 2, Hardung revealed that the intense emotional scenes took a toll on him. He admitted, “I wouldn’t want to do that again,” highlighting the somber tone and mature themes that characterized the latest season. The actor acknowledged the depth and honesty in the script but emphasized the emotional weight that came with portraying James’ grief journey. He shared, “I just feel truly privileged that they gave us the time to really dive into that, as an actor. As a person, I’m really happy to not have to do that season again.”
The emotional rollercoaster of filming season 2 was evident in the constant tears shed on set, both by Hardung and his co-star Harriet Herbig-Matten, who plays Ruby Bell. The intensity of the performances required a large emotional investment, with Hardung recalling, “There were tears in every scene. I told them, I can’t do more tears. I have no more tears.” The pressure to evoke such raw emotion took its toll on the actor, admitting that staying in that emotional space had a draining effect on him personally.
Looking ahead to season 3, which was confirmed before the premiere of season 2, Hardung expressed his hope for a lighter tone. He suggested, “I won’t be doing that again. They have to do season three much funnier,” hinting at a shift towards comedy in the upcoming instalment. Despite the challenges faced during the filming of season 2, the actor remains optimistic about the future direction of the series and the potential for a more lighthearted approach in the next season.
For Herbig-Matten, who plays Ruby in the series, the process of separating her character’s emotions from her own was less demanding compared to her co-star’s experience. The 22-year-old actress revealed that she worked closely with a coach to maintain a clear distinction between her emotions and Ruby’s, allowing her to immerse herself in the role effectively. She shared, “It was intense and really hard, but I’ve worked a lot with a coach, especially for separating my emotions [from] hers,” emphasizing her commitment to portraying Ruby authentically.
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of season 3, the conclusion of Maxton Hall season 2 is now available for streaming on Prime Video. The emotional depth and poignant storytelling of the series have captivated audiences, showcasing the talents of the cast and crew involved. With the promise of a new direction in the upcoming season, viewers can look forward to a shift towards a more humorous and comedic tone, offering a fresh perspective on the characters and their evolving journeys.