IN CONVERSATION WITH JOE AZZOPARDI

interview by JANA LETONJA

Joe Azzopardi is an English-European actor of Maltese and British descent whose screen credits include The Whale, Jurassic World: Dominion, The Madam Blanc Mysteries, and the acclaimed one-man feature film The Boat. This summer, he joins Netflix's highly anticipated Enola Holmes 3 as Mikiel Mizzi, a mysterious Maltese man whose encounter with Enola Holmes sets the stage for intrigue and hidden motives. Filmed in Malta and starring Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, and Helena Bonham Carter, the latest instalment of the beloved franchise premieres globally on Netflix on 1st July.

Congratulations on Enola Holmes 3. How did you first become involved with the project, and what attracted you to the role of Mikiel Mizzi? 

"Attracted to the character" is honestly an understatement. This is a role that anyone with Maltese roots would love to play. He's essentially a Maltese 'James Bond type' character, a chameleon of a spy. He knows how to fight his way out of a bad situation, but he's equally skilled at charming secrets out of people. He's got layers. I was fortunate enough to meet Philip Barantini during the initial audition process. Phil was discussing the character with me as the character was being written.

Without giving too much away, how would you describe Mikiel and his role in Enola's journey through Malta? 

He becomes woven into Enola's journey in ways that aren't immediately obvious. Audiences should expect someone unpredictable and deeply connected to the Malta storyline.

What was your reaction when you learned you'd be joining such a successful global franchise? 

I was over the moon. I could not wait to start. Not only being able to be directed by Philip, but also getting a chance to work with these actors who are at the absolute top of their game was a dream. Millie Bobby Brown is an absolute powerhouse. What impressed me most was her generosity with the cast around her. Helena Bonham Carter is naturally funny without even trying, and there were moments during takes where Helena and I just couldn't hold back the laughter. Through that, I learned how to put my own thoughts forward before a scene, but then once it's done, to just have fun with it.

The film is set in Malta, your home country. How special was it to portray a Maltese character in a major international production? 

Playing a Maltese character on a global stage, especially someone as layered and interesting as Mikiel, brings a great sense of patriotism and national pride. Though I never confirmed this, through my research, I believe he was based on Enrico Mizzi, who was integral to forming Malta's political system. So, I can imagine many Maltese eyeballs on me to see how I portrayed him. That's the most never wrecking part for me.

The Enola Holmes films blend mystery, adventure and humour. What can audiences expect from this third instalment?

Love. That has got to be the main theme of this story. Yes, it still has mystery, adventure, and humour; however, this time, love seems to be the driving force throughout. And what more of a romantic backdrop than beautiful Malta?

You have worked across film, television and theatre. How does acting in a large-scale Netflix production compare with your stage work? 

I feel like the stage has taught me what I need to know before day 1 of walking on set. The way I approach a script beforehand. Theatre taught me how much is learned through the rehearsal process. You have to do all that preparation in your own head before your first day on set. There's a certain burst of energy I get on stage that I try to recreate on set, but it has to be far more contained. What reads as amplified and expansive on stage needs to be much more subtle for the camera. 

Looking back, how significant was your role in the BBC's The Whale in launching your screen career?

It was a massive decision at the time. I hadn't even graduated from Mountview Academy when I took that role. I was trying to decide between doing that and my final year showcase. I chose to work in the end, against the advice of some of the people in my life. But I knew I made the right decision after the first few days. Working with that cast was a baptism of fire. Not just in terms of acting, but on-set etiquette too. It was an invaluable experience I couldn't have gotten anywhere else.

You've played everything from Shakespearean characters to contemporary roles. What kinds of characters are you most drawn to now? 

I don’t tend to play too many bad guys. Maybe they’ll flow more when I get older, but I’d like to start tapping into the darker characters some more. The acting process involves discovering different sides of yourself. I’m ready for the dark side. 

You're also set to lead the upcoming film Xelter. What can you tell us about that project and your character, Salvu?

Xelter takes place in Malta during World War II. Malta was one of the most bombed places during the war. Many Maltese citizens spent more time underground than above ground, taking shelter from the air raids. Xelter starts with a village that gets hit by a bomb, and the crater uncovers an old catacomb. The villagers decide to take shelter in this catacomb. A group of boys go for a little adventure around the intricate underground when an entity called 'The BABAW' starts to come after them. The BABAW is like the boogeyman in Maltese folklore. It’s quite metaphoric about how kids deal with the horrors of war. I play Salvu, a father of one of the lost kids. It’s my first time playing a father, and it brought a whole new sense of responsibility that I had never felt before. 

When you're not acting, you're often free diving, surfing or hiking. Do those adventurous hobbies influence the way you approach your work? 

I was always very adventurous and liked to push myself to take adventurous risks. Though when I was younger, there was always a lot more hesitation and doubt as to whether the risk would bring reward. But since I’ve come into my own as an actor, I’ve actually become more fearless. My reason being that if I can walk onto a set or stage with hundreds of people watching me, crawl on the ground, and start crying like a little boy, well, then is doing this cliff jump really that scary? Or diving down 20 meters. Or building up the courage to take on the really big wave with a surfboard. So as long as you keep yourself fit and trust in your own body, the mind will also follow suit. 

Malta has become an increasingly popular filming destination. What do you think international productions often discover when they shoot there?

I know they are usually so surprised by how Malta can double for so many countries. We have such a plethora of architecture because of being ruled by so many countries. But they also discover the fun of the island. Not only do we have beautiful architecture and an amazing history, but we are also a very fun island. From the beach and boat life to the thriving nightlife. You always want to end the shoot in Malta for the ultimate wrap party. 

TEAM CREDITS:

photography ALEX BOULTON