IN CONVERSATION WITH MAX IRONS
interview by JANA LETONJA
Max Irons steps into one of literature’s most iconic worlds in Guy Ritchie’s highly anticipated Young Sherlock for Prime Video, which premiered ealier this month. Following this, Max will appear in Apple TV+’s ambitious adaptation of William Gibson’s Neuromancer, marking an exciting new chapter for the British actor whose career has spanned acclaimed projects including The White Queen, The Riot Club, Condor, and Miss Austen. With two major global releases on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year.
watch OMEGA RAILMASTER
jacket and trousers PAUL SMITH
jumper MR P at MR PORTER
What drew you to the role of Mycroft Holmes in Young Sherlock?
I was interested to see what Guy Ritchie would bring to the origin story of Sherlock Holmes. I knew that it would be in an irreverent and fun interpretation. Arthur Conan Doyle also wrote precious few details about Mycroft, which gave me a lot of scope to have fun with him. But it was clear to me that Mycroft, even though he’d never admit it, was enormously motivated by his love for his brother. Beneath his manicured exterior and control, is a man who’d terrified of losing his younger brother and would do anything to stop it happening.
Mycroft is often portrayed as the quieter but equally formidable Holmes brother. How did you approach him in this reimagining?
Mycroft was often noted to be the more intelligent of the two brothers. But also, so much lazier. He was also a believer that one should operate within the parameters of the law. Be the agent for change from the inside. Use one’s influence and intelligence within the system itself. Where our Sherlock is often an agent for chaos, Mycroft could always be trusted to have an angle within the establishment. Arthur Conan Doyle also described Mycroft as sedentary, a creature of routine, and a man who preferred not to leave his usual places, one of which famously was the Diogenes club. Those small details give you a lot to have fun with.
jacket and shoes MR P at MRPORTER
shirt and jeans KENZO
How does Guy Ritchie’s vision reshape the world of Sherlock Holmes?
The great thing about Guy Ritchie is the fact that he’s pretty unafraid to reimagine an established world. I think a lot of other directors might be nervous to approach Sherlock Holmes for fear of upsetting the enormous, and very vocal, fan base. But Guy manages to keep DNA, the mystery and the logical progression that all Sherlock fans love, while also upping the pace, injecting a bit of fun and action, not to mention his trademark style. He’s also unafraid to pull the rug out from under his actors on the day of shooting. Lines and action that have been prepared are almost always changed at the very last minute and it actually contributes a lot to the performances he gets from his actors.
Did you revisit Conan Doyle’s original texts or Andy Lane’s books in preparation?
I very much did, but as mentioned, it was very little written about Mycroft. The thing is when you have so much original material from which to draw inspiration and on top of that all the previous interpretations of these characters, it can, in a way, become a weight. Given how unafraid Guy Ritchie is of changing things up, it made sense to let go of what’s come before, to not over think and get in the spirit and tone of our version and have some fun.
full look TOM FORD
You’ve portrayed historical figures and complex anti-heroes before. Where does Mycroft sit within your body of work?
To be honest, I don’t tend to look at my career like that. I judge each script and each character on its own merits. If I like it, I like it. If I don’t, I don’t. The reason you get a job and then choose to do it is often myriad. I love playing Mycroft and hopefully I’ll get a chance to do it for a few more years.
Following Young Sherlock, you’ll also appear in Apple TV+’s Neuromancer. What excites you about stepping into the cyberpunk world of William Gibson?
I’m a huge sci-fi fan. While anyone who’s read Neuromancer will tell you, it’s a dense book to get through, but it’s also utterly incredible. The vision, the world building and characters are 2nd to none. While I’m pretty restricted on what I can say about it, anyone who enjoyed the book, or sci-fi in general for that matter, I think will really get a kick out of Neuromancer.
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How different is the creative process working on a literary adaptation like Young Sherlock versus a genre-defining sci-fi series like Neuromancer?
Obviously, whilst the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Neuromancer are entirely different, the process for finding the characters is pretty similar. What are you afraid of? What do you want? What are your secrets? Who do you love? Who do you hate? What moves your character through the world?
You’ve worked across stage, film, and television. How does this moment in your career feel compared to when you first started?
The presence of streamers has certainly changed the industry. Everything feels a little faster. The process feels more streamlined. Everybody needs content and a lot more is being made. It feels more corporate than it used to. All that being said, I’m just happy to be working with great people on great projects. I try not to worry about things beyond my control and just get on with it.
What have you learned about longevity and selectivity in choosing roles?
I don’t have much to offer on longevity. Like most actors, I possess a certain amount of impostor syndrome and I’m sure it’s going to all come to an end one day and right quick, so I try not to think too far down the road. I do know that going to work in the morning and doing a good job is a lot easier if you enjoy the material and people you’re working with.
shirt, tie, blazer, trousers AMIRI
hat JACK MURPHY
What keeps you grounded outside of acting?
I’m a big on getting in nature. I love backpacking with my dog, especially if there’s a good storm. Find somewhere cozy and unplug. Other than that, I just focus on my family and being a dad. That’s more than enough for me.
With two major global releases ahead, does 2026 feel like a turning point?
I try not to worry about things like that. What will be, will be. I think if you become an outside observer of your own trajectory, or place in the industry, where you are versus where you want to be etc., it can make you go a little funny. Speaking very much for myself, of course. I bet my agent would love it for me to be a little more tactical in my thinking, but I try to separate who I am from my career. I think it’s easy for an actor to mix the two up.
As for 2026, I just hope we all make it through. I’m very proud of the two jobs I have coming out and they were certainly a lot of fun to make. If they make other people happy, distract them for a little while and keep them entertained, that’s more than enough for me.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent MAX IRONS
photography LEE MALONE
styling SARAH ROSE HARRISON
makeup and hair VICTORIA BOND
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
