There’s something beautiful about a classic story that can adapt to modern times, one whose message is perpetually relevant. Enter Juliet & Romeo, a bold reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with a pop musical twist. Starring acting heavy-hitters such as Jason Isaacs, Rebel Wilson, Rupert Everett, Rupert Graves, Dan Fogler and Derek Jacobi (along with Clara Rugaard and Jamie Ward as the titular couple), the adaptation brings a modern sensibility to the narrative’s medieval setting.
Recently, I had the privilege of chatting with actor and musician Max Parker, who stars as Benvolio —Romeo’s level-headed, loyal cousin —about what viewers can expect from this reimagining and more.
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This interview is edited for clarity.
Max Parker
Melody McCune: We at GGA love a good origin story. How did you get into this industry?
Max Parker: I started out doing theater in high school. It was an accident, to be honest, because I was choosing which high school I wanted to go to. A lot of my friends were going to [a school] that I decided was not for me. It was a gut decision. This other high school, an arts-based school, required you to get in with an art form.
Music is one of my other passions, but they only taught classical music. I was like, “What am I going to do? How am I going to get in?” They had theater. I told myself, “Let’s just give this a shot.” I’ve always been a performer. I was always the kid who loved to be the center of attention at family get-togethers.
One thing led to another. I ended up doing four years of theater as my main subject through high school. I was the lead of the last two years of our high school plays. Then, I took acting and theater at Brock University, which is an hour away from Toronto. I’m wrapping up my studies there now.
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I’m really happy I have a theater background because, ultimately, that helped me with the on-screen stuff, especially for Juliet & Romeo.
Juliet & Romeo
MM: That leads me to my next question: Let’s talk about Juliet & Romeo. Can you tell me what it’s about and how you got involved with the project?
MP: Juliet & Romeo is a fresh take on Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare. It’s a classic tale. Our version follows a similar story. At least that’s what audiences will think they’re in for. We have original pop music that matches the film and what’s playing on screen. These are pop hits in tandem with what we’re shooting in a medieval setting.
It’s a blend of new and old, a great reimagined version of the classic tale. There will be some surprises along the way, none of which I can list. I was super grateful to play Benvolio. What a dream it was. Just being in Italy for three months — it was just stunning.
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Playing Benvolio
MM: Were you inspired by any past portrayals of this character when shaping your performance?
MP: I think every ninth grader watches Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet. I love that version. With that said, it was hard to get inspired by past versions of Benvolio. The Baz Luhrmann version follows the classic story, but it’s set in a modern world. In a good way, I put the blinders on for this and really tried to follow along with Tim [Scott Bogart]’s script and understand how I could bring part of myself to Benvolio. There’s a part of me in every role I play. I’m sure a lot of actors can resonate and agree with that.
Benvolio, in this version, takes on a lot internally. Every time he’s on screen, there is a sense that he’s so worried. He’s worried because Benvolio is the peacekeeper. He’s the peacekeeper between both the houses and the tabloids. I don’t think it’s as outwardly portrayed, but this version of Benvolio holds it in a lot more.
What to Expect
MM: What can viewers expect when they watch this film?
MP: It’s going to 2,000 theaters in North America. It’s a very theatrical film. There’s fire-breathing fireworks, singing and dancing on top of our acting. We’re riding real horses. We’re shooting in real locations — real castles — which was incredible to experience as an actor.
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That’s what we’re excited about: for people to see the places we shot at. They’re so real. It made it even more valuable for us as actors to really get into [our] roles, the film and the script because it was hard not to. The effects were so elaborate. Tim and the team just thought of everything. I think viewers can expect a lot on top of the modern pop songs that will be stuck in their heads when they walk out.
MM: Describe Juliet & Romeo using three words.
MP: Beautiful. Bold. Fun.
On the Horizon
MM: What else is on the horizon for you, career-wise?
MP: I’m a musician — I sing and play guitar and produce music as well. I released my debut album in 2021, and I’m currently working on new music. There’s a lot of stuff on the music side that’s brewing, and there might be a new music release in spring or summer. Stay tuned for that.
Other than that, I’m auditioning a lot. There’s been a lot of fantastic auditions coming my way. I’m just super excited to audition as much as I can. That practice is amazing for me as an artist. It’s a good break from the music, too.
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MM: Have you watched anything interesting lately?
MP: The White Lotus — our very own Jason Isaacs is in it, and he’s fantastic. He’s such a great guy. I actually played tennis with him in Italy, which was really fun. He’s so good. He smoked me.
MM: List your favorite films and TV shows.
MP: Good Will Hunting is definitely up there for me. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a favorite. Severance has been something I’ve been watching recently. Very into that show.
The Studio is a great show. It really showcases the ins and outs of Hollywood in a joking way. I love Interstellar. Who doesn’t? About Time is good, too.
Thank you, Max, for chatting with GGA!
You can follow Max on Instagram (@maxparkerofficial). Juliet & Romeo hits theaters on May 9, 2025.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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