EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Joe Azzopardi: From Shakespearean Stages to Hollywood Adventures

Conducted by Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

1. For readers who are discovering you for the first time, could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your journey leading up to Enola Holmes 3?

Hello humans, this boy here was always very lucky that he knew what he wanted to do from as early as memory serves. My dad brought me up watching everything… even things I should not have been watching at a young age. However, eventually I got accepted into drama school, where I spent three years at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. I have struck a happy balance of acting in film and theatre ever since. I also learnt a thing or two about producing along the way.

2. Enola Holmes 3 takes the story to Malta, your homeland. What did it mean to you to join such a globally successful franchise in a place that is so close to your heart?

It was an extremely magical and almost patriotic feeling. The story takes place in Malta for almost the entire film. Usually, certain films that shoot in or take place in Malta end up showcasing Malta in a short segment of that respective film. So, I can’t tell you how excited I was to see my two cultures come together on such a massive scale in my industry. And with a Scouser at the helm. It all fit so perfectly.

3. You portray Mikiel Mizzi, a man whose motives may not be entirely clear. What drew you most to this character?

I simply had to get a part in this film no matter what size. I was initially considered for another ‘smaller’ role. But then, when Mikiel was offered to me, I was over the moon. He is the character any Maltese guy would dream to play. He’s like this Victorian-era 007 who can fight and charm at the same time.

4. Without giving away any spoilers, what do you think sets Enola Holmes 3 apart from the previous films, and why should fans be excited to see it?

Well, considering the location, I think it was really refreshing to have Malta as a backdrop for this story. They definitely take the adventure aspect to the next level, which is a huge recurring theme in this film. However, I think the theme that sets this apart from the rest is that love is the main driving force of this one. We’ve been watching this love between Enola and Tewksbury grow for two films now, and we can finally see it all come to fruition.

Some actors spend their careers searching for the right role. Others build a journey defined by curiosity, versatility, and a passion for storytelling. For Maltese actor Joe Azzopardi, every chapter has been a step toward becoming the artist he is today.

Trained at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, Azzopardi developed his craft through classical theatre, taking on some of Shakespeare’s most iconic characters, including Mercutio, Puck, and Don John. His deep connection to the stage continues to shape his approach to acting, bringing discipline, emotion, and authenticity to every performance.

From carrying the psychological thriller The Boat as its lead actor to appearing in the global blockbuster Jurassic World Dominion, Azzopardi has demonstrated his ability to move seamlessly between intimate character-driven stories and major international productions.

Now, he returns to the spotlight with Enola Holmes 3, a landmark project that holds a special personal significance as the story brings the adventure to his homeland of Malta. Playing Mikiel Mizzi, a character blending charm, mystery, and action, Azzopardi celebrates the rare opportunity to see his culture represented on a global stage.

Beyond acting, his adventurous spirit—seen through his passion for free diving, surfing, and exploring the outdoors—reflects the same courage and curiosity he brings to his artistic journey.

In this exclusive interview with Éclair Magazine, Joe Azzopardi opens up about his path from theatre to international cinema, the experience of filming Enola Holmes 3 in Malta, working alongside a remarkable cast, and the challenges that continue to inspire him as an actor.

INTERVIEW

5. How was your experience working alongside Millie Bobby Brown, and what are some of your favorite memories from this international production?

Millie is an excellent filmmaker; she's an absolute powerhouse, full of creativity and ideas. What impressed me most was how generous she is with the cast around her, and she's hilarious. Helena Bonham Carter and I had a few moments during takes where we just couldn't hold back the laughter. Though honestly, that was mostly down to Helena being her wonderful self. She's naturally funny without even trying. Himesh Patel, too. Though I think the best memories were the after-work swims with Louis. He’s a sea baby like me.

6. You were discovered during a stage production in London after studying at Mountview Academy. Was there a specific moment when you realized your dream of becoming a professional actor was turning into reality?

I was actually discovered in an audition for the BBC TV film The Whale. I hadn't graduated yet — in fact, I chose to take the job on The Whale over doing my final-year showcase, which I was advised against, but I was so eager to get on set that I went for it. And it paid off as I learnt so much. Working with that cast (Jonas Armstrong, David Gyasi, and John Boyega) 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.

7. Your career has taken you from classical theatre to productions such as Jurassic World: Dominion, The Boat, and now Enola Holmes 3. How do you adapt your approach as an actor when moving between such different projects?

It's definitely 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.

Acteur: Joe Azzopardi
Photographer: Alex Boulton

8. You have portrayed several iconic Shakespearean characters, including Mercutio, Puck, and Don John. Does theatre still hold a special place in your heart despite your growing screen career?

Oh, 100%. I started in theatre, so the stage will always be home to me. I try to do a Shakespeare play every year with WhatsTheirNames Theatre Company, and it is always the most fun I have. I’ve been acting with this same group of actors for ten years now, and you can just tell how tight-knit we are as an ensemble. They are very special shows to watch.

9. In The Boat, you essentially carried the entire film on your shoulders. What did that unique and demanding experience teach you about yourself as an actor and as a person?

It taught me how valuable it is to have other actors to play off. With a one-man film, inanimate objects suddenly become characters. You're not just memorising lines; you have to memorise every action to meticulous detail.

In the film, what my character hears on the boat is what makes him believe someone is toying with him. But those sounds don't exist on the day; they're all added in post-production. So, you have to create that entire psychological reality in your head. You're reacting to something that isn't there, which requires complete commitment and belief.

10. Away from the set, you enjoy free diving, surfing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Do these passions influence the way you approach challenges in your professional life?

Good question. 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 below 20 metres? Or plucking up the courage to take on the really big wave with a surfboard? So long as you keep yourself fit, and trust in your own body, the mind will also follow suit.

11. With Enola Holmes 3 and your leading role in Xelter both arriving in 2026, what kinds of projects or characters are still on your professional bucket list?

Right now, I'm savouring this moment with Enola Holmes 3. Beyond that, I'm not chasing every role that comes along. I'm drawn to specific people, directors, and actors whose work genuinely moves me. I'm trusting the process and staying open to what comes next. The goal right now is for projects that challenge me and allow me to keep growing as an actor.