Oct 10
'Wheel of Time' Star Taylor Napier Drops The Cloak In Revealing Beachside Photoshoot
READ TIME: 22 MIN.
Taylor Napier has traded his warder's cloak for considerably less fabric in a striking new photoshoot that celebrates body positivity and authentic self-expression. The actor, who gained prominence portraying Maksim on Prime Video's fantasy series "The Wheel of Time," recently collaborated with photographer Ramon Christian for a beachy photoshoot that reveals both his physical dedication to fitness and his thoughts on navigating fame as a queer performer .
Over three seasons, Napier became a fan favorite playing Maksim, a warrior involved in a polyamorous throuple relationship with fellow warder Ivhon (portrayed by Emmanuel Imani and Anthony Kaye) and their Aes Sedai, Alanna (Priyanka Bose). The sexual and loving dynamic between these three characters offered rare representation of bisexual men on television, contributing to the progressive storytelling that characterized the Rosamund Pike-led series based on Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson's novels .
The representation provided by Napier's character proved significant for LGBTQ+ visibility in the fantasy genre, a space historically lacking in diverse queer narratives. Though the series concluded after three seasons in 2025, Napier cultivated a devoted fan base that has followed him beyond his work on the show .
In discussing the photoshoot, Napier spoke candidly about his motivation for participating in the revealing session. "I loved it. I go to the gym a lot. I work out a lot, and I don't do that to put a baggy sweater over my body," the actor explained. "It is nice to be able to show off the hard work and be able to celebrate everything I put into being healthy, but also, honestly, a little bit my vanity" .
This honest acknowledgment of both health goals and aesthetic desires reflects a refreshing approach to body image discussions, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities where conversations about physicality can be complex and fraught with pressure. Napier's willingness to celebrate his body while acknowledging the vanity component demonstrates a balanced perspective on fitness culture and self-presentation.
The photoshoot with Christian showcases Napier in various beach settings, emphasizing natural lighting and authentic expressions that capture different facets of the actor's personality beyond his on-screen persona.
With increased visibility following his role on "The Wheel of Time," Napier has become acutely aware of the demands and complexities of maintaining a social media presence. The actor, whose Instagram handle is @taylornapier89, reflected on the strategic considerations that come with building an online persona .
"It's a weird kind of cross-section of this version of yourself that you have to put out there, and you have to sell your brand, in a weird way. And you have to kind of decide what your brand is," Napier observed. "For some people, that is sexy photos, it's cooking, or relatability" .
The actor's comments highlight a tension familiar to many performers in the digital age: the need to maintain public engagement while preserving artistic credibility. Napier elaborated on this challenge, noting that social media personas represent "this one side of yourself that you're trying to promote, you're trying to sell yourself as, and it is a bit tricky because it does feel as though it underplays the art of what I've done, you know, on the show, and what all actors do" .
Despite his reservations about social media potentially overshadowing craft, Napier acknowledged the platform's utility as a promotional tool in contemporary entertainment. This nuanced perspective reflects the reality many actors face: social media presence has become an expected component of career management, even when it may feel reductive compared to the artistic work itself.
As a queer actor who portrayed a bisexual character in a high-profile fantasy series, Napier occupies an important position in ongoing conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in genre television. His role as Maksim contributed to normalizing polyamorous relationships and bisexual male characters within mainstream fantasy programming, genres that have historically centered heterosexual narratives.
The collaboration between Napier and photographer Ramon Christian (@ramonchristian.photo) produced images that balance aesthetic appeal with artistic composition. The beachside setting provides natural, flattering light while avoiding the overly produced quality that can sometimes characterize celebrity photoshoots .
Christian's photography captures Napier in moments that range from playful to contemplative, suggesting the shoot aimed to present a multifaceted portrait rather than simply capitalizing on physical attractiveness. This approach aligns with Napier's expressed desire to balance different aspects of his public presentation.
With "The Wheel of Time" having concluded its run, Napier's career enters a new phase. The fan base he cultivated through the series, combined with his willingness to engage authentically on social media and in projects like this photoshoot, positions him well for future opportunities in an industry increasingly attentive to diverse representation both in casting and in the stories being told.
The photoshoot represents more than just promotional material or fan service; it's a statement about owning one's image and being deliberate about self-presentation in an industry where queer performers have historically had limited control over how they were portrayed and marketed. In choosing to participate on his own terms while maintaining critical awareness of what such visibility means, Napier models a approach to public life that acknowledges both opportunity and constraint.
