Our first digital cover for Popternative Magazine for the month of June features actor Maxwell Acee Donovan who portrays Ethan in the new Prime Video drama series, The Better Sister also starring Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Banks, Corey Stoll, Kim Dickens, and more.
In our exclusive chat, Maxwell discusses his approach to Ethan’s character in The Better Sister and working in a more dramatic role compared to some of his pervious projects such as That ’90s Show and Gabby Duran & The Unsittables. He also talks about working with the star-studded cast in The Better Sister, some of his passions outside of acting including his nonprofit, Nature’s Negotiators, and some of his upcoming projects.
Exclusive photos for Popternative Magazine by Sasha Dylan Bell
Styling: Korynn Washington
Grooming: Christi Cagle
PR: TFG PR
The Better Sister dives into family secrets and suspense—what drew you to the character of Ethan, and what was your approach to portraying him?
Maxwell Acee Donovan (MD): Ethan marked the first truly dramatic role I’ve played, and that was both a draw and something that initially made me nervous. I have been so immersed in comedy for the past half-decade that I got in my head – I was starting to plot a whole new creative process and going down many rabbit holes until I read the phenomenal script and realized Ethan just popped. His complexity and vulnerability immediately made me want the role even more (as if the mile-long list of notable people on the project wasn’t enough!), and I was so pumped to get to be a part of it. I was surprised to find that my process didn’t need to differ – I relied on emotion to guide the character, identified places where we intersected, and ensured I showed up with my homework done. Ethan became real when I stepped onto the set with Jess and Elizabeth, who both gave so much instantly that all I could do was try and keep up!
The cast of The Better Sister is stacked with talent—what was it like working alongside Elizabeth Banks, Jessica Biel, and Corey Stoll? Any memorable moments on set?
MD: Everyone is not only incredible and masters of their crafts, but also truly remarkable humans. I felt taken under wing immediately and haven’t fully processed the fact that I got to share scenes with these fantastic actors yet. It was a very intentional set, so a lot of my best memories are from the moments between scenes when everyone would hang out together – whether it was doing the New York Times games or crossword, playing Bananagrams, or getting CPK; it was always a blast. I miss my Better Sister fam!
Photo: Sasha Dylan Bell
Outside of acting, you’re passionate about environmental advocacy through your nonprofit Nature’s Negotiators. Can you share the mission behind the organization and how you and your sister Clare started it?
MD: Of course! We have a few main missions at Nature’s Negotiators: 1. To support other notable organizations that are bringing about change at a grassroots level, such as our partner, The Jane Goodall Institute. 2. To host/support Round Tables, which bring together all disparate parties to work on a given issue to find a sustainable solution that makes everyone happy. And 3. To help create conservation easements that preserve natural ecosystems whilst providing economic benefits for local landowners. All of these stem from our hope that we can spread a message of, well, hope. Solutions to these sometimes insurmountable problems are closer at hand than we may think, and by approaching them on a local level, we can see some real change that benefits everyone. My mom, Erin, is the brains, my sister, Clare, is the driving force, and my dad, Brent, and I are there to support as much as possible. It’s been an absolute blast, and I’m very proud of the success we’ve had in our first few years!
You and Clare seem to have a strong sibling bond. What’s it like working so closely together on something as meaningful as your nonprofit?
MD: I’m so lucky to have a built-in best friend, and it’s been super fun to have a consistent project together. Our goal is a “sibling team in Hollywood”, like John and Joan Cusack, the Affleck, and tons of other incredible sibling squads! While we work on developing those industry-focused projects, Nature’s Negotiators has given us something to further our collaboration! Additionally, as we develop it further, it has begun to tie into some of our prospective projects, which is great.
Growing up, you weren’t allowed to say you were bored—how has that shaped your creativity and drive today?
MD: It’s true – bored was not a good word to use in my household! I must say, I don’t think I was ever bored growing up, so I never got the chance to use it! I think it set a precedent early on for me that you’re only as bored as you think you are, which is to say that there are a thousand ways to entertain yourself that don’t have to be big and grand. As a kid, I loved puzzles, and recently, I’ve been learning to play the guitar. Both keep me super entertained, but neither is overstimulating, so it doesn’t leave me feeling drained, either. That is something I try to apply to my work – if I find avenues into it that are exciting (no boring allowed!), then I’ll never feel drained or find myself twiddling my thumbs!
Photo: Sasha Dylan Bell
You’re not your typical Gen-Z—less screen time, more real-life experiences. What advice would you give to other young people about staying present and living in the moment?
MD: I have a pretty estranged relationship with technology – all my friends who haven’t heard from me in months can attest to that! That said, it does provide an opportunity to stay very connected to people all over the world. I think, like all things, it’s about finding a balance. I love connecting with nature; whether it’s stepping into a backyard, going on a hike, getting out on the water, or even watching one of those Planet Earth documentaries, I find that it keeps time from flying by too quickly. It’s identifying things that make you happy and actively pursuing them. Maybe you’re a huge gamer or love to read a book – both are great as long as they work for you!
Looking ahead, what kind of stories or roles are you excited to explore next—both on screen and through your nonprofit work?
MD: I have a lot that I am manifesting! First, I’ve been working with a trainer (Mr. Marc Coronel, Mace’s awesome dad, at Energia Fitness) to get into my superhero shape to play Nova in the MCU. Fingers crossed! While I’m getting into my superhero shape, I’ve been taking voice lessons to get ready for when Disney needs their live-action Hercules. After all, I am Greek! In addition to those, my sister Clare and I have been developing several projects to work on as a sibling team, which I’m very excited about. The fam is staying focused on those and all things NN, so it feels like a pretty exciting time as worlds are starting to collide. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
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The Better Sister is streaming on Prime Video
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Learn more about Nature’s Negotiators here
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