For Swedish actor Edvin Ryding, empathy is key - ‘I think it’s important to understand your character, even if you don’t like the way they act at times.’ This year, Ryding proved how great he is at feeling for his characters in the Netflix mega-hit LGBTQ+ drama, ‘Young Royals’. In the show, Ryding created a beautifully nuanced portrayal of Wilhelm - an heir to the Swedish throne, who after being forced to attend boarding school, starts to explore his identity through a relationship with a fellow student (played brilliantly by Omar Rudberg). The coming-of-age series has been widely praised for its approach to queerness and diverse representation - it was also just picked up for a second season earlier this week! We asked Ryding about why in his view the show has resonated so greatly with the audiences, his dream collaborations and what he hopes happens to Wilhelm next.
Denim pants Hope, Tanktop Calvin Klein
Since its release, ‘Young Royals’ has become a massive Netflix hit. Why do you think the show has resonated with the audiences so strongly and what are you hoping is the message that people are taking away from it?
I think it’s because, in our storytelling, we’re not making a big fuss about the sexual orientation of the characters. So what I’m hoping is that people feel like today, one’s sexuality shouldn’t be surrounded by any forms of stigmatization. Also, I think that it’s beautiful how most of the characters on the show are interacting with each other – they’re talking about their problems, instead of just acting out on their emotions.
Parka Prada
Wilhelm is such a complex character. What has been the most challenging about becoming him?
The thing I found most challenging was trying to find the right balance between his anger, sadness and his desire to be with Simon. I think it’s important to understand your character, even if you don’t like the way they act at times. I’m not a fan of how impulsive he can be – a good example is a fight he gets into at the club in the first episode – but I get that he does it out of sheer anger, fear and shame. At the same time, I really like his capability of speaking openly with Simon and how good they are at communicating with each other.
‘I feel really relaxed when I’m working. I think that’s why I still love acting so much – it’s a very safe space for me.’
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Jumper Valentino
What scene was the most memorable to shoot?
The first one that comes to mind is when Wilhelm is high and running around the football field. That scene was entirely improvised and I had so much fun doing it!
Denim pants Hope
What are you hoping will be the progression of Wilhelm, if your show gets renewed [Netflix confirmed the plans for the second season of ‘Young Royals’ two days after this interview]?
I have a love-hate relationship with his decision in the last episode – I understand why he did what he did, but from an audience standpoint, I don’t agree with him. So I guess I’d want him to feel the consequences of his actions. But I also want the other characters to understand him a bit better.
Tanktop Dries Van Noten
When did you first realize that you wanted to become an actor?
It was right around the time when I first became aware of what creativity was and that acting was the best way to express that creative side in me. I think I was about 10 years old – that’s also when I realized that I wanted to continue doing it for as long as it would bring me joy. It’s only now in recent years that I understood I could maybe do it for a living.
Full look Dries Van Noten
What is your dream role or project to be part of? What are some of the actors or directors that you look up to and would love to collaborate with?
It would be a dream to work with Greta Gerwig or Felix van Groeningen, the director of ‘Beautiful Boy’. And of course, I’d love to collaborate with Christopher Nolan, if I’m ever so lucky! When it comes to actors, there’s so many - Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Asa Butterfield, Emma Mackey. But I also want to continue working here in Sweden – I’m now friends with a lot of the actors that I’ve worked with in the past and it would be a fun challenge to collaborate again on new projects.
Left Coat Loewe
Right Hat, jacket and pants Tiger of Sweden & shoes Lemaire
What do you like to do in your spare time to decompress?
Well, I have a few great friends that I feel really comfortable with when we hang out . I also like to be alone and read books or watch movies – that’s how I try to disconnect from everything. But at the same time, I feel really relaxed when I’m working. I think that’s why I still love acting so much – it’s a very safe space for me.
Left Coat Lanvin
Right Hat, jacket and pants Tiger of Sweden & shoes Lemaire
Denim pants Hope
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Interview by Martin Onufrowicz
Photography by Marco Van Rijt
Fashion by Robin Lycke
Casting by IMAGEMACHINE cs
Grooming Lasse Pedersen
Photographer’s assistant Kalle Altin
Stylist’s assistant Monzora Shaw
