VULKAN Summer 2025 Unapologetic Issue, available in print July 7.

Whether he’s slipping into the skin of an unconventional protagonist or quietly subverting fashion norms at a major runway show, Maximilian Mundt is an actor whose presence lingers. Known for roles that resist easy categorization, Mundt is carving a path defined not by type, but by transformation. With a disarming blend of quiet introspection and creative boldness, he brings both nuance and surprise to every performance, onscreen and in life. Beyond the roles he inhabits, Mundt is also a sharp observer of the world around him. From his early fashion debates with his grandmother to his creative reimagining of masculinity post-coming out, his personal evolution mirrors a generation questioning old systems, cultural, national, and aesthetic. In this conversation, Mundt speaks with us about emotional self-discovery, the art of dressing with intention, and the quiet power of watching before speaking.

Maximillian Mundt @maximilianmundt Photographed by Steve Limones @stevelimonesphotography Styling Megan Zina @meganzina Grooming Carlos González @carlosgbeauty ViP & Editorial Director + Interview AmbiKa Sanjana @styledbyambika Production and location @bellomediagroup X @maisonpriveepr_la

You’ve carved out a space for unconventional, complex characters. What draws you to a role—is it the character’s voice, their flaws, or the story they serve?
I’m a big fan of characters that surprise me, that don’t fit into common patterns. For me, it’s always refreshing and exciting to be invited to auditions that aren’t typecast, where I really have to experience new perspectives in preparation.

How has your work as an actor shaped the way you see yourself, not just in front of the camera, but in your everyday life?
Seeing myself in different characters is truly empowering and helps a lot to figure out who I am. By experiencing situations and emotions in front of the camera that I would normally not face in my private life, I realize what’s important for me as Max.

What’s a lesson the film industry has taught you that no one prepared you for?
All that glitters is not gold.

Fashion often tells its own kind of story—one of mood, rebellion, or transformation. How would you describe the role fashion plays in your life?
Fashion has always played a big role in my life. As a kid, I used to get the old clothes from my older cousins when I visited my grandma. I always ended up discussing outfits with her because, even early on, I already knew what I liked to wear and what I didn’t.

Do you see your personal wardrobe as performance, comfort, resistance, or something else entirely?
The most important factor for me is comfort. I hate uncomfortable fabrics or cuts. I use fashion as performance or even provocation when it comes to wearing outfits to public events. I like to break stereotypes.

Is there a moment—at a show, on set, or in your own closet—where you felt your style evolve or express something new about you?
When I came out in 2021, that was definitely a big shift in how I wanted to present myself in public. I felt way more comfortable playing with my masculinity and trying new fashion styles.

Which designers or style eras resonate with your personality and creative spirit?
I’m a big fan of Art Nouveau, organic shapes and nature references. So brands that play with those themes resonate with me most, like Arturo Obegero, KidSuper, Gucci, and Loewe.

You’ve been spotted at major shows and campaigns—how do you experience those spaces: as an observer, an artist, or something in between?
Most people would probably describe me as a quiet and shy person when they first meet me. I just really love to observe and listen and take some time before I become an extrovert. So when I’m at shows, for example, I observe and get inspired by certain things and use that inspiration later for my film projects.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve discovered behind the scenes of the fashion world?
Fashion shows are super quick. I always thought they might last at least an hour, but from what I’ve experienced, they’re between 10 and 30 minutes long… very short in my mind.

Germany is known for its precision and edge, but also its underground culture. How has growing up in that landscape influenced your creative voice?
My family doesn’t have an artistic background. I grew up in a very humble, grounded, and loving environment. I always had the space to experiment with who I could be, and somehow that was always detached from my heritage. I think my generation is redefining what being German means. We don’t really have national pride—it’s more about who we are, not what our country is. That gives a lot of space and freedom for my creativity.

In your day-to-day life, what grounds you when the lights, labels, and scripts are stripped away?
I love cooking, renovating my apartment, building furniture, and spending a lot of time with my dog.

What do you hope people feel when they see your work, your presence, or your style?
I hope I can encourage people to be who they want to be and always be curious and open to new ideas and impressions.