In Enola Holmes 3, Joe Azzopardi joins Netflix’s beloved franchise in a role that feels especially personal, playing Mikiel Mizzi in a story set largely in Malta, a place deeply tied to his roots. In the interview, the actor reflects on the significance of that connection, the appeal of portraying a character he describes as a kind of “Maltese James Bond,” and the experience of sharing the set with Millie Bobby Brown, Helena Bonham Carter, and Henry Cavill in a major global production.
Enola Holmes 3 takes the story to Malta, a setting that is important to the plot and also closely connected to your own roots. What was it like stepping into that universe in such a personally meaningful context?
It was an extremely magical and almost patriotic feeling. The story takes place in Malta for almost the entire story. Usually, films feature Malta for a short segment of the film. 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 fits so perfectly.
Your character, Mikiel Mizzi, is described as a Maltese man with ulterior motives who crosses paths with Enola. What drew you most to him and to the role he plays in the story?
Initially, I was considered for another ‘smaller’ role. But then when Mikiel was offered to me, I was simply over the moon. He is the character any Maltese guy would dream to play. Though I never confirmed this, through my research I believe he was based on Enrico Mizzi, who was integral to forming Malta’s political system. This is a part that anybody with Maltese roots would love to play. He’s described as this Maltese ‘James Bond type’ character. He’s essentially a bit of a chameleon of a spy who knows how to fight himself out of a bad situation but can also charm you into telling him your secrets.
What was it like working alongside Millie Bobby Brown, Helena Bonham Carter, and Henry Cavill in a franchise so beloved by audiences around the world?
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 her surrounding cast, and she’s hilarious. Helena 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 as well. She’s naturally funny without even trying.
Your career spans film, television, and theatre, including very demanding stage work. How has that theatrical background influenced the way you approach screen characters?
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.
I started acting on stage but grew up on film sets because of my father. They both feel like home to me. Stage being the happy family, safe space and set being the chaotic, huge family, madness. I embrace both as home.
In The Boat, you carried virtually the entire film through a solo performance, and now you are stepping into a large-scale global production like Enola Holmes 3. What changes for you as an actor between such different experiences?
They are two very different filming situations. The Boat is all situation based, mainly concentrated on playing the moment in a smart and truthful way. For Enola Homles 3, I had to do a lot of research into the era and dig into the roots of my character. Though I must say, having other actors to play with during scenes is a lot easier than carrying a whole film all by yourself where you have to rely on inanimate objects as characters.
Your journey goes from Malta to London and now into major international productions. How has that path shaped your perspective on acting and on the kinds of stories you want to tell?
I feel like I found a really great balance growing up with both cultural influences. There’s something deeply grounding about the lifestyle in Malta. It’s a place that encourages you to slow down and appreciate the simple things. Liverpool, on the other hand, was thriving with variety and energy. It exposed me to different perspectives, creativity, and ambition. Those two environments — one for nurturing and centered, the other vibrant and stimulating — shaped how I move through the world. So far, I have embraced the Maltese side of storytelling, having produced two of my own independent films.
With Enola Holmes 3 and Xelter marking an important stage in your career, what kinds of roles and artistic challenges are you most excited to explore next?
Right now, I’m just happy to be soaking it all in. I’m not out there manifesting projects or chasing every role. Instead, I’m drawn to specific people, actors, and directors whose work I genuinely admire. I follow their careers, and I’d love to collaborate with them one day if the timing aligns. I’m content with trusting the process.
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