Interview with actor Maximilian Acevedo of ‘The Babysitter: Killer Queen’

Up-and-coming actor Maximilian Acevedo is co-starring in the sequel movie The Babysitter: Killer Queen. The film, directed by McG, was released to Netflix on September 10. Acevedo stars alongside Bella Thorne, Leslie Bibb, Emily Alyn Lind, Jenna Ortega, Amanda Cerny, Hana Mae Lee and Robbie Amell.

The Babysitter: Killer Queen takes place two years after the original movie when a satanic cult led by babysitter Bee is defeated. Cole is now trying to forget his past and focus on surviving high school, however old enemies unexpectedly turn up, and he’ll once more have to outsmart the forces of evil.

Maximilian Acevedo is currently twenty-one years old and got his first big break on Nickelodeon’s Henry Danger where he starred in two episodes. Acevedo is a self professed fitness enthusiast and also loves traveling, cars, fashion, sports, who is “up for any challenge”. Acevedo is also a recording artist signed with Thump/Universal.

We had the fantastic opportunity to ask this up-and-coming star some questions. Here’s what he had to say. (If you want to keep up with Acevedo’s upcoming projects be sure to follow him on Instagram.)

What’s your history in acting?

Well, my history in acting started when I was performing in Vegas, giving women the Chippendale experience. And after doing it for a few months, I realized how much I enjoyed entertaining an audience. With advice from my mom I decided to make a move back to my hometown, which was Los Angeles.

For about a year it was very rough . . . actually one of the hardest years of my life if we’re being honest. The amount of moving from place to place and constantly being uncomfortable was hard enough & I must remind you that I literally moved 6 times within a year’s span & with horrible roommates to top it off.

Much of it from actors who never cared to help me once nor looked out for my best interest when that’s the complete opposite of treatment that I always gave them. I even took acting classes where teachers literally told me that I shouldn’t be an actor. Finally, I met an agent & within 3 days of working with him I officially booked my first television network series on Nickelodeon’s Henry Danger & that’s when my life began to turn around.

What was it like working on The Babysitter: Killer Queen? What did you learn from the experience?

It was an unbelievable experience & I learned everything. I will never forget this experience.

Where did the concept come from for your role in The Babysitter: Killer Queen?

50% came from my director McG & the other 50% came from me.

What is your favorite on-set story from working on The Babysitter: Killer Queen?

There were so many great moments on set with McG that during the 2nd week I was feeling so comfortable that I almost overstepped my boundaries & this is what happened:

McG and the crew were planning on what next shot they all wanted shoot, and let me remind you that this is my first film on my 2nd week so I’m learning the ropes a bit, so I look to McG and I ask out loud “Would you like to get my close-up over here?” and McG replies “My god that was the most beautiful / narcissistic s*%# I’ve ever heard in my life” and everyone in the room started laughing out loud.

Is there anything you think viewers should know before watching The Babysitter: Killer Queen? 

Yes, watch the Babysitter 1.

Talk to us through your creative process.

When I got the audition & I read the script for the very first time, and when I read the Name “Jimmy” it was like god speaking to me instantly & telling me that this was me . . . meaning I was Jimmy, I began reading the description & couldn’t believe how naturally gravitating this role was . . . it was almost like winning the lottery ticket.

Once the character is on the page & you can become that character so naturally & make it real, that’s what you can call my creative process.

What part of acting do you geek out about the most?

When I see the final product on screen is when it makes me feel amazed of what we’ve all accomplished as a team.

What is one movie or television show that inspired you to become an actor?

It’s impossible for me to name just one film or series . . . too many things influenced me to become an actor. I have so many favorites, and so many for different reasons.

Who are the current influences on your acting style?

Mark Whalberg, Dwayne Johnson, Shia Lebouf, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Marlon Brando, I can go on, but those are some of the top.

Do you have any tips for people who want to get into the world of acting?

If this is truly your natural calling no matter what anyone says, never give up & become obsessed with the craft.

What is your mission as an actor? Name the most important thing that you want viewers to experience when watching your projects? 

To make people smile.

Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about? What are they? 

I just signed a record deal with Thump under universal records to release my first song called “Make You Mine”.

I have an animation project coming out soon as well as a film that’s currently being written called Operation Ivy League about a scandal that happened at Columbia University 10 years ago.

What is your 5 year plan?

To go as far as I can honestly, genuinely & full heartedly. 

Watching movies is a great way for an actor to learn, what’s the last movie you watched and what did you learn from it? 

I actually just watched Rosemary’s Baby last night, which I think was the first evil possession type movie that was ever created & I learned that it created a cool domino effect, and here we are years later with The Babysitter: Killer Queen. 

If you have someone composing a soundtrack for your life, who would it be?

Hans Zimmer.

Have you worked with a mentor in the past? How would you recommend finding them?

I never really had a mentor until I met my agent, Little Pierre, that is what I like to call him. I never noticed that he was a mentor to me until months went by & I began to reflect on so many discussions we would have together & began to realize that dang, this guy actually was looking out for me & cares for my well being.

He literally is like a guiding angel. He of course believes in me and gives me a solid foundation to build on. There’s no correct way of “finding” a mentor . . . a mentor must come into your life by destiny or chance.

Is there an actor or director you would love to work with someday and who are they?

Mark Wahlberg of course. The Rock, Leonardo, Brad Pitt, Madelyine Cline, Jennifer Lawrence, Sandra Bullock.

Directors I’d have to say are Quinton Tarantino, Ava DuVernay, Kathryn Bigelow, Ryan Murphy, Michael Bay.

Do you have a dog or cat?

At my Parents house I have 2 dogs that they take care of now because of how busy I am.