British actor Max Parker is making waves on Netflix with his commanding performance in the new dramedy Boots, a series exploring identity, resilience, and connection within the U.S. Marine Corps of the 1990s. In an exclusive conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Parker shared how he prepared for the physically demanding role of drill sergeant Sullivan, his experience in “boot camp” training, and the emotional weight behind one of the show’s most memorable scenes.
Based on Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine, the Netflix series has quickly risen to No. 7 on the platform’s U.S. Top 10 TV shows, earning attention for its mix of humor and heart. Set in 1990, the show follows a closeted teenager, Cameron (played by Miles Heizer), who enlists in the Marines — only to find strength and identity in unexpected places.
Who: Max Parker, 33-year-old British actor known for Emmerdale and Vampire Academy
What: Discusses his preparation and standout moments from Netflix’s Boots
When: Interview conducted October 2025
Where: Filmed in New Orleans, interview via Zoom from the U.K.
Why: To reflect on portraying drill sergeant Sullivan and the show’s broader cultural themes
“We Learned from Real Marines”
For Parker, the role of a U.S. Marine drill instructor was unlike anything he’d tackled before. The actor and his co-stars underwent a two-week intensive boot camp led by real military veterans, learning to march, salute, disassemble firearms, and maintain Marine-level discipline.
“People hear ‘boot camp’ and think endless push-ups,” Parker explained. “But it was about precision — learning how to move, stand, and speak like Marines. We had to respect the culture while telling a human story.”
Parker also kept up a personal fitness routine during filming in New Orleans to mirror Sullivan’s obsession with physical endurance — something he described as “self-punishment and control.”
Becoming Sullivan: A Role Outside His Comfort Zone
When Parker first read the script, he didn’t immediately see himself as a drill instructor. But through multiple auditions, he began to connect with the emotional depth of Sullivan, a man torn between authority and empathy.
“The first audition scene was actually the finale of Episode 1,” he said. “It was intense, but each round of auditions helped me understand Sullivan better. I put so much into it that I would’ve been devastated not to get the role.”
That dedication paid off. On set, Parker’s transformation from soft-spoken Brit to fierce Marine officer impressed both cast and crew. His first scene as Sullivan marked a symbolic shift in production — from rehearsal to reality.
Pressure and Performance
One of the toughest days on set came while filming a pivotal dumpster scene in Episode 4, originally written as Heizer’s audition sequence.
“There was so much pressure that day,” Parker recalled. “The showrunner’s family was visiting, the cast stuck around to watch, and it was Miles’s big moment. But the tension made it real. Watching it now, that scene has a rawness I’m proud of.”
Connection and Visibility
While Boots highlights the harsh realities of the U.S. military’s 1990s anti-gay climate — before the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy — Parker believes its message goes beyond sexuality.
“It’s about connection — people from different races, religions, and backgrounds finding common ground,” he said. “That’s what makes it universal.”
Since the show’s debut, Parker has received messages from former Marines who saw themselves in Sullivan’s story, including those who had to hide their identity to serve.
What’s Next for Max Parker
With Boots earning strong global viewership, Parker is expected to return for upcoming Netflix collaborations. Industry insiders suggest he may soon join a major historical miniseries under development. For now, the actor remains focused on advocating for authentic LGBTQ+ storytelling in mainstream media.
“I’ve learned that visibility can save lives,” he said. “That’s the legacy I want from this project.”
