Luke Baines, best known for his breakout role as Jonathan Morgenstern in Shadowhunters, recently teamed up with renowned celebrity photographer Maxwell Poth for an exclusive photoshoot in Los Angeles. A Teen Choice Award nominee, Baines has carved out a compelling career across film and television, starring as Wes Craven’s final serial killer in The Girl in the Photographs (TIFF premiere) and appearing alongside Andrew Garfield in David Robert Mitchell’s Under the Silver Lake (Cannes premiere). With recent roles in The Mandalorian, Agents of SHIELD, and Nancy Drew, Baines continues to showcase his versatility across genres. Captured through Poth’s cinematic lens, this latest shoot offers a striking visual narrative that reflects both his brooding on-screen presence and his off-screen charisma.
SD – Shooting with Paul Kiefer
You recently shot with Paul Kiefer in New York, who you previously modeled with. What was that experience like, and how do you approach photography as a way to express different facets of yourself as an actor?
LB – It’s not uncommon for me to play the bad guy, so when I get the chance to shoot stills, I appreciate showing that I’m not a complete creep—though sometimes it’s fun to lean into that side too. Working with Paul was great. He has such a unique style, favoring authenticity in a way most photographers don’t. We first met doing a fashion campaign in our early twenties, so it was great to catch up while wandering around Manhattan, occasionally remembering to take some pics.
SD – From Shadowhunters to The Mandalorian
You’ve built a diverse career spanning fantasy, horror, and sci-fi. What draws you to these genres, and do you actively seek out roles that push you into new creative territory?
LB – I naturally love those genres—one of my favorite aspects of entertainment is escapism—but I think my inclusion in those worlds has more to do with the fact that I look like I’m from another planet or could murder people. So much of casting comes down to physical appearance, but as long as I’m working, I have no complaints.
SD – Playing Wes Craven’s Final Killer
In The Girl in the Photographs, you had the honor of starring as Wes Craven’s final serial killer. How did you prepare for such a chilling role, and what was it like working on a project connected to such a legendary filmmaker?
LB- Scream was one of my favorite movies growing up, so meeting Wes was a lifelong dream—let alone getting to play the killer in a film he produced. Nick Simon, who directed the movie, was mentored by Wes through the American Film Institute and assembled an incredible team, including Dean Cundey, the cinematographer behind classics like Jurassic Park, Hook, Death Becomes Her, and Halloween. I managed to get through two weeks of shooting before finally peppering him with questions like, “What makes Meryl so good?” and “Thoughts on Invitation to Hell?”
SD- The Cannes & TIFF Experience
Both Under the Silver Lake and The Girl in the Photographs premiered at major film festivals. How did those experiences shape you as an actor, and did they change the way you approach roles?
LB – Watching a film at TIFF’s Midnight Madness is an incredible experience. To be among film fans who genuinely love movies is an artist’s dream. There’s no better audience. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the Under the Silver Lake premiere. Although I was in Paris, we were shooting Shadowhunters at the time and I wasn’t able to leave set—the saddest part was staring at one of the most beautiful suits I’d ever seen, sent by Dior, that I never got to wear. In hindsight, I definitely should’ve taken it out for a secret night on the town.
SD – Stepping into the World of The Mandalorian
Appearing in The Mandalorian was a major moment, given the massive Star Wars fanbase. What was it like stepping into such an iconic universe, and did you feel any pressure taking on a role within that world?
LB – Working on The Mandalorian was next level. It felt like winning a set visit, especially when they gave us a tour of The Volume, the immersive soundstage. The creative genius at work there is intimidating, to say the least. I was fortunate to meet Sarah Finn when she cast me in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. After filming my episode, she brought me back in for The Mandalorian, where I read for numerous characters, only finding out the night before which role I’d be playing.
SD – Co-Writing Untitled Horror Movie
Beyond acting, you also co-wrote Untitled Horror Movie. What inspired you to step into screenwriting, and how did creating your own project compare to working on someone else’s vision?
LB – I’d been writing scripts for nearly a decade when we made Untitled Horror Movie, with the pandemic creating the circumstances to finally make it happen. It felt great to be busy during such a challenging time, and I was lucky to rope my friends into making it—knowing they couldn’t use the excuse of being busy. Since then, I’ve been writing a lot more and hope to get more projects into production later this year.
SD – Balancing Film and TV
You’ve worked on both film and television across a variety of projects. Do you have a preference between the two, and how does your creative process differ depending on the medium?
LB – Choosing between the two would be like Sophie’s Choice—both beloved in their own way. But no matter the medium, my process for developing a character remains the same. The biggest difference is usually in performance, as TV often requires more signposting. Film classically allows for more nuance, revealing elements of a character in stages. That said, there are more and more exceptions lately—TV shows that unfold like films, and films with the pacing of TV.
SD – What’s Next for Luke Baines?
With such a dynamic career, what’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects, dream roles, or new creative avenues you’re excited to explore?
LB – I published my first novel, In Scientia, last year, which was a lifelong dream. It’s a young adult fantasy about a girl who discovers she’s part of an elite society of magic. I also have a couple of films coming out and am currently shooting another one—finally playing a character who isn’t a murderer or covered in fake blood. Dreams do come true.
Photography Paul Kiefer
@kieferstudio
