From Spring Issue 61
Glass Man talks to Dutch actor Josha Stradowski about morphing from farm boy to hero in The Wheel of Time, the hit fantasy drama that has just entered its third series
There’s a quiet intensity to Josha Stradowski. It lingers in the deliberateness of his speaking, a measured potency between his words, much like the characters he has embodied on screen.
Best known for his commanding presence as Rand al’Thor in Amazon’s fantasy series The Wheel of Time, Netherlands-born Stradowski has swiftly become one of today’s most intriguing up-and-coming actors – seamlessly blending physicality with emotional depth in a way that feels both timeless and modern.
Photographer: Alex Kurunis
Hailing from Rotterdam and trained at the Theatre School in Amsterdam, the 30-year-old’s trajectory has been as precise as it has been varied. From Dutch television to cinematic box-office hits and the sweeping landscapes of make-believe, he has moved swiftly between genres, bringing a soft magnetism to each role.
Photographer: Alex Kurunis
Over the last few years, he has stepped into the shoes of a character burdened with destiny, and in the just launched Season 3 of The Wheel of Time, audiences will see how he fares against his most harrowing trials yet.
Based on the book series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, the plot is set in a world where magic exists but can only be wielded by certain women, among them Moiraine Damodred, played by English actress Rosamund Pike. Stradowski’s humble farm boy role is transformed when he discovers that he is the Dragon Reborn and destined to either save or destroy the world.
Yet, beyond the surface of heroes and warriors, there is a sharp intellect and a deep curiosity about the craft of storytelling that reveals hints of a true thespian.
Photographer: Alex Kurunis
What first drew you to acting and when did you realise it was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
Nothing drew me to acting at first. I didn’t know it existed. My mum just threw me inside a drama class when I was nine. A week later she threw me into an audition room for a musical and when I found myself on stage doing a monologue for 2,000 people I knew “this is it”. Since then I always said this is what I wanted to do. Twenty years later that’s still true. I guess my mum, she saw. She knew.
Photographer: Alex Kurunis
Before The Wheel of Time, you played in European films and TV. What was it like moving from Dutch productions to a major international fantasy series?
The obvious things like the language and the scale of it. But for me the main difference was seriousness. Without taking ourselves too seriously, there was a seriousness about the work that I loved and made me feel I belonged.
Photographer: Alex Kurunis
How did you prepare for the emotional weight of Rand’s journey, especially his increasing isolation and struggles with power?
Rand is ready and eager. He embraces his power and destiny. But he’s like a child because he has no clue what he’s capable of. He’s an atomic bomb. It makes him reckless and he pays the ultimate price for that. And in terms of loneliness … That’s his path now. Lonelier and lonelier … Until the break of dawn – it’s dark and I love that.
Rand and Moiraine’s dynamic is critical to the story. What was it like working with Rosamund Pike?
The best rallies I’ve had with her. She works so incredibly hard … It’s insane. I respect her. I’ve learned it’s not always about giving it your all, but just about enough. It’s that 70-80 per cent range sweet spot.
Photographer: Alex Kurunis
Season 3 marks another evolution of your character’s journey. What did you enjoy most about playing Rand this season?
This season I enjoyed not playing Rand the most! In Episode 4, I play seven different characters with prosthetics and everything that comes with that. Rand’s ancestors. It’s TV, so once we start shooting there’s zero time for anything in prep. In prep, I said to myself “I’m open and flexible. Every problem is a new creative path.” So later when I found myself on set almost fainting in the desert of South Africa at 49C in a seven-hour prosthetic, with five people constantly doing touch-ups on me, I said “this guy is limping ‘cos he tore his ankle and, just like me, he’s almost fainting and dying in action.” Ha ha.
Photographer: Alex Kurunis
The Wheel of Time book series has a massive, passionate fan base. Did you feel pressure taking on such a popular project?
Yeah, I felt pressure. But not this season. With time, I got rid of it. And that’s a good thing. Pressure kills creativity.
Photographer: Alex Kurunis
What has playing Rand taught you about yourself, both as an actor and as a person?
I learned that I’m enough. I’m free and saved. No matter what I do, where I go or who I’m with. It might sound weird, but it makes me feel relaxed. I can now just ease into me.
Photographer: Alex Kurunis
In 2023, you played Nicholas Capa in Gran Turismo, a character inspired by an amalgamation of real-life racing drivers. How did you approach bringing him to life?
Gran Turismo came alive for me stepping into a car and driving up to 300km an hour on a racing track and then stepping out of the car and talking to the real Jann Mardenborough [in the film, one of Capa’s rivals]. I thought my character was one-dimensional when I realised that might be true in a way. Only winning matters.
Photographer: Alex Kurunis
Looking ahead, what sort of stories are you most passionate about telling?
After my love for theatre came the love for cinema. That’s the world I wanna be in now, filmmaking. The stories that resonate with me are raw, often dark and infectious because they are so true. There are no words for this really. It’s like a fire. Anything that embodies that fire, that’s where you’ll find me. That’s where I’ll be.
by Imogen Clark
Photographer: Alex Kurunis
Senior Fashion Editor: Lily Rimmer
Grooming: Charlie Cullen
Photography assistant: Rami Hassen
Styling assistant: Lily Hopkins
Production: Daisy at Twenty Twenty Agency
Talent: Josha Stradowski
Look 1: Top belt ALLSAINTS, Middle belt TORY LEATHER at COUVERTURE & THE GARBSTORE, Bottom belt STYLIST’S OWN, Vest NANUSHKA, Trousers DANIEL SIMMONS
Look 2: White polo CANALI, Middle polo DIOR at NORDIC POETRY, Top polo BATONER at COUVERTURE & THE GARBSTORE, Coat and jeans AMI PARIS, Ring BUNNEY, Shoes GRENSON
Look 3: Polo BIANCA SAUNDERS, Vest GEORDIE CAMPBELL, Jeans TDR at COUVERTURE & THE GARBSTORE, Necklace SERGE DENIMES
Look 4: Top NANUSHKA
Look 5: All clothing CRAIG GREEN, Shoes GRENSON X CRAIG GREEN, Socks PANTHERELLA
Look 6: Top jacket NORDIC POETRY, Under jacket and trousers FENG CHEN WANG
Look 7: Top jacket NORDIC POETRY, Under jacket FENG CHEN WANG, Polo FILIPPA K
Look 8: Jacket and trousers TDR at COUVERTURE & THE GARBSTORE, Shirt FENG CHEN WANG, Hat STYLIST’S OWN, Belt ALLSAINTS
Look 9: Trousers and jumper STONE ISLAND, Undershirt LOUIS VUITTON at NORDIC POETRY, Belts ALLSAINTS, Necklace SERGE DENIMES, Ring BUNNEY
Look 10: Top NANUSHKA, Coat BIANCA SAUNDERS, Trousers FILIPPA K, Belts STYLIST’S OWN, Shoes GRENSON