Checking In with Deeper Contract Superstar Maitland Ward

Maitland Is An Inspiration in MUSE

Vixen Media Group contract superstar Maitland Ward stars in the brand new Deeper series MUSE directed by AVN Hall of Famer/AVN Director of the Year Kayden Kross. The series co-stars Adriana Chechik in a prominent role and also stars AVN Best New Starlet Gianna Dior, Lena Paul, Scarlit Scandal, and Gabbie Carter. Here's what Ward had to say about this lovely new project and her world.

Hello, Maitland! How are you doing? How are things with you?

"Things have been really great. Especially being back at work after the lockdown. It’s different now, with safety protocols and everything, but it’s so wonderful seeing all the faces I know and love, and being able to perform again."

Congrats on the release of MUSE. How does it feel to have that Deeper production out in the world?

"Thank you! What an amazing undertaking it was to get MUSE off the ground. Kayden wrote a phenomenal script, and I was immediately so excited about it. This would be a feature unlike any other, not only because of the pandemic, but because a project that was just intended as a stand alone feature got such great reception, we’ve now developed it into a multi-season series. Such a great cast and crew with Kayden holding the reins."

What did you enjoy most about working with Adriana Chechik?

"I absolutely love Adriana’s fearless energy. Not just with the hardcore we had, but with her devotion to her acting and her character. She really put her all into it, everyday. She has a fiercely committed work ethic and really heightens the scenes she’s in. I’d love to explore with her more because our chemistry was off the charts."

You and Kayden Kross seem to have an incredible creative partnership. What do you value most about your relationship with her?

"Kayden is not only someone I have an incredible creative partnership with, she’s also like a sister, and such a close person in my life. We really connect through writing and art and have the best possible time doing it. I can really trust her to take me places I’ve never been before, and to do so knowing that I have a safe place to land should I fall. That trust has me confident in really pushing boundaries, both sexually and as an actress. Her words, both the ones she writes for me to say and her love and encouragement mean so much to me. I love that she doesn’t let any adversity get in the way, too. We were both so committed to making a feature this year, in spite of, and also because of, the pandemic. We also didn’t want any film we made to be defined in some history book by the asterisk next to the title."

You play a professor in this. If you were to actually teach a subject at a university, what would you like to teach?

"Good question! Actually, sex psychology is a fascinating one. I love psychology in general, so I’m definitely interested in that. Also, the history of sex and art, that we touch on in the movie. When did sexually graphic cave paintings and statues depicting sex acts suddenly become worth of display at a museum. When did they get defined as something other than porn, which they clearly were in their time. But if I had to choose something different, I’d say English Lit or Anthropology. Those were favorites of mine in college."

What about being a part of Vixen Media Group really works with how you want to star in adult movies?

"The product at Vixen is the absolute highest standard in the industry. Everything is just so beautiful and thoughtfully put together and it runs just like mainstream sets. That’s what made me want to work with Vixen in the first place. And being with Deeper, and with Kayden, has allowed me to act and perform in ways that I never thought possible. Kayden’s scripts are so brilliantly crafted and I get to play these delicious characters that mainstream would never let me. I get to perform sexually, which I love, and I also get to do it with a rich storyline and character development. It’s a dream for me."

I hope that you and everyone you love has been safe and healthy in these unique times. How do you think that the virus is going to change the industry in the long run?

"Again, thank you. And I hope you and everyone reading has been safe and well. The industry has definitely changed in lockdown, and I feel we all have to adapt in order to evolve. Vixen did an incredible job during MUSE with testing and protocol. We tested for COVID every single day, even if you weren’t working on a particular day. Everyone was accounted for. There was an EMT on set and temperature checks. I think that’s how the industry has to move forward and change with the times. So many performers found during lockdown, as did I, how lucrative personal content could be. But I didn’t go into this industry to just play it safe. I wanted to make the big projects and do things that could bridge porn to mainstream. And I think this is a better time than ever to bridge that gap. Mainstream has been crippled with lack of production and product. Porn can seize on that right now. That’s also why it was so important for us to make MUSE. I love that porn can show mainstream how it can be done."

What would you like your fans to consider in the upcoming elections?

"Sex work and porn is threatened and we need to vote on people and initiatives that will protect us. It’s a weird thing because radicals on both sides, who find little to agree on, come together with their hatred of porn. We need to stop any extremists who are trying to harm our industry. And I think it’s important that people in the industry be a positive force or change. Porn will not be outlawed, but we don’t want to go back to the days where performers couldn’t open a bank account because they earned their money in porn. Depending on where you live, and who and what is on the ballot, be vigilant for our industry and its performers."

What else is coming up for you? What should your fans be on the lookout for?

"We are not slowing down with the projects. MUSE season 2 will be coming really soon and I have some major firsts ahead. This year is going to be a wild ride for me and I can’t wait."

Is there anything that you would like to say to your fans here at Fleshbot?

"My fans are so fiercely loyal and supportive. I’m just so grateful for them every single day. They always show up. They’re always there for me. And I can’t thank them enough. I can just say that I love you, because I do!"

All of the images and video here appear courtesy of Deeper.