Joe Locke on Agatha All Along: Embracing Complexity, Magic, and Emotion

In Agatha All Along, Joe Locke brings a striking depth to the role of Billy Maximoff, navigating magic, memory, and morality in Marvel’s most mystically rich series to date. In our recent interview, Locke opened up about the layered character he portrays, the intense emotional journey, and the collaborative process that shaped Billy’s arc.

Joe Locke’s journey with Agatha All Along began with a pivotal chemistry read alongside co-star Kathryn Hahn. The scene they performed—where Agatha tells Billy, “It’s good to see you again”—was filled with subtle tension, layered emotion, and a hint of their complicated past. “That scene got me the job,” Locke said. “We were locked in—it just worked.” It also established the foundation of their dynamic, balancing power, distrust, and a slowly building mutual understanding.

At the heart of Billy’s story is a haunting truth: he might be responsible for the deaths of his friends through the creation of the Witches' Road. “He’s not a bad person,” Locke explained, “but he does some bad things. That’s what’s interesting—living in that gray area.” Billy’s internal conflict—whether intention can outweigh consequence—is explored deeply throughout the series, echoing broader Marvel themes of power and responsibility.

One of the show’s emotional cruxes is Billy’s fragmented identity. He holds no clear memories of his past lives as William Kaplan or Billy Maximoff, which creates a disorienting, almost existential struggle. “He doesn’t know who he is until this series,” Locke noted. It’s a slow, painful journey of self-discovery, made even more poignant by scenes where Billy must mask his confusion and adapt to a family and body he doesn’t fully recognize.

Billy’s magic is tied closely to his emotions—reactive, raw, and often out of his control. Over the course of the series, viewers witness a transformation from uncertain novice to confident wielder of power. “By episode eight, he’s fully in his power,” Locke said. “But it’s taken trials, trauma, and Agatha’s reluctant mentorship to get there.” Agatha, traditionally a trickster, emerges as a complicated guide, testing and ultimately empowering Billy.

Billy’s dynamic with Agatha also evolves dramatically. What begins as antagonism shifts into respect and even emotional kinship. One of Locke’s favorite lines comes in episode eight: “You’re not that bad,” Billy says, to which Agatha replies, “You’re the only one who thinks so.” It’s a moment of rare vulnerability and mutual recognition—two characters bound by their flaws as much as their strengths.

Agatha All Along is a series built on layers—of identity, power, and deeply flawed characters trying to do the right thing. Joe Locke’s portrayal of Billy Maximoff is as nuanced as the show itself: a journey of grief, growth, and the power of empathy in a world of magic and chaos.

Watch the full conversation below:

Q&A on Agatha All Along with actor Joe Locke. Moderated by Mara Webster, In Creative Company.

A spell-bound Agatha Harkness regains freedom thanks to a teen's help. Intrigued by his plea, she embarks on the Witches' Road trials to reclaim her powers and discover the teen's motivations.