Martin Henderson has never been an ordinary name. From Grey’s Anatomy to Virgin River, he’s always been typecast as the quiet, trustworthy man, a safe bet for mainstream audiences. But Madam isn’t safe. And Henderson himself admits: his new role on Netflix pushed him out of his comfort zone in a way that sent chills down the spines of the entire crew.
Martin Henderson – a turn of no return
In Madam, Henderson appears with a completely different energy. No longer the healer, he enters a world of control, lust, and hidden power. According to his latest comments, this is a role that he “cannot pretend to be comfortable” with, because each scene forces him to confront the dark side of humanity, something that mainstream television usually avoids.
Madam – a series that even Netflix should be wary of.
Set in New Zealand, Madam delves into toxic relationships where money, sex, and power are inextricably intertwined. Henderson revealed that upon reading the script, he immediately realized this wasn’t the kind of project you’d watch for fun. Madam doesn’t invite viewers to relax; it challenges them.
The role kept Martin Henderson awake at night.
The actor admitted that there were days when he left the set feeling heavy-hearted, burdened with guilt, conflict, and discomfort. “There were scenes I couldn’t say I liked,” he shared. But that’s precisely what made Madam an unturnable project. Henderson didn’t want to play it safe. He wanted to be pushed to the limit.
Breaking away from familiar stereotypes.
This is a direct hit to the “ideal man” image that audiences have attributed to him for years. Madam doesn’t allow Henderson to be likable. His character is flawed, manipulative, and at times terrifying. And Netflix knows that will be controversial. But it is precisely this unsettling quality that makes Madam different.
New Zealand – a land that reveals its dark side.
Filming in his native New Zealand didn’t make things any easier. Henderson said the familiar setting actually made the story more relatable and unsettling. Peaceful streets and seemingly harmless spaces became the backdrop for haunting relationships.
Netflix viewers will not be spoiled.
Madam isn’t a series for everyone. Henderson frankly admits, “If you’re looking for comfort, this isn’t the right choice.” The series forces viewers to sit back with a sense of unease, questioning morality, boundaries, and the compromises people are willing to make.
The biggest gamble of my career.
For Martin Henderson, Madam was a gamble. If audiences turned their backs on him, he would lose the image he had built over a decade. But if they stayed, he would be seen as an actor who dared to take risks, dared to break his own mold. And Henderson seemed to have accepted both possibilities.
Netflix is betting on controversy.
Netflix’s significant investment in Madam shows that the platform is no longer afraid of negative reactions. Henderson believes that Madam exists precisely because it is unsafe, not easy to watch, and not easy to forget.
Martin Henderson has stepped out of his comfort zone. Madam doesn’t promise comfort, only raw truth and devastating consequences – and the question remains: are the audience ready to follow him to the very depths of this darkness?