Okay, so you’re probably just like me, knee-deep in the latest TV obsession, right? For a lot of us, that’s Netflix’s Maxton Hall – The World Between Us. It’s got everything – boarding school drama, forbidden love, all the good stuff. And honestly, a huge part of its charm? That is-they-aren’t-they, push-and-pull relationship between James Beaufort and Ruby Bell. It’s basically the gold standard for angsty TV romance these days. You just can’t look away.

Which, naturally, got me thinking. Or rather, got my ears perked up when I heard what Damian Hardung, our very own James, had to say. He’s out there making some pretty bold claims about the musical landscape of Maxton Hall‘s future. And when you’re talking about TV romances, let’s be real, there’s only one true queen of the soundtrack: Taylor Swift. Her songs pretty much write themselves into the fabric of these shows, becoming anthems for our favorite fictional pairings. No big surprise there, I mean, she’s practically a national treasure at this point, especially for anyone navigating young love or, you know, heartbreak.

But here’s the kicker – Damian isn’t just tossing out any old Swift tune. Oh no. He’s got specific, and frankly, quite shocking choices for James and Ruby. Choices that make you raise an eyebrow, then maybe nod knowingly. Because, let’s be honest, those two are on a whole other level of complicated. And it seems like Damian’s got a pretty good handle on what makes them tick, even if it’s got us scratching our heads a little.

The Swift Effect – And Damian’s Surprising Picks

When you think Taylor Swift and complicated love stories, a few songs probably jump to mind immediately. “Style,” maybe? “Wildest Dreams”? Or perhaps something from her angsty Red era, like “22” for those fleeting moments of joy, or “All Too Well” for, well, you know. But Damian, our guy playing the brooding billionaire heir, he went straight for the jugular in a chat with Us Weekly. He didn’t mince words, basically throwing out a track that’s less about romantic yearning and more about a definitive, maybe even defiant, break-up statement.

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” – A Bit on the Nose, Don’t You Think?

Seriously, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”? That was Damian’s first suggestion for James and Ruby in Maxton Hall season 3. Now, you might think, “Hold on, aren’t they, like, getting back together? Or at least trying to?” And you’d be right! That’s the beauty of it. Us Weekly, bless their hearts, even pointed out that this particular smash hit from Swift’s Red album seemed a bit more suited for their season 2 arc. Because, let’s be real, season 2 was basically a masterclass in the push and pull, the I-hate-you-but-I-can’t-live-without-you dance these two do so well. It was the epitome of “never ever getting back together” just before they, you know, actually got back together again. The irony is just delicious.

But Damian, ever the forward-thinker, he wasn’t dwelling on the past. “He was looking ahead,” according to Us. And here’s where it gets really interesting: for season 3, his choice shifted dramatically. From defiant pop anthem to something far more, shall we say, introspective. It’s a vibe change, big time. And it makes me wonder what kind of emotional rollercoaster he anticipates for James and Ruby next. Because moving from pop-punk heartbreak to indie folk feels like a whole journey, doesn’t it?

From Pop-Punk to Indie Folk – A Glimpse into Season 3’s Vibe

So, what was this mysterious, more forward-looking choice? Drumroll please… “‘Exile’ with Bon Iver.” Yes, “Exile.” That devastatingly beautiful duet off of Swift’s Folklore album. And honestly, once he said it, it just clicked. It makes so much sense, potentially. “I love that. It’s just such a beautiful song,” Hardung noted. And he’s right, it is. It’s a song about two people, once deeply connected, now adrift, seeing the same past through completely different, painful lenses. It’s about unspoken hurt, about paths diverging even when the love might still, somehow, linger.

What “Exile” Could Mean for James and Ruby

• Perspective Shift: “Exile” is all about misunderstanding and seeing things from opposite sides. “I think I’ve seen this film before, and I didn’t like the ending. You’re not my homeland anymore, so what am I doing here?” That line alone screams James and Ruby after everything they’ve been through. His privileged world, her grounded reality- so many potential angles for this song’s theme to fit.
• Lingering Hurt: Season 2 saw them back together, yes, but it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. His father’s meddling, the pressure, the sheer weight of their different worlds- it’s a lot. “Exile” captures that feeling of a love that’s still present, but perhaps wounded, like an open sore that won’t quite heal.
• Future Obstacles: Damian admitted he couldn’t spill much, but he did mention hoping for the best for the next installment. They’re back together, sure, but what battles are they facing now? His father, you know, being James’s father, is always a stumbling block. “Exile” could perfectly underscore those external pressures and internal doubts that threaten to pull them apart again. It’s less about a clean break and more about a lingering, aching separation even when physically together.

It’s pure speculation, of course. But honestly, if you’re looking for a song that encapsulates the kind of heartbreak and longing that comes from two people who perhaps belong together but are constantly driven apart by circumstance and their own flaws, “Exile” is a stellar choice. It paints a picture of a more mature, perhaps more painful, phase of their relationship. Not the dramatics of a pop breakup, but the quiet devastation of a love that just can’t quite find its footing.

“It’s about unspoken hurt, about paths diverging even when the love might still, somehow, linger.”

Think about it: James and Ruby are constantly navigating these impossible situations, trying to build something real in a world that seems determined to tear it down. They’re basically exiled from a ‘normal’ relationship by family expectations, social standing, and their own tumultuous past. That’s a pretty strong parallel, isn’t it?

The Road Ahead for Maxton Hall’s Power Couple

So, what does this tell us about season 3? Well, Damian Hardung’s musical intuition, if put to screen, suggests a pretty heavy emotional arc. Gone are the days of the simple “we’re breaking up, for real this time” kind of drama. We’re moving into something more nuanced, perhaps more heartbreakingly real. It’s about finding themselves, and each other, through a labyrinth of obstacles that feel almost insurmountable. Season 2, as we know, left them trying to bravely face down James’s father – a battle, I’d argue, that would require the emotional depth of “Exile” rather than the pop-punk defiance of “Never Ever.”

It sounds like we’re in for a season of internal struggles, of miscommunication, and of profound emotional resonance. If James and Ruby actually get a Taylor Swift anthem in season 3, and it’s “Exile,” I’d say prepare for some serious feels. It’ll be less about the grand dramatic gestures and more about the quiet heartache, the things left unsaid, and the painful space that grows between two people who still love each other but just can’t seem to make it work. It’s a darker, more mature turn, and frankly, I’m absolutely here for it.

Now, we just have to wait and see if Netflix and the Maxton Hall music supervisors are listening to our talented lead actor. Because honestly, sometimes the actors know best, don’t they? They live in the characters’ skins, they understand the emotional landscape. And if Damian Hardung is envisioning “Exile” for James and Ruby, I think we should all pay attention. It probably means we’re in for one heck of an emotional ride. And who knows, maybe it’ll even make us cry as much as “All Too Well” does on a bad day. Fingers crossed!