Former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy is stepping into a bold new chapter in his career. The longtime ballroom favorite, best known for his passionate performances and Mirrorball Trophy win in Season 18, is now taking center stage as the leading man in a vertical drama series titled “Wild Silence.” The project marks Holywater Tech’s latest release on its My Drama platform.
Chmerkovskiy recently shared the trailer with his fans on social media, giving followers a first look at his dramatic role. Unlike his live ballroom routines, “Wild Silence” places Chmerkovskiy in a scripted role designed specifically for mobile viewing, with episodes filmed in a vertical format for on-the-go audiences.
After he posted the trailer, many of his fellow “DWTS” pros flooded the comments section with supportive messages, cheering him on as he takes this next step.
Outpouring of Encouragement From ‘DWTS’ Pros & Troupe Members
Maks shared the trailer for “Wild Silence” in a recent Instagram post. “So excited to finally share this! Can’t wait for everyone to see our movie!” he wrote in the caption of the post.
In the comment section, his “DWTS” friends shared their support for his upcoming role.
Sasha Farber commented “👏”
Jenna Johnson, “DWTS” pro who also married to Maks’ brother Val Chmerkovskiy, commented, “Yessssss Maksusha!!!!!”
Val added, “Insane bro! So good! 🔥❤️👏”
Gleb Savchenko said, “🙌🙌🙌🔥🔥🔥”
Nevinchanyi Roman, a troupe member who joined Season 33 wrote, “Beast bro 🔥”
Sharna Burgess, troupe member from Season 13 through Season 15, wrote, “Yes Maksy!!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥”
All About the Vertical Series ‘Wild Silence’
This will be Chmerkovskiy’s first leading role in a scripted vertical series, and it is also the first U.S. vertical series to feature a reality TV star in a leading role, according to Deadline. The series will also be starring Alexandria Watts.
“Wild Silence” follows Camilla, who wakes up in a remote wilderness cabin after being rescued from a suicide attempt by Jack, a reclusive man grieving the loss of his wife. As they navigate isolation together, the two form a cautious bond that helps them confront their pasts.
“Wild Silence was an opportunity to step into a completely different kind of storytelling that is intimate, emotionally raw, and built for the way the majority of audiences are watching shows today,” Chmerkovskiy said in a statement to the outlet. “This role challenged me in new ways as an actor, and I was drawn to the honesty of the story and the creative ambition behind My Drama. Vertical series are an exciting new frontier, and I’m proud to be part of a project that’s helping redefine what premium, mobile-first entertainment can be.”
Last year, Holywater Tech also announced development of its first vertical musical series starring Hannah Stocking.
Said Bogdan Nesvit and Anatolii Kasianov, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Holywater Tech: “We’re genuinely excited about the release of Wild Silence and proud to welcome Maksim Chmerkovskiy to My Drama. His participation sends a clear signal that established talent can start building acting careers in vertical storytelling and see it as a serious, long-term format. Projects like this help us move vertical series into the mainstream — bringing premium content to audiences where they stream the most: on their phones. We’re excited to continue building My Drama as a home for high-profile creators and ambitious new stories.”
Will Chmerkovskiy Ever Return to the ‘DWTS’ Ballroom?
GettyAt this time, Chmerkovskiy has no plans to return to “DWTS” after his nine-year absence.
Chmerkovskiy joined the “DWTS” cast in Season 2 and danced for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy for the last time in Season 25. During his 17 seasons on the show, Chmerkovskiy appeared in the finale five times but only had one win: Season 18 with his partner Meryl Davis, an Olympic ice dancer.
While on the show, Chmerkovskiy met Peta Murgatroyd, another “DWTS” pro whom he married in 2017. The two now have three sons together: Shai Aleksander, Rio John, and Milan. Chmerkovskiy says his and Murgatroyd’s children are part of the reason he is hesitant to return.
“With the kids, it’s so hard. It’s very tough,” he told Access Hollywood back in December 2025.
He also isn’t a fan of how social media now impacts the show. “I just don’t think there would be space for me, especially in the format that it is today. I can’t fathom doing so much social media, and without it, how do you win?”
While his family and social media may deter him from stepping back into the “DWTS” ballroom, Chmerkovskiy told the outlet, “I’m looking forward to so much more dancing out of my body. I’m in maintenance every day for the last 25 years. I don’t see where that’s going to go, and I’m looking forward to creative processes.”
