Glass interviews Mexican break-out star Eiza González, whose latest big movie role sees her play opposite a comic-book superhero …
RISING star Eiza González has spent the past decade starring in some of the biggest Hollywood franchises. From Academy-nominated Baby Driver to Fast and Furious, the 30-year-old Mexican has gone from strength to strength. This spring, she starred opposite Vin Diesel in Bloodshot, inspired by the eponymous Valiant Comics character. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the studio Sony made the film available to stream less than two weeks after its cinema release.
As part of Glass’ “Fresh” issue, Gonzalez opened up about being naive in Hollywood, equal representation of Latin women in the film industry, and what makes her tick as an artist.
What can you tell us about your upcoming role in the comic-book re-enactment of Bloodshot?
What really attracted me to this role was the fact that I always thought it would be fascinating to tell a story about humans that are technologically improved and updated. It is an interesting role for me – unlike other action films, this character felt very empowering, she felt very human, she has a real sense of who she is and a real sense of honour.
Eiza Gonzalez. Photograph: Ssam Kim
Eiza Gonzalez. Photograph: Ssam Kim
As it is a superhero movie, how will it differentiate itself from the Marvel/DC franchises?
It feels more like a soldier film and less of a comic-book movie. But it still has that incredible authentic atmosphere that correlates with comic-book movies. It is not DC and it is not Marvel, it lands somewhere in the middle.
Do you feel any pressure to compete with the bigger studios when portraying a superhero on screen?
This film felt very different, I don’t know why. I think it’s because of the script. The story is not difficult at all, which I really like as well. I’m focused more on making the film more interesting and keeping the viewer more shocked and more surprised. I really was more focused on how to make that switch in the storyline versus thinking “oh, there’s pressure because this is a big comic-book”, or “this is an entity of its own”.
You can’t really focus on that because you can’t really [guess] what’s going to happen with the film in the long run. At the end of the day, incredible and successful actors have had all kinds of films: movies that are super successful and movies that are not successful, I mean good and bad movies. You can only just be excited about what you’re going to do and hope for the best.
You are one of the few female Latin superheroes in a big franchise movie. Do you feel a responsibility to accurately represent your heritage in the film industry?
Growing up, I never had girls that I could really look up to. It was really hard to have representation on screen of actresses being in dynamic roles. For me, every time I choose action films, I think about those little girls watching them. It is also allowing them to see that they can do this, they can make it, they can be whatever they want to be.
You’ve starred alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Can you tell us a story about one of your best moments on set?
I’ve had beautiful moments with my co-stars. I think I’ve been very lucky to have people that have guided me in my career. I also have a connection with women and I really enjoy working with women. I love listening to their life experiences. They kind of mentored me. And I love them for that a lot. I love that they have opened their hearts and told me about things that have been hard for them or difficult in this industry. I had the chance to learn from incredible people, so I can’t complain at all.
Out of all the parts that you’ve played, which one did you find most challenging?
What has been the most challenging thing for me was preparing for films or auditions and then not getting the parts. Because there is this connection – that it can go full circle. You think about the process, and you fall in love – it’s like a relationship. You create this person, this human, you experience it, and then you never get to live in their body or be that person.
And there’s something really weird about it because you end up giving so much energy, so much love. So that is actually the most challenging thing. Not a lot of people talk about that. But it is a real thing. I’m in the stage of my career where I still audition. I don’t get straight offers, I’m not there yet. And I do audition a lot, I audition for everything.
Eiza Gonzalez. Photograph: Ssam Kim
Eiza Gonzalez. Photograph: Ssam Kim
What were your main challenges when you first started out? You’ve got a history in telenovelas, but Hollywood is an entirely different beast to tackle.
I always found myself very fearless growing up. That’s something that I miss most now that I’m growing older. When I was younger, I was so fearless, I was not scared of anything. And I think that with time and age, the stakes get higher; you go to higher-level projects, you audition and you realise that people in the industry start looking at you.
But the process of auditioning is really bizarre and, at least from my experience, nothing that I end up doing in the room ends up being what it is in the film. I now try to go into the rooms and be like “fuck it”.
I do whatever feels right in my heart and have a good time and enjoy it and have fun, and not think about the future. You know, we audition more than we actually film – so, might as well make it fun and use it as a training ground. I think that people appreciate that.
Eiza Gonzalez. Photograph: Ssam Kim
What advice do you have towards young people looking to dive into the film industry from your perspective as a female immigrant who has made her mark in Hollywood?
This industry is about moving forward, using the experiences, the heartbreaks, and the let-downs to push you forward; to learn from them and not allow yourself to stay there without moving forward. When you have that drive, you’ve got to keep on moving. It happens to all of us. We’ve got to keep on moving.
The theme of this issue is “Fresh”. What fresh elements do you want to bring into your life and career going forward?
I just want to keep on creating stuff that keeps me inspired. I just want to tell stories that matter, I want to tell stories that resonate with the world. I feel like my thirties are about being proactive and creating content and opportunities.
by Adina Ilie
Photographer SSAM KIM
Stylist OLGA YANUL
Make up KATE SYNNOTT using MAYBELLINE
Hair KYLEE HEATH at SWA AGENCY using R+CO
Manicurist PILAR NOIRE using MAXUS NAILS
Production coordinator JENNY EOM
Photography assistant JOHN LUKE YOO
Styling assistant MEGAN VO
Talent EIZA GONZÁLEZ
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