Ramón Rodríguez on ‘Will Trent’ and Redefining Latino Representation

Ramón Rodríguez is making waves in Hollywood, but he’s not playing games anymore. As the star and executive producer of ABC’s “Will Trent,” Rodríguez is redefining the Latino leading man archetype on his own terms. Born in New York, he never expected to take on a role like this, but he’s embraced the opportunity to bring a new identity to the character of Special Agent Will Trent.

Originally written as a white and blond character in the novels by Karin Slaughter, Rodríguez saw an opportunity to step into a colorless role and explore the character’s identity in a new way. Despite some pushback from fans of the source material, the show’s creative team supported Rodríguez’s vision, leading to a successful partnership that has seen the show grow in viewership with each season.

Rodríguez’s commitment to challenging expectations and reshaping the procedural format has not gone unnoticed. With the success of “Will Trent,” he is now being considered for his first lead actor in a drama Emmy nomination. However, he believes that there is still untapped talent in the Latino community that Hollywood should be embracing.

His journey into acting was unconventional, starting with Nike commercials in the early 2000s. After committing to the craft and enduring years of playing stereotypical roles, Rodríguez is now using his platform as an executive producer to shape casting decisions and scripts. He is also dedicated to opening doors for other Latino creatives, advocating for writers like Rebecca Murga to contribute to the show.

Looking beyond “Will Trent,” Rodríguez has already dipped his toes into the world of film with a role in Prime Video’s “G20,” showcasing his action chops. He craves meaty and dramatic roles that challenge him as an actor, while remaining committed to seeing “Will Trent” through as long as the storytelling remains inspired.

Rodríguez’s passion for storytelling, cultural pride, and focus on legacy have solidified him as one of television’s most compelling multihyphenates. He sees himself as part of a legacy, taking the baton and running as far as he can before passing it on to the next generation of talent. With his dedication and drive, Rodríguez is paving the way for a new era of Latino representation in Hollywood.