Javier Bardem and Diego Luna on Star Wars, Machismo and Acting in English

Javier Bardem and Diego Luna, two powerhouse actors from Spanish-language cinema, have reunited after 26 years since they first met on the set of “Before Night Falls.” Bardem takes on the role of a hard-driving, possibly abusive father in the true-crime drama “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” while Luna portrays a thief with a political conscience in the “Star Wars” extension series “Andor.”

In a recent conversation, Bardem congratulated Luna on his role in “Star Wars,” expressing his admiration for Luna’s work as an actor, producer, and individual. Luna, in turn, shared his excitement for being part of the iconic franchise, reminiscing about the childhood dream of interacting with droids and machines on set.

The two actors reflected on their journey in the industry, with Luna crediting Bardem for inspiring him to pursue a career in cinema. Bardem highlighted the challenges of portraying a complex character like José Menendez in the true-crime series, acknowledging the weight of delving into such dark subject matter.

Discussing the nuances of their craft, Bardem and Luna touched upon the language barrier in acting, with Bardem admitting to feeling more comfortable expressing himself in English than in his native Spanish. Luna, on the other hand, expressed self-awareness of his limitations in English dialogue delivery.

As they delved deeper into the character dynamics of “Monsters,” Bardem revealed how playing José Menendez shed light on toxic masculinity and the impact of upbringing on one’s values towards women. Drawing parallels to their own experiences, both actors acknowledged the importance of challenging societal norms and stereotypes.

Ultimately, the conversation between Bardem and Luna showcased their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s work, highlighting their shared journey in the film industry. The dynamic between these two talented actors continues to inspire audiences worldwide, both on-screen and behind the scenes.

Production for the conversation was handled by BAUIE+RAD, with Francisco Vargas overseeing the production design. The insightful exchange between Bardem and Luna serves as a testament to their enduring friendship and dedication to their craft, resonating with fans and industry peers alike.