Any actor that can list their credits as working with Academy Award winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu and guest starring on Homeland is clearly one to watch out for, as Iñárritu is easily one of the most sought after directors to work with in Hollywood and Homeland, no matter what anybody says, is the best show on television. And when that actor goes and adds yet another critically acclaimed hit series to their resume, landing a plum role on Netflix’s highly revered Narcos, then you know that star is clearly high on the rise. Enter; Martina García.
With the face of a precious Colombian cherub doll, a smile that could turn men to dust, and that certain sizzle that could raise the temperature in any room, García has all the makings to become Hollywood’s next big it-girl. But this lovely Latina is far more than a pretty face- and she knows it, proudly declaring that the kind of roles she seeks out are the ones that do more than help tell the story of a man. The rising star offers both brains and talent along with her beauty, and the career choices she has already made have shown that- and Narcos is no different.
With her role as Maritza on Netflix’s hit show, García comes into Narcos just as it enters its more character-driven second season, with her character capturing the idea of how anyone could get swept into this whirlwind of crime and drugs, and the loss of innocence that goes along with it. As usual, she proves mesmerizing to watch, and while she plays off her talented cast well and helps move the story along as a whole, García very much does her character justice independently.
With more projects lining up on the way as this hot talent quickly becomes one of the most promising stars across multiple continents, it quickly became important to sit down and catch an interview with her on what to expect for this season of Narcos and what to expect from her in the future! Read more below to see what García had to say!
You have scored a juicy role this season on the Netflix hit Narcos! What can you tell audiences about this season, and particularly your character Maritza?
There’s so much going on regarding my role, I can’t really describe her too much in words. She’s a young woman trying to live her life with a few jobs, and she’s a bit of a hustler, and she gets caught up in Pablos’ world. So, in a way, I would say she sort of represents innocent people that get swept up into the drug business without really knowing it. Season two is more character-driven, and that will be very interesting. This season really gets a lot more into the characters.
How was it being the newbie on set? Was the cast really welcoming to you?
They were! This is such a brilliant cast. They are such amazing actors and human beings. I was so lucky to have the privilege to work with Wagner Moura and Pedro Pascal- they are absolutely incredible. I got to work with them most of the time and it was such a treat. All of the actors, the entire cast- they were great.
And you are a Colombian actress. Talk about how the film industry might be different internationally than it is in America.
Yes, I am Colombian, so, this was interesting as it was like home for me, but since we were shooting an American production in Colombia, I felt like I was in the middle of a Colombian production and an American production. But, I would say there are definitely more people involved and there is definitely a bigger crew in an American production, for sure. But, the rest is pretty much the same. The budget is pretty much the biggest difference, and the quality of production. Narcos is a really great show, and all the people involved are at the top of their game. We have great directors, the actors are amazing, it’s just a fantastic show, but there aren’t that many differences.
You are also a huge animal rights activist. How did you get into that, and how can others get involved as well?
I always have been- since I was a kid! I can’t imagine a world without animals. I think they bring so much joy and love to the planet. Since I was a kid I felt like I had a very big connection to them. I have a cat and he is my baby, and I will just look into his eyes and feel that he is like us. I don’t feel that we are a better species or that we deserve some form of better treatment, animals deserve just as good of rights, and it means so much to help them get the respect they deserve. So, I just started working with some campaigns and it all came so naturally, but the most important thing about activism is to do it in your daily life. I would say that you don’t necessarily have to go to an organization or a big campaign to defend the cause you believe in, you can also be kind and respectful to the world in your daily life. Recycle and be good to animals- that’s a gift not only to animals, but also to yourself.
You also have two films on the way with Backseat Fighter and In Search Of Ingrid. What can you tell fans about those?
In Search Of Ingrid hasn’t been made yet, so I can’t say too much on that one. Backseat Fighter is an indie film shot in Spain a year ago that should be out soon and I can’t talk too much on that one either [giggles.] I also did a mini-series called Blanca, and I play the titular role in that film- I play Blanca. That should be out pretty soon too. That should be right after Narcos, and I’m pretty excited for it- it looks amazing.
You’ve now gotten to star on two of TV’s most critically acclaimed hits, and worked with one of the biggest directors; Alejandro González Iñárritu. What other kinds of roles are you looking to play, and who would you love to work with?
Oh, there are so many people I would love to work with. I love to play characters that have their own story going on, especially as a woman. It’s important to play a character that has her own trajectory outside of being a male character’s love interest. I like playing a girl who is a little tough and has sharp edges. So, I really like Quentin Tarantino, as he is a great director and shows off these kind of women very well. I would also love to work in a wonderful period piece, because I’ve never been in one. I think it would be fun with the costumes. I want passion in the 18th century! [Laughs.] That’s the kind of story and role I would love to do!
An action period piece set in the 18th century directed by Quentin Tarantino where Martina García gets to kick-butt? Sounds like García knows the formula for a hit! After all, Tarantino has been on a roll with great period pieces with Inglorious Basterds, Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight. Hopefully, the innovative director will be checking this vibrant scene-stealing talent out in Narcos right along with the rest of the world as fans can’t wait to see more of her!
The second season of Narcos is available for streaming on Netflix on September 2nd.