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Ricky Martin to star in Gael García Bernal's new film 'Hombre al Agua'
🇲🇽 Mexico /Culture & Society

Ricky Martin to star in Gael García Bernal's new film 'Hombre al Agua'

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Ricky Martin will make a special appearance in Gael García Bernal's new film, "Hombre al Agua," which premieres at the Toronto and Venice film festivals.
  • García Bernal revealed he initially thought of Martin for the role of Roby but considered the idea improbable until he contacted the singer.
  • Martin not only accepted the role but also became an executive producer for the film, which is set to release in Mexican cinemas on September 24.

Ricky Martin is set to grace the silver screen in Gael García Bernal's directorial debut, "Hombre al Agua," a film that has generated considerable buzz since its trailer revealed the Puerto Rican superstar's involvement. The surprise casting, kept under wraps until close to the filming of his scenes, marks a significant collaboration between the iconic singer and the acclaimed Mexican actor-turned-director.

García Bernal shared with "Deadline" that Martin was his first choice for the role of Roby, a character in the film shot in Mérida, Yucatán. However, the idea seemed so ambitious that he hesitated to pursue it actively. "Ricky was one of those wonderful accidents, he was the first person I imagined for the role, but it seemed like such a far-fetched, almost impossible idea, that I kept it a secret during most of the development," García Bernal explained.

Ricky was one of those wonderful accidents, he was the first person I imagined for the role, but it seemed like such a far-fetched, almost impossible idea, that I kept it a secret during most of the development.

— Gael García BernalGarcía Bernal described how Ricky Martin came to be cast in his film 'Hombre al Agua'.

Just before the scenes requiring Roby were to be shot, García Bernal managed to get in touch with Martin. The singer's enthusiastic and immediate acceptance surprised the director. Martin not only agreed to take on the role, which required only a day of shooting, but his passion for the project also led him to become an executive producer. "Ricky arrived with enormous generosity, he understood the humor of the character and became one of its biggest defenders," García Bernal added.

Ricky arrived with enormous generosity, he understood the humor of the character and became one of its biggest defenders.

— Gael García BernalGarcía Bernal praised Martin's contribution to the film.

Martin, known for hits like "Livin' la Vida Loca" and "La Copa de la Vida," expressed his deep admiration for García Bernal, calling him one of the most talented actors, screenwriters, and directors of his generation. "To have the opportunity to work with Gael García Bernal... is always an honor," Martin stated. "I am here to give my best, in a small role, but with Gael, everything reaches another level; I am incredibly proud to be part of this project."

"Hombre al Agua" is scheduled to be presented at the Toronto and Venice film festivals before its theatrical release in Mexico on September 24. This film marks García Bernal's third directorial effort, following "Chicuarotes" (2019) and "Déficit" (2007).

To have the opportunity to work with Gael García Bernal, one of the most talented actors, screenwriters, and directors of his generation, is always an honor. I am here to give my best, in a small role, but with Gael, everything reaches another level; I am incredibly proud to be part of this project.

— Ricky MartinRicky Martin expressed his admiration for Gael García Bernal and his pride in participating in the film.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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