How "Blink Twice" and a Mexican hacienda redefined Adria Arjona's Hollywood ambitions - INTERVIEW

Adria Arjona is one of Hollywood's most captivating Latina actresses, and after building a career spanning more than a decade, her big moment has finally arrived. This year, we've seen her as a nurturing, sexually adventurous activist in "The Frikis," the enigmatic wife of a mobster in "Hitman," and now as one of the women trapped in a luxurious yet dangerous situation in "Blink Twice."

The best part? What she has lined up for next is even more exciting. Arjona returns in the second season of Star Wars' "Andor," where she plays Bix a rebel alongside Diego Luna's character, and there is much more to come.

A life changing experience

When Arjona chose "Blink Twice," she wasn't just looking for another project; she was after a great part, a wonderful experience and a lot of inspiration."I want to explore other ways to express myself. It was an incredible opportunity to see Zoe (Kravitz) doing her thing," she said in an interview with The Latin Times. She had given a try to producing on "The Frikis," and she loved it. "I want to use my voice in different ways." she said at the time.

Arjona was thinking about producing again, and directing. "Blink Once," was Kravitz's first try at the helm, and it was one of the things that attracted her to the project. To see an actress she admires directing her own film. "Zoe worked so hard on this movie," Arjona says. "I celebrate that for her because she did an incredible job. It's a lot. I think people don't realize just how hard directing really is, which is why I celebrate her even more."

That is why while directing is a future ambition, Arjona is currently more focused on writing. "I've always sort of wanted to direct, but I think that's further down the line. I really want to learn more and be in more movies and write. I'm kind of in that stage where I'm writing a lot more, and that's where I'm going to stay for now," she shares.

"Blink Twice" Mexican style

"I pick my movies right," she jokes regarding the incredible hacienda in the Mexican state of Yucatan where "Blink Twice" was filmed, and the paradisiac beaches and gorgeous scenery of the Dominican Republic that showcase the story in "The Frikis." Arjona laughs and adds:"totally. It's not a coincidence. I just want to be on vacation the whole time."

But "Blink Twice" was no typical vacation. In the movie, the gorgeous surroundings quickly shift from paradise to a place filled with mystery and tension. "The hacienda looked incredible—lush, exuberant," she recalls. "But then it became creepy really, really fast."

"Blink Twice" focuses on a young journalist named Sofia, who stumbles upon a groundbreaking story involving a series of mysterious disappearances in her city. As she digs deeper, Sofia uncovers a chilling connection between the missing individuals and a shadowy organization known for manipulating memories. Arjona plays a former reality TV star who makes her life complicated.

This shift in atmosphere from fun to mysterious wasn't just a backdrop for Arjona's latest role; it mirrored the complexities and contrasts she experiences as a Latina actress in Hollywood. The setting's dual nature—beautiful yet eerie—echoed the challenges she faces in an industry that often sees Latina actresses as interchangeable.

In our conversation, Arjona spoke candidly about the challenges Latina actresses face in Hollywood. "Did you ever feel like there's a space where all Latina actresses are kind of in this, I don't know, the same, all put together?" I asked. Arjona's response was both hopeful and thought-provoking. "Oh, God, I hope not," she said. "And if so, I guess I'm making a career out of it."

Arjona isn't just accepting roles; she's selecting them with intention. She's determined to showcase that Latina women can be so many things. "I think there's space for all of us," she says, challenging the industry's historical limits. "Sometimes, even we Latinos have this mentality that only a few of us can succeed because, historically, that's been the case. But I believe there's space for everybody."

Her words resonate with a younger generation of Latino viewers who see themselves in Arjona's journey. For her, it's not just about being in front of the camera; it's about changing what the camera captures.

Beyond her career choices, Arjona is also committed to celebrating Latino culture, both on and off screen. She was born in Miami to a Puerto Rican mother and a Guatemalan father, singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona. Growing up, she spent years in Mexico.

In a touching moment, she mentions her personal connections to Venezuela. "My little brother is Venezuelan, so is my stepmom, and I have a lot of Venezuelan friends. So my heart is with all of you guys right now," she says about the very complicated political moment the South American country is going through.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Adria Arjona?

So, what's next for Adria Arjona? She is already done with the second and last season of "Andor." The last day of filming, she got a tattoo in honor of her character, Bix. Currently, she is working on the Prime Video series "Criminal," co-starring with Charlie Hunan and Emilia Clark. Then she is producing and working on the films "Say Her Name" and "Splitsville."

When she is not being glamorous on red carpets, in photo shoots, or working, you can find her creating or fixing things with her hands.

As we wrapped up our interview, I couldn't help but feel excited about what's to come. Not just for Arjona, but for a new wave of Latino talent ready to redefine Hollywood. "Un abrazo fuerte," she says with a smile, and I'm reminded that her journey is just beginning—and it's a journey that's as vibrant, complex, and captivating as the woman herself.