IN CONVERSATION WITH JULIO PEÑA FERNÁNDEZ

interview by JANA LETONJA

Julio Peña Fernández’s breakout came with the internationally successful film trilogy based on Ariana Godoy’s novels, ‘Through My Window’, ‘Through the Sea’, and ‘Through My Window: Looking at You’. Currently, Julio is preparing for the return of Netflix’s internationally acclaimed series ‘Berlin’, which will premiere Season 2 soon. Another major milestone in his career will arrive in September 2025 with the release of ‘El Cautivo’, the new film by Alejandro Amenábar, in which Julio Peña Fernández stars as Miguel de Cervantes.

‘Through My Window’ and its sequels became global hits. What has that kind of international attention meant for your career, and your personal life?

It really marked a big change in my professional career, it helped put me on the acting map. I know that some of the directors I’ve worked with became aware of me through that project. Those were my first films, so they hold a very special place in my heart. On a personal level, it was also a turning point. People started recognizing me more on the streets, asking for potos, and not just in Spain. In almost every country I’ve visited, there’s always at least one fan of ‘Through My Window’.

full look CARLOTA BARRERA
boots SCAROSSO

How did you approach playing Ares? What was the biggest challenge in portraying his emotional journey over three films?

I let myself be guided a lot by the story in the books and the director’s vision for the character. I had a very clear sense of who Ares was and what his journey meant. I prepared the character carefully and trusted my instincts. One of the most difficult aspects of playing Ares was portraying the multiple anaphylactic shocks he experiences throughout the films. Reaching that level of realism was definitely one of the biggest challenges.

You’re currently in production on Season 2 of ‘Berlin’, a series with an international fanbase. What can you tease about your character’s arc and the story of the upcoming season?

In this season, you’ll see a very different Roí from the one in season one. I think he reconnects with his roots in a way. He goes through a pretty intense emotional journey, and I think the audience is really going to enjoy it. Oh, and there’s a lot of action. Tons of action scenes.

full look VERSACE

What do you personally enjoy the most about being part of ‘Berlin’, the prequel to the international hit series ‘La casa de papel’?

It’s always a gift to continue a saga as beloved as ‘Money Heist’, and to keep telling a story that so many people around the world are passionate about. That’s one of the things I love most about working on ‘Berlin’, being part of such a powerful story. Filming ‘Berlin’ is definitely complex. it’s an extremely technical, detail-driven production, but the end result always makes it worth it.

Also coming up soon, you’ll be portraying Miguel de Cervantes in Alejandro Amenábar’s new film ‘El Cautivo’. How did you prepare to embody such an iconic literary figure?

I was very much guided by Alejandro’s vision. For months, we had many conversations about Miguel and his perspective on life, his social standing, family, religion, sexuality. It was an incredibly enriching process. Getting the chance to explore a figure like Miguel de Cervantes was a true gift in my career.

Despite your film and TV success, you’ve remained deeply involved in theatre. What keeps drawing you back to the stage?

Theatre will always be my childhood home, the place I return to, changed and more mature each time. It’s a complex but beautiful discipline. I never get tired of stepping onto the stage and being surprised by what happens. It’s truly one of the things I love most.

full look EMPORIO ARMANI
glasses CARRERA

You recently performed in ‘Embrague’. How does performing live challenge or excite you differently than filming for the screen?

Theatre is very different from filming fiction. You have to be completely present, and I love that. Solving problems live, because there are always problems, in front of an audience is a unique experience. I honestly believe it’s one of the best forms of actor training. Every performance is different, and that keeps you sharp and awake.

You’ve grown a lot in the spotlight. How do you stay grounded amidst the success and recognition?

My family and friends are my anchors. I still have the same group of friends I had before I started acting in films. I trust them completely, and I know they’ll always keep me grounded if I ever lose perspective. I also try to stay aware of how lucky I am to work in this profession. Many of my friends are artists, and I know how hard it is to find consistent work. That’s why I try to remain grounded and grateful.

full MOSCHINO

You’ve worked across different genres and platforms, from Disney series to historical drama. How do you choose your roles?

Honestly, I feel like I’m just now reaching the point where I can truly start choosing the kinds of films I want to make. I’ve always trusted the projects I accepted and poured my heart into them, but now that I’ve grown professionally, I want to seek out roles that offer a real challenge.

What’s one thing fans might be surprised to learn about you, off set or off stage?

I think a lot of my fans already know this about me, but maybe some don’t. I study French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu. I love food and enjoy cooking for friends and family. I’d love to open my own restaurant one day. I’m a big food person.

full look ISABEL MARANT

You volunteer your time teaching theatre to children. What inspired you to give back in this way?

I currently co-direct the theatre group I was part of as a kid. I remember falling in love with theater. It helped me find myself during a difficult time in high school, and eventually became my full-time career. So now, being able to support young people who share that same passion feels like giving something back to life. Honestly, performing on stage at school teaches you skills you’ll carry with you forever. No matter what career you choose, the confidence to stand in front of an audience and believe in yourself is invaluable. Theatre helps build that confidence from a young age, and that’s a beautiful thing. I think everyone should try theatre at least once in their life.

How has working with kids impacted your own perspective on acting and creativity?

Working with kids is always so much fun. They’re incredibly creative and in the end, all they want is to have fun, which is something we often forget as we grow up. That’s what I appreciate most, being reminded that having fun is the most important part.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent JULIO PEÑA FERNÁNDEZ
photography ANDRÉS GARCÍA LUJÁN
styling FREDDY ALONSO
hair and makeup SANDRA MARCOS
production JUAN MARTÍ
production assistant YARDEN KARLINSKY
styling assistant ANDREA ORTIZ
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN