IN CONVERSATION WITH MARTA MILANS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Spanish-American actress Marta Milans is widely recognized by global audiences for her role as Rosa Vasquez in the DC superhero films Shazam! and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Now she’s stepping into a new chapter with the upcoming crime drama M.I.A., which premieres on 7th May on Peacock. Beyond Hollywood, Marta has built a strong international following through hit Spanish series such as White Lines and The Pier. Off-screen, she recently welcomed her first child after undergoing IVF and has spoken openly about her journey to motherhood.

What first drew you to the story and your character in M.I.A.?

My character is this full force woman with a lot to prove and an unstoppable force driving her. Her drive was an incredible attraction to me. How unstoppable she is and how profoundly driven. It’s incredibly compelling.

What can you tease about the series?

It’s a young female The Count of Monte Cristo story. All about payback and revenge and how far you will go to avenge those you love and have lost. And what price are you willing to pay to achieve those goals.

Crime dramas can be intense. How did you prepare emotionally for this role?

I use playlists and music all the time as they inspire me profoundly to create a character. I became a mom shortly before embarking on this role, so the drive and the assertiveness that Caroline has was easy for me to grasp as a new mom. You will do anything for your baby and Caroline will do anything to achieve her goals. She is unstoppable just like mothers are.

Many fans know you from the Shazam! films. How different is this role from Rosa Vasquez?

It’s the polar opposite which is why it was so exciting to play Caroline. Mamma Rosa is filled with love and empathy and those are two qualities Caroline struggles with. It was a fantastic challenge and change of range for me. Can’t wait to share it with the world.

Is there a type of role you’re hoping to explore next that you haven’t yet had the chance to play?

An international spy. I need to put all my language skills to play on camera. Can someone please read this and hire me?

You’ve been open about your IVF journey. What motivated you to share that part of your life publicly?

It is such a lonely process. Once I embarked on that journey and walked down that path, I realized that and I wish I had had more support around me from other women that have also gone through something like this. It’s almost as though it has become this silent struggle or this taboo thing you are supposed to endure and go through quietly and in silence. As if your fertility struggles are something one is supposed to be ashamed of. That is why I decided to share my story, to help and inspire other women going through what I went through, and let them know they are not alone. I am right there with all of them as I feel I have gone through it all.

What do you hope people, especially women, take away from your story?

Simply that we are all connected. This arduous path to motherhood does not have to be so lonely and by starting to walk the path, you are already becoming a mother. And you are not alone. Knowing that helped me focus on what was truly driving me and luckily I was able to achieve my goal and have my baby in my arms 17 months ago. My heart is completely full.

I hope if anyone is reading this and feels alone, disconnected, or lost, please reach out to me. I am here to listen.

How has becoming a mother changed the way you approach your career or your priorities?

It has changed everything. My drive is so focused on taking care of my baby and raising a happy and healthy child that I now make every decision in my life, professional and otherwise, with that in the front of my mind. Your life all of a sudden has this indelible and unbreakable anchor that reminds you of what is important in life, every time I look into her eyes. Looking at the world through the wonder in her eyes gives life a whole new meaning, and my reason for being here a whole new purpose. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

As a Spanish-American actress, how important is representation in the stories you choose to tell?

It’s a tricky question because I’m a firm believer in representation, but at the same time having been born in Spain and being Spanish sometimes can be a delicate balance when playing Latin roles, wanting to respect the true aspect of representation, but at the same time thinking, “Well, I am an actress, I am supposed to be able to play roles that I’m not necessarily instantly associated to in people’s mind”. I’m Spanish from Spain, but I can play a US born American from a Mexican mother and Venezuelan father like Caroline in M.I.A.. That’s the whole challenge of this craft and it’s what makes things exciting for me. That being said, if there is a good time for Latin actors across the board, it is now. Our voices are being heard now more than ever, despite what this current administration is trying to do by silencing those voices. Latinos in America are not going anywhere. We are here to stay. I can’t wait to see a Latina woman US president in my lifetime. I believe that is possible.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

Being able to become a mother and going back to work right away. Knowing that us women can do it all, even if it’s not all at once, is extremely satisfying. I feel unstoppable.

When you do get time away from set, what helps you recharge?

Being with my baby and being able to work out every morning and get a good sweat. No better way to tackle the day. Yoga, pilates and being lucky enough to live by the ocean and going to the beach almost every day. I am very blessed to live where I live. You’ll find me on the beach making sandcastles with my little one. Now that’s life. Like the Frank Sinatra’s song.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography IRVIN RIVERA