IN CONVERSATION WITH MEGAN MONTANER
interview by JANA LETONJA
Megan Montaner is currently filming the second season of ‘Entre Tierras’, the series that captivated over 1.4 million viewers on average with its premiere episode on Antena 3. After its later release on Netflix, it became one of the most-watched non-English-language series on the platform across multiple countries. Coming up next, Megan will also star in ‘Ya no quedan junglas a las que regreasar’, which is releasing this August.
‘Entre Tierras’ has captivated audiences both on Antena 3 and Netflix. What can viewers expect from the second season?
A more mature story, a tale of family conflicts, of losses, of guilt, of doubts, of overcoming, of love, and of hope. We continue with the lives of the Cervantes family and all the characters that accompany them, twenty years after Manuel’s death.
What has been the most rewarding or challenging aspect of returning to this character for a second season?
The greatest challenge has been giving the character the maturity needed after such a significant time jump, and ensuring the audience truly engages with the story. The most rewarding part has been reuniting with the team.
We’ll also be seeing you in the psychological thriller ‘Ya no quedan junglas adonde regresar’. How did you approach the emotional and mental layers of your character in such a complex genre?
Creating possible scenarios that Nagore’s character could have experienced alongside Gabriel Berastaín, the film director. Also, trying to understand every action she took, and above all, without judging her.
The novel has been highly celebrated in the literary world. Did you feel a sense of responsibility in bringing these characters to life for an audience already familiar with the book?
You always feel the responsibility to live up to what is expected when bringing a fictional character to life, whether there is a book behind them or not.
Your career has spanned intense dramas, thrillers, and even romantic series. How do you choose your roles today compared to earlier in your career?
Nowadays, I am fortunate to choose projects that excite and inspire me, without the pressure of taking on everything out of fear of not being called again or not making ends meet, as I did at the beginning of my career. Today, I allow myself to enjoy my free time, disconnect, and feel motivated to take on projects that fulfill me.
With international exposure through platforms like Netflix and HBO Max, have you noticed any changes in how you’re approached or recognized outside Spain?
It’s clear that you reach many more countries, and with that, the possibility of more people recognizing you. But, fortunately or unfortunately, I’ve never experienced a fan phenomenon explosion. I’ve always gone unnoticed, and when I’ve been recognized, I’ve been treated with kindness and respect.
How do you balance television and film work, especially when they demand very different pacing and performance styles?
Rather than interpretative styles, what sets it apart is the shooting time. For me, it entails the same level of commitment in terms of performance.
Spanish-language content has seen global success recently. How do you feel being part of this movement as a leading actress?
I feel very fortunate to be considered and trusted to bring to life characters with such compelling stories to tell.
What kind of stories or roles do you believe are still underrepresented in Spanish cinema and television?
Perhaps I miss more stories about old age. Stories about advanced age… Life reflections that one can only reach after having lived many things.
Looking back, is there a particular role that changed you as a person or as an actress?
Each project and character I’ve undertaken has taught me something both as an actress and, above all, as a person throughout my career. One never stops learning.
CREDITS
photography ANDRÉS GARCÍA LUJÁN
assistant ISABEL ANDUEZA
styling MARÍA VERNETTA
makeup and hair NATALIA BELDA
