Tonatiuh Talks ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’: Rejects Being Typecast as Just a Latin Actor!

Tonatiuh’s rapid ascent from West Covina to acting alongside Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” was startlingly fast.

“On December 19, I received the audition materials by email,” the 30-year-old actor shared. “The industry was winding down for the holidays, so I sent my audition right away. By the morning of December 22, they responded, telling me to stay put.”

By January, Tonatiuh was performing intricate dance routines for director Bill Condon. He was soon cast in the challenging dual role of Luis Molina and Kendall Nesbitt in the musical version of Manuel Puig’s novel. This role, which had won William Hurt an Oscar in its 1985 movie adaptation, demanded a significant physical transformation. Fresh off the Netflix success “Carry-On,” Tonatiuh had to lose nearly 50 pounds in just over a month.

On a recent episode of the The Bangin Beats Awards Circuit, Tonatiuh discussed his breakthrough role, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. He also spoke about his journey in the industry, the empowerment he draws from his Latino identity, and what he hopes to convey about himself.

Additionally, this episode features Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld, who stars in “Sinners” directed by Ryan Coogler.

In his portrayal of Molina—a gay man using elaborate film fantasies to escape the grim realities of imprisonment during Argentina’s Dirty War—Tonatiuh found a rare opportunity to explore a broad spectrum of gender expression.

“My goal with Molina was to present someone who transcends traditional gender norms, embodying a genderqueer identity,” he explained. “I wanted to capture the full spectrum, as I believe we all contain these multitudes.”

The film allowed him to explore multiple facets within its narrative. “Not only do I play Molina, but I also portray Kendall Nesbitt in the film’s secondary storyline. I aim for Kendall to embody a traditional masculine presence, while also exploring a fully feminine expression within the performance,” he noted.

One of the film’s poignant moments happened during the song “Where You Are,” particularly because Tonatiuh’s mother was present on set. “There I was, acting alongside Jennifer Lopez as she sang to me, with my mother watching. It felt incredibly surreal,” he recalled. “When my mother thanked Lopez for the opportunity she gave me, Lopez corrected her: ‘He didn’t get this opportunity; he earned it.'”

Tonatiuh is determined to challenge the perception of Latino success in Hollywood as a novelty. “We are witnessing a Latino renaissance in Hollywood. It’s not about being a Latino actor or talent; it’s about being outstanding in our field. Latinos represent a significant portion of the moviegoing audience and have a substantial economic impact,” he asserted.

The character of Molina marks a significant moment in Tonatiuh’s career, symbolizing a return to his authentic self after years of conforming to industry expectations. Reflecting on his early years in West Covina, he shared, “I used to go by ‘Matt’ to fit in, even asking my parents to call me that. But with Molina, I’ve embraced all aspects of my identity.”

His current focus, despite the Oscar buzz for “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” remains on securing his next role, with interests in Broadway and potentially, even playing James Bond. “Why not? What if I was born to be Bond?” he mused.

For now, he’s excited for audiences to experience his portrayal of Molina, a character who represents resilience and authenticity in the face of adversity. “Let me reintroduce myself,” he says, inviting viewers to see his true self through his performance.

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