Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the long-awaited sequel to the 1988 hit “Beetlejuice,” is here. And, fans are finally meeting the newest member of the haunted Deetz family, Astrid. Without giving away too many spoilers, Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega, opens up a can of sandworms. And, along the way, audiences are introduced to her beloved dad Richard, played by Chilean-born actor Santiago Cabrera. This is when things get really good. Let’s just say that, in a movie about a “devious poltergeist,” Cabrera breaks stereotypes in an “incredible” way.
Santiago Cabrera Lands ‘Incredible’ Role
Sure, his character has died years before the story even begins, but this is a Tim Burton film. So Cabrera shines in his super dead form, which is not surprising for an actor who prides himself on telling great stories through dynamic characters.
In a recent interview, Carbrera, who is currently starring opposite Eva Longoria in the new Apple TV+ series ‘Land of Women,’ said that landing his role in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was a high point in his career.
“ … just to be a part of Tim Burton’s world and in his playground — and meet him and play with him, and see how the whole thing is done — was incredible,” Cabrera told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s the first time I’ve ever been a part of something that I was genuinely an enormous fan of, because I watched that movie as a kid like seven or eight times. It was one of those on-repeat things. So this was very exciting.”
So, how did the classically-trained actor end up in this blockbuster hit? It was on purpose. Find out how Santiago Cabrera keeps breaking stereotypes and landing ‘incredible’ roles.
Santiago Cabrera Breaks Stereotypes
Playing an adventurous dad, regardless of his ethnic background, was a calculated decision for the Latino actor. Sure, he and Ortega are great Latino actors, but that’s not central to their characters in the box office hit. (Did we mention it earned $110 million in its premiere weekend?) He says it’s important to keep breaking stereotypes.
“People are people and they should be able to be all colors and ethnicities just telling human stories,” Cabrera says.
Here are more of Cabrera’s thoughts on Latinos in Hollywood, which he recently shared with THR, in his own words:
On Being a Latin American Actor
“It’s important to just be seen for and for that to not take center stage. What happens a lot with Latin American characters, I find, is they want your ‘Latin Americanness’ to be the main thing, and that’s not what should be. The most important thing is ‘Who the person?’”
On Growing Up Around the World
“For me, the world has always been very diverse. I was born in Venezuela, then moved to Chile. After that, I lived in Canada when I was really young, then in Romania, London, Madrid, and finally back to Chile. I think I look for opportunities to break preconceptions about who you are, depending on where you come from.”
On Changing His Name
“When I finished drama school in London, I considered changing my name to my middle name, Simon — Santiago Juan Simon — and using my grandmother’s last name, Walker, to become Simon Walker.
“I’m glad I didn’t because my name is part of my identity, but I sometimes think it might have helped in certain situations since people wouldn’t pigeonhole me.
“It’s an ongoing battle. I want to be cast for who I am, not just because I’m Latin American or South American. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to an audition speaking normally, and everyone reacts with surprise, asking me to do it with a Latino accent. Ultimately, I just want to play interesting characters.”
Featured Image: Santiago Cabrera in “Land of Women,” now streaming on Apple TV+.
