Eugenio Derbez plays Spanish actor Carlos Villarías in his new series, Y Llegaron de Noche. Villarías was reluctantly cast to play Dracula in the Mexican version of the film originally starring Bela Lugosi.
The story of how that film was lost for 70 years is almost as fascinating as the chaos surrounding its production, and that's precisely what Y Llegaron de Noche covers. Derbez spoke to ENSTARZ Latino and Latin Times, saying "I couldn't believe it when I heard the story. They filmed it in the dark, using the same sets and equipment the Americans used during the day but with half of the budget."
For Derbez, the project was thrilling on multiple levels. Firstly, it was his return to Spanish-language television after years of focusing on film. Second, not only did he star in the series, but he also produced and directed it. And as if that weren't enough, it aligns with the mission he set for himself when he left his comfortable life as a megastar in Mexico and ventured to Hollywood in his 50s. His goal has always been to prove that Latinos can produce high-quality work.
"In this case, all the critics said the Mexican version turned out better!" he claimed. However, although that was essential, it wasn't the only reason Derbez was inspired to make Y Llegaron de Noche. Derbez pitched the idea to Vix, TelevisaUnivision's streaming platform, and not only did they say yes, but they also gave him almost complete creative freedom and a generous budget.
"I couldn't believe it," Derbez confessed. But, without wasting any time, he set out to find the best screenwriters, producers, and editors—a mix of American and Mexican talent—and cast his dream team. Mexican comedians Sofía Niño de Rivera and Yare Santana join him on screen as well as Diana Bovio, Yany Prado, and Manuel 'Flaco' Ibañez. The cherry on top is Jason Alexander (George from Seinfeld), who plays a pivotal role and appears in the first scene, immediately signaling the audience that they're watching a top-tier production.
"It's a funny story because the process was complicated. But once we were almost done filming, the SAG-AFTRA strike (the American actors' union) started. We kept holding out and holding out, but at one point, we realized we couldn't finish filming due to the strike," Derbez recalled. "So, we decided to pause production and stored the set in a warehouse. After the strike ended, we returned, rebuilt the set, and finished filming his scenes five months later," Derbez shared. It was extremely expensive, but they pulled it off.
A Character Like No Other
That wasn't the only achievement of Y Llegaron de Noche. Derbez, known as one of the most iconic Mexicans in Latino entertainment, had to perform as a Spanish actor. "It was tough because you need to master grammar to know when to use certain sounds," he explained.
"But I loved it because the accent made me feel more pompous. And this man, an egomaniac, truly believes he's the best actor in the world," Derbez added.
He nailed the accent, but his performance in the series is what truly stands out. Derbez's portrayal of Villarías showcases his inherited acting talent, dating back to his mother, he perfectly captures the character's depth, struggles with aging, and how acting has consumed every aspect of his life.
It's dramatic, exaggerated, and tender. It evokes both frustration and laughter. Derbez even joked that if his character were alive today, he wouldn't just attend Sean "Diddy" Combs' famous parties—he'd be organizing them. "He wouldn't just go; he'd be throwing the parties," he laughed.
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♬ The Champion - Lux-Inspira
His portrayal of a Spanish actor from 1931 is spot-on, and his achievement as director is even more remarkable.
Derbez navigated the turbulent waters of biculturalism masterfully, a feat worth studying by those looking to address issues at the border. The Anglo culture shines when needed, with efficient dialogue and staging that serve the story. The Latino culture remains at the heart of the series, infused with humor and pride in Y Llegaron de Noche.
The first episodes of the series are now available on Vix, and if you want to watch the full interview, you can check it out here. Derbez also shared a bit about his other series, En Casa con Los Derbez, dealing with gray hair, and more.
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