Ana de Armas, the Cuban-Spanish actress, opens up about her remarkable journey to becoming an action star, her friendship with Keanu Reeves, and her rise to global Hollywood stardom. In an intimate 'In Conversation' session at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, de Armas shared her story, from her early days in Cuba to her bold move to Madrid and her eventual success in Hollywood.
De Armas met Keanu Reeves when she first arrived in Los Angeles over a decade ago, starring together in Eli Roth's Knock Knock. Despite her limited English at the time, they bonded over their shared experiences and formed a beautiful friendship. Reeves' kindness and generosity made her feel welcome in Hollywood, and their reunion on the set of the John Wick spinoff Ballerina was particularly meaningful.
De Armas' evolution into an action star was accidental. She never imagined herself as athletic or destined for action movies, but roles in No Time to Die, The Gray Man, and Ghosted led her to Ballerina, a challenging and demanding part. The intense physical preparation for the role was exhausting but rewarding, teaching her valuable skills.
Her career began in Cuba, where she had a happy and social childhood, performing with neighborhood friends. She made her screen debut while still in theater school in Havana and later moved to Madrid to pursue bigger opportunities. Despite initial struggles, she landed a role in a hit Spanish TV series, which brought fame but also frustration, as she was typecast in young-girl roles.
De Armas' breakthrough came with Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049, working with renowned directors and actors. Her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Blonde earned her an Academy Award nomination, transforming her as an actress and challenging her to explore new acting territories.
However, de Armas is aware of the risk of being typecast again, this time as an action star. She emphasizes the importance of pursuing challenging material and not settling for industry offerings. Her determination to chase her next project, regardless of industry expectations, is a testament to her passion and drive as an actress.
