Latina actress María Gabriela de Faría's infectious enthusiasm and dedication to her craft are evident not just in her performances but in the little touches she brings to set. One such anecdote involves her plan to bring an arepa truck to DC's "Superman: Legacy" set during the last week of filming. As a Venezuelan, the Arepa conversation is a must.
"I always talk about making arepas for everyone, but the workload makes it tough," De Faría shared with a laugh. Instead, De Faría has been sharing Venezuelan treats like pirulines and Torontos to give her colleagues a taste of her home culture. "It's my way of sharing a piece of Venezuela with the team."
A New Challenge in 'The Duel'
The Superman arepa connection came up during an interview with The Latin Times. De Faría and her husband and countryman, as well as actor Christian McGaffney. The couple shares the screen in the upcoming independent film "The Duel."
Set to be released on July 31, the film explores the complex dynamics of friendship, love and conflict. De Faría plays Aphrodite, a character she describes as "very heightened" and reminiscent of the strong, archetypal female figures beloved by director Pedro Almodóvar.
"It's a joy to explore these deep, complex parts of myself through this character," she shared. "Aphrodite is driven by her pain and twisted view of life, making her both fascinating and entertaining to portray."
Working with her husband added a special layer to the experience. "Seeing our names together on the movie poster is incredible, and being able to work together on an American film in a different language was beyond our wildest dreams," De Faría said.
Breaking Barriers in 'Superman: Legacy'
De Faría is also making headlines as the first Venezuelan to join the DC Universe, playing the role of Angela Spica, also known as The Engineer, in James Gunn's "Superman: Legacy." The film, slated for a July 2025 release, will introduce audiences to a reimagined Superman, played by David Corenswet, and a host of new characters, including De Faría's formidable villain.
Angela Spica, The Engineer, is a character rooted in advanced nanotechnology, giving her the ability to manipulate her body and surroundings with liquid metal-like precision. "The training was intense," De Faría admitted. "I had to push my physical and mental limits to embody this powerful character."
Joining a star-studded cast that includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, De Faría is part of an ambitious new chapter for the DC Universe. Gunn's vision for the film aims to balance traditional superhero elements with a nuanced exploration of identity and power (SlashFilm) (Empire). "The Engineer isn't just a villain; she's a complex character with a unique perspective on the world," De Faría explained.
As De Faría continues to blaze trails in Hollywood, her journey from Caracas to the global stage serves as an inspiration. With "The Duel" and "Superman: Legacy," she's not just breaking barriers; she's redefining them.
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