Summary
Raoul Max Trujillo reveals his sweet offscreen dynamic with Susan Sarandon while playing the movie's villains in Blue Beetle.
Trujillo commends Sarandon's grounded and playful personality, leading to a delightful collaboration and enhancing his portrayal of the character. Their powerful chemistry impacted their performances, introducing generosity and fresh perspectives to their scenes, ultimately creating a seamless and pleasurable experience for Trujillo.
Raoul Max Trujillo, who plays the key villain in the movie Blue Beetle, opened up about his offscreen relationship with Susan Sarandon. Trujillo portrays Conrad Carapax, also known as the Indestructible Man, one of the primary antagonists in the comic book series. Sarandon, on the other hand, portrays Victoria Kord, a businesswoman seeking the Scarab device. Alongside Trujillo and Sarandon, the film features Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcazar, and George Lopez in the cast.
In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Trujillo discussed his experience working with Sarandon and how their positive offscreen dynamic influenced his performance and made his job more enjoyable. Trujillo shared his insights below.
From the moment our paths crossed in the makeup trailer, we were both present. As I was already there, getting my prosthetics done, she entered the scene. Her down-to-earth nature, grace, and beauty were immediately apparent. Without hesitation, she approached me with open arms for a warm embrace. This set the tone for what promised to be an enjoyable experience. Usually, meeting people, especially someone of her caliber, can be awkward, but she effortlessly puts everyone at ease. Working with her remained consistently pleasant because of her groundedness and ability to live in the present moment. Our scenes took on a unique energy because of her unconventional choices and playful attitude. I found myself pleasantly surprised by her choices, always keeping me on my toes.
Angel, too, recognized the strong dynamic between our characters from the outset. Her portrayal provided an abundance of information that served as a valuable resource for my own character development. Her generosity and ability to bring so much to each scene made it easy for me to respond and play off her energy. This was in stark contrast to actors who rigidly stick to their own preconceived notions and never truly listen or engage. She possesses the rare quality of being not only a giver but also a receptive listener. This attentiveness informs her craft and enriches the overall experience.
It's truly a reciprocal situation. I thoroughly enjoy observing her and Harvey's interactions; it's absolutely hilarious. There were moments when it felt like I was watching an entirely different film, and yet, it was incredibly enjoyable to witness actors portraying their roles with such enthusiasm. This all began with Ángel.
Editor's Note: This interview took place prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike, and it is important to acknowledge that the depicted show would not be possible without the hard work of the writers and actors affiliated with WGA and SAG-AFTRA.
Trujillo & Sarandon's Relationship In Blue Beetle Is Very Different Onscreen
In the movie Blue Beetle, it was previously unclear how Sarandon, Trujillo, and Carapax would intersect as main villains. However, the final trailer revealed that Carapax worked as a bodyguard for Victoria Kord, the head of a corrupt corporation with government connections. The trailer also introduced Harvey Guillén as Dr. Sanchez, a scientist working for Victoria. While Carapax is portrayed as a menacing villain who criticizes Jaime Maridueña's devotion to his family, his motive for hunting down the Blue Beetle appears to be tied to his employer. It may also stem from a desire to regain power, as hinted by his abilities showcased in the trailer, thus seeking revenge against an enemy he previously failed to defeat.
The dynamics between the villain and hero in Blue Beetle suggest that Trujillo and Sarandon will have significant on-screen presence and potentially a closer relationship than just employer and employee. Trujillo's disregard for family ties makes it unlikely for them to have a similar dynamic, and it even hints at the possibility of him killing Victoria in order to seize all the power for himself after being enhanced by Guillén's character.