Ariadna Gutiérrez talks Lola in ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’ & her film dreams

Columbian model-turned-actress Ariadna Gutiérrez had a dream come true when she was cast alongside Vin Diesel in xXx: Return of Xander Cage. For her first role on screen the former Miss Colombia was thrilled to take the step to the big screen, and to work with Diesel, who she described as an “incredible man”.

Gutiérrez has more than 2 million followers on Instagram, but despite her following she was incredibly friendly and charming when I spoke to her about playing Lola, Xander Cage’s girlfriend in xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Frankly, she was a total delight to chat with, and I’m eager to see where her career takes her next.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage is out now on Blu-ray and DVD.

What was the experience like, especially since it’s so different from what you’ve done in the past?

Ariadna Gutiérrez: “Oh, yeah. Quite different from what I’m used to. I’ve got to tell you that it was like a dream come true since everything that happened with the Miss Universe Pagent. That phone call telling me that I was accepted for the role of Lola, I got so excited, and I couldn’t believe it. It was like a dream come true working with such amazing people and such famous actors.”

So were you around for some of the other filming, to see some of the stunts and the action?

Gutiérrez: “I was around–a few different actors doing their thing–but my whole part was being with Vin and playing Lola, and filming in the Dominican Republic and then in Canada.”

And what did you think of Vin, even just professionally, or as someone you got to hang out with on set?

Gutiérrez: “Vin is such an angel. He’s like the most incredible man. He reminds me of my father–I didn’t want to say, because he’s like, ‘Oh my God, you’re always comparing with your father’. He’s like a father–like a big brother–he’s always taking care of me, of Ruby [Rose], or Nina [Dobrev], or Deepika [Padukone]. He loved us so much, like a father-daughter relationship. I gotta say he’s a truly good person, he has good feelings, and he reminds me of the Latin [family]–he’s so close to his family.”

From your perspective it’s new, but a lot of actors can’t say that of their co-stars.

Gutiérrez: “No, I know. I felt so grateful to Vin because I felt like I was with my family–I was at home with my siblings. The first day I met him, I met his wife, and I immediately loved her and her kids, so it was a blessing to be with him and his family, so it was really comfortable for me to be there.”

Did you get particular notes on how they wanted you to play Lola?

Gutiérrez: “No, you know what, everything was just casting. I did regular casting, and I wasn’t expecting to be called, and when I did get the call back I was super shocked because I was like, ‘Oh, no, I’m never going to get called.’ But it was a surprise for me, and I felt so excited because I was like, ‘Oh my God, I really can do this.’ I believe in myself more.”

So do you want to keep acting?

Gutiérrez: “Of course. I want to keep doing this, and it’s super cool, and it was a whole new experience for me that I want to keep doing for the rest of my life if it’s possible for me.”

Do you have a style of film you want to do now, or do you just want to work on interesting projects?

Gutiérrez: “I love all film. I like action, I like comedy, and I feel like I’m a really fun person, but I would love to do something like a Nikita or something like that with a really cool theme because I love action and it would be really cool to play something like that.”

Do you think there’s now an opportunity to bring your own culture into American films because we’re starting to see a little bit of that, but there needs to be more.

Gutiérrez: “Oh, of course. I think I can do it. Because of my accent–I can’t hide my accent–it’s something I’m going to show when I’m on set and I think it’s important for the Latin community to be represented in a movie or in theatre. Every time I get to work with someone like Vin or someone that famous, I’m going to try to push Columbia and get people to know more… [of the] Latin community as well.”

So are there people you would like to get the opportunity to work with next?

Gutiérrez: “I have a lot. I mean Viola Davis is such an incredible actress, Octavia Spencer as well. Anthony Hopkins. [America] has such amazing actors, but those are my favorite ones.”

Thank-you very much, I look forward to chatting again for your next role.

Gutiérrez: “Me too, thanks.”