IN CONVERSATION WITH DAVID CASTANEDA

interview by JANA LETONJA

Mexican-American actor David Castañeda can currently be seen reprising his role in Netflix’s series ‘The Umbrella Academy’, which premiered its fourth and final season this August. Next up, we’ll be seeing David alongside Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas in Lionsgate’s ‘John Wick’ spin-off action thriller film ‘Ballerina’, which is slated for a 2025 release.

David, we’ve just been able to watch you in the fourth and final season of Netflix’s ‘the Umbrella Academy’. How has this role impacted your career?

It’s done a lot and has opened many doors. I made many close friends and it has taught me the value of working hard, and work ethic. It’s also given me financial security, which is incredible, to have the flexibility to choose what I do next.

jacket & jeans GRAY
tank TODD SNYDER
shoes EMPORIO ARMANI
necklace, earrings, & rings DAVID YURMAN

What did you enjoy the most about this series and your character Diego, a police academy dropout turned vigilante?

Diego was a complex character to play. From the beginning of the season, I enjoyed diving into his resentment and sometimes anger towards his family, which was eventually revealed as love. It’s interesting because that’s an aspect of myself that I never really tap into because we are taught from an early age that some of these emotions aren’t okay. Which isn’t true. It’s ok to feel and show the rainbow.

Starring on a series for 4 seasons and getting to portray a character for so long, what made it the hardest to say goodbye to this project and this role?

Not being able to see my co-stars again for another season, and the safety that came from finishing a season, knowing there would be more to explore of Diego in ‘The Umbrella Academy’. Also not getting the call from Steve Blackman about the upcoming storylines and what was in store for Diego in the next season. I will miss so much from this experience. 

How does your usual process of preparing for a new role look like?

It differs from project to project. Sometimes it’s more physical preparation, others it’s more mental. For this season of ‘The Umbrella Academy’, it was about getting in the mindset of doing mundane small things that would eventually pay off in the future. But mostly, it’s about having a routine of quiet stillness, long walks, re-reading scripts and listening to my dreams.

t-shirt ALL SAINTS
shirt OAS X REVOLVE
leather jacket SCHOTT X REVOLVE
jeans JOHN VARVATOS
loafers SANTONI
necklace, earrings, & rings DAVID YURMAN

How has acting become your passion and when did you know it is something you want to pursue as a career?

I always loved films. It was one of the only things that held my attention when I was a child. I knew I wanted to act when I stumbled into a drama audition in high school right before a football game. I was captain of the team and walked in wearing my jersey on a Friday evening, and asked if I could audition. They gave me a scene to prepare, I had about 10 minutes to memorize it and by the following Monday, I was offered the lead role. I have been acting ever since.  

It has been recently announced that you’ll be starring in the indie film ‘Chalino’ about Rosalino Sánchez Félix, better known as Chalino and ‘El Rey del Corrido’, an antihero who achieved superstardom and attained legendary status for his contributions to the popularity of the regional music subgenre Narcocorridos. What can you share with us about this upcoming project?

I can’t share too much except it’s a phenomenal script written by a now close friend Jesus Celaya and it’s about a figure in my culture that my grandparents loved and constantly played on their stereo when I was a child. My respect for him and what he did for our culture is beholden.

t-shirt ALL SAINTS
jumpsuit & shoes DSQUARED2
necklace, earrings, & rings DAVID YURMAN

Next year, we’ll also be seeing you in ‘John Wick’ spin-off ‘Ballerina’ alongside Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas. How exciting was getting cast on this highly anticipated film, and what is your favorite memory from filming?

One of my favorite memories was training for the film. I was like a kid in a candy store. I had 4 weeks of training and to have the opportunity to play with the phenomenal stunt team is a memory I will hold dearly. 

Tell us more about your other passions and hobbies. What are the things you enjoy the most when you’re not on set?

I love painting and writing at the moment. I do it every day. Even when I’m shooting something, painting on my off days is my favorite.

You’ve also recently finished a home renovation. What did you enjoy the most about it and what did you find the most challenging about it?

My home renovation was a creative journey and that was exciting for me, watching how ideas formed into hard matter. I loved everything about it. I still think about what else I can do to personalize my house.  The hardest part of the process was being patient.

suit FALGUNI SHANE PEACOCK
necklace & rings DAVID YURMAN

You recently took a trip with This Is About Humanity, an organization that creates a community of allies and advocates dedicated to raising awareness about separated and reunified families and children at the US-Mexico border. Why is this cause so dear to you and how do you hope to keep advocating on it?  

A dear friend of mine, Matt Law, invited me to check out This Is About Humanity and I was able to meet with Elsa Marie Collins who has been organizing trips with her sister and a few others for quite some time. I was extremely grateful that she has included me in their efforts. We are going again in late September. My family migrated from Mexico to the US, and they have some grueling stories about crossing the border decades ago. It’s something that always reminds me how lucky I am, and of the risks they took coming to a country that has given so much to us and our community. I want to be there for those who are searching for a better life. 

left
shorts RTA
trench coat JOHN VARVATOS
earrings & rings DAVID YURMAN

middle
tank top & jeans RTA
earrings & rings DAVID YURMAN
cowboy boots SONORA

right
tank JOHN ELLIOTT
necklace, earrings, & rings DAVID YURMAN

TEAM CREDITS:
talent: David Castañeda @castanedawong
photographer: David Higgs
stylist PAULINA CASTRO
groomer SHANNON PEZZETTA at A-FRAME AGENCY
location SEVENTY ONE at GRANDMASTERS RECORDERS
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA