SPOILER ALERT: This text contains detailed insights into the plot of “Carry-On,” which is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

Tonatiuh felt a surge of frustration as he sat on the sidelines, watching a stunt double execute his intense fight scenes alongside Taron Egerton in the gripping Netflix thriller “Carry-On.” The adrenaline pulsing through him made it difficult to remain a passive observer, as he craved the action that was unfolding just a few feet away. His desire to be part of the thrilling sequences became undeniable as he witnessed the intensity of the performances, leading him to a pivotal moment where he decided to step into the role himself.

In a particularly exhilarating scene, Tonatiuh and Taron engage in a fierce struggle while tumbling down a luggage conveyor belt. “Initially, they had hired someone to perform my stunts because they were unfamiliar with my capabilities. It was just standard procedure,” Tonatiuh shared during a Zoom interview a few days prior to the premiere of “Carry-On” on Netflix. “After one take, I realized Taron was performing, and I exchanged a look with the director, who seemed to ask if I wanted to jump in. I responded with enthusiasm, ‘Absolutely, I learned the choreography for a reason. Let’s do this!’ The experience was incredible and exhilarating.”

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and penned by T.J. Fixman, “Carry-On” follows the gripping tale of Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent blackmailed on Christmas Eve by a mysterious traveler played by Jason Bateman. The plot thickens as Ethan is coerced into allowing a carry-on filled with dangerous chemical weapons onto a plane. Sofia Carson portrays Ethan’s pregnant fiancée, while Tonatiuh plays a fellow passenger who becomes entangled in the blackmail scheme after Bateman’s character kidnaps his husband, adding layers of tension and drama to the narrative.

According to Netflix’s statistics, “Carry-On” garnered an impressive 97 million views within the first ten days of its release on December 13, marking it as a significant success on the streaming platform and capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. This popularity reflects not only the film’s thrilling storyline but also the strong performances of its talented cast, making it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.

Looking ahead, Tonatiuh is set to star in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” a feature film adaptation directed by Bill Condon of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. In this compelling production, Tonatiuh takes on the role of Luis Molina, a gay hairdresser sentenced to prison in 1981 for allegedly corrupting a minor. Diego Luna co-stars as his Marxist cellmate, Valentin Arregui Paz, while Jennifer Lopez embodies the titular role of Aurora, a fantastical character imagined by Luis, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

The music for “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is crafted by the renowned duo John Kander and Fred Ebb, drawing inspiration from the novel by Manuel Puig and the book of the musical by Terrence McNally. Anticipation is building as the film is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival next year, promising to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.

This insightful Q&A with Tonatiuh has been edited for brevity and clarity, ensuring readers gain valuable perspectives while enjoying an engaging narrative.

Experience the Thrills and Humor of “Carry-On” — A Must-Watch for Action Lovers!

Did you find it enjoyable?

Discover Why Tonatiuh is Obsessed with “Carry-On” and Its LGBTQ Representation!

Oh, absolutely! I’m quite taken with it. It’s refreshing to see a gay couple represented in an action-packed film. When I heard you mention “my husband,” I couldn’t help but gasp. Society often leads us to believe that gay individuals don’t engage in high-octane action like this. However, that notion couldn’t be further from the truth. We have been warriors and fighters for generations; our history is filled with examples of resilience and strength, from the queer militia in Greece to our enduring spirit today.

Understanding the Audition Process for “Carry-On” — Tonatiuh’s Journey to Landing the Role!

My team submitted the audition materials like they typically do for various projects. Interestingly, I was on my way to the airport to catch a flight when I received the materials. I recorded my audition at 6 a.m. and sent it off, feeling a mix of uncertainty and hope. I remember reaching out to friends afterward, asking if my audition was even any good. Trusting my instincts and connecting with the emotional storyline helped me succeed. Shortly after, I was booked, and we quickly headed to New Orleans to start filming.

Did You Sustain Any Injuries During Those Intense Fight Sequences?

Not really. I had a slight sensitivity in my L4-L5 area, but thanks to my extensive dance training, as well as my experience with Capoeira and other martial arts, I was well-prepared. Additionally, I practice yoga regularly, which helped me manage any physical demands during filming. Overall, it wasn’t too strenuous, and I was able to enjoy the experience without major issues.

Behind the Scenes: The Dynamic Chemistry Between Tonatiuh and Taron During Filming!

Working alongside Taron was an absolute delight. He has a fantastic sense of humor and is incredibly focused. However, there were moments when he needed to catch his breath between takes, and I found myself getting emotionally charged in the action. To lighten the mood, we shared plenty of laughs and jokes. I vividly remember one scene where we were tangled up on the conveyor belt, and I jokingly asked him, “Do you come here often?” Filming in New Orleans was an incredible experience, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the city. I even experienced my first tornado, which added an unexpected twist to our adventure!

The Tornado Incident: A Memorable Experience While Filming in New Orleans!

It was quite a surreal experience, occurring just two miles away from our hotel. While on set, we received a weather warning, and the production team kept us informed about the situation. Once the decision was made to send everyone home, I felt a mix of anxiety and curiosity. Coming from California, I am accustomed to earthquakes, but tornadoes are a different story. As we arrived at our hotel, the locals seemed unfazed, going about their day as if nothing was wrong. However, when the tornado warning buzzer went off, I realized the gravity of the situation and felt a little nervous.

Experiencing the Tornado Up Close: A Close Call for Tonatiuh!

The tornado was indeed close enough to see it if we stepped outside. I headed down to the hotel lobby to relax, trying to follow the instructions to stay away from the windows. A charming elderly woman in a Santa outfit and pink hair caught my attention as she casually asked for a vodka soda to-go. I couldn’t help but intervene, telling her, “Ma’am, there’s a tornado outside! I don’t think you should go out there.” To my surprise, she replied confidently, “Honey, I survived Katrina. You think I’m afraid of a little tornado?” With that, she walked out, and I was left in awe of her bravery.

Exploring the Holiday Spirit: Is “Carry-On” Truly a Christmas Movie?

Absolutely! “Carry-On” is undeniably a Christmas film, and I believe it deserves a spot among holiday classics. Its inspiration draws from “Die Hard,” which is widely recognized as a Christmas movie. The festive backdrop combined with the thrilling action creates a unique experience that captures the holiday spirit in an unexpected way.

Reflecting on Milestones: Tonatiuh’s First On-Screen Death in “Carry-On”!

I never really thought about it until now, but I believe this might have been my first on-screen death. It’s a significant moment for any actor, and it adds an interesting layer to my career.

Preparing Family for the Emotional Scenes: Did You Alert Your Mom?

I didn’t give her a heads-up about my character’s fate, but I did FaceTime her while I was all dressed up in hair and makeup, which caused quite a reaction. I enjoy playfully teasing my mom with these surprises, and her reaction was priceless!

Anticipation and Excitement: Tonatiuh’s Reaction to Landing the Role in “Kiss of the Spider Woman”!

The journey to landing this role was quite lengthy, and when I finally received the news that I was cast, my initial reaction was disbelief. I asked, “Are you joking?” When they confirmed, I was overjoyed but also overwhelmed, and I quickly hung up the phone as I couldn’t quite process the moment. Being a Capricorn, I immediately shifted into work mode, focusing on the responsibilities ahead. This role truly deserved my undivided attention.

Connecting with the Role: Tonatiuh’s Spiritual Resonance with Molina in “Kiss of the Spider Woman”!

As soon as I received the material for the role, I felt an immediate connection. I recognized who Molina was and felt a deep spiritual resonance with the character. When I auditioned in New York, the energy in the room was palpable, and you could sense the collaboration among everyone involved. The character of Molina was originally envisioned as being in their late 30s to early 40s, a demographic I don’t physically match, yet I felt ready and prepared to embody this role with authenticity.

Starstruck Moments: Tonatiuh Shares His Experience Working with Jennifer Lopez!

She is truly incredible, a genuine icon in the entertainment industry.

Walking into the Rehearsal Room with Jennifer Lopez: Tonatiuh’s Initial Thoughts!

Don’t drop her! That was my primary thought.

Did You Manage to Keep Your Composure?

Yes! I spent a month in rehearsals with a group of phenomenal dancers, all Broadway legends. Each one of them was deeply committed to their craft and to the community, sharing their passion with me. Although I’m primarily an actor, I was welcomed into their world, and their generosity helped me understand the beauty of movement and the dedication it takes to excel in this art form. It was a revelation for me, as I discovered a sense of belonging within this vibrant community that I had never experienced before.

The Magic of Working with Jennifer as the Spider Woman: Tonatiuh’s Impressions!

Seeing Jennifer transform into the Spider Woman was nothing short of magical. She is breathtakingly beautiful and can transform in ways that are truly astounding. I recall during our first rehearsal, we were conducting a table read, and she delivered her first line in one of the songs with such passion that I had to quickly adjust my focus. I was ready for a casual table read, but the moment she began, I knew it was going to be extraordinary, and I remember looking at Bill, our director, as his mind started churning with ideas.

Lifting Jennifer for the First Time: Tonatiuh’s Experience and Impressions!

It was an exhilarating experience, albeit a nerve-wracking one. She has such a lovely scent, and I couldn’t help but notice how captivating she smelled. The moment was both thrilling and a little intimidating, but I was determined to rise to the occasion.

Overcoming Nerves: How Tonatiuh Managed to Stay Focused!

There’s a unique switch in my brain that helps me navigate these situations. The human side of me feels nervous, especially when working with someone as iconic as Jennifer Lopez. However, once action is called, I remind myself that I am Molina, and there’s no reason for him to feel anxious. This mental shift allows me to embrace the moment and perform confidently without being hindered by nerves.

Insights from the Studio: Tonatiuh Shares His Experience with John Kander!

Can I be candid with you?

Of course! We want your honest thoughts.

John Kander is not only incredibly talented but also hilarious. He has a sharp wit, and as a musical theater enthusiast, I was in awe of his presence. The reinterpretation of the original work was a thrilling process, and Kander was supportive of our creative liberties. I remember attending the opening night of “Cabaret” on Broadway and shyly approaching him to say hello. To my surprise, he recognized me immediately and responded warmly, which only added to the excitement of the moment.