From a young star in Caracas to a superhero in Hollywood, María Gabriela de Faría (September 11, 1992 in Caracas, Venezuela) has been acting for two decades, but it's now with her performance as The Engineer in Superman: Legacy that she's taken off into another league. The road hasn't been all roses... three-hour workouts, impossible diets, and the vulnerability of starting from scratch in an industry that demands molding. But she wants to hold on to an essence that makes her more than unique. In less than half an hour, I fell at her feet.
Away from the sets, life is more down-to-earth: moving, a puppy that intimidates her cat, and a marriage she defines as her greatest joy. In front of the camera, however, there is pure ambition: she dreams of spy roles, working with Guillermo del Toro, or sharing the screen with Penélope Cruz and Salma Hayek. An ambition we predict will become a reality sooner rather than later.
“When I was confirmed for the role in Superman, I went to my manager's office with a Superman cape and champagne.”
NEW HERO IN TOWN?
"I would like to share the set with talented women who are true to their essence, like Penélope Cruz or Salma Hayek."
Who are you?
It's very simple. I always introduce myself as an actress. I'm a Venezuelan actress. It's what I've done my whole life. I've been an actress since I was 5 years old, and it's what I love most… Where time flies by and I don't feel any pain. These are the moments when I say, "Wow, life is incredible, everything is so fun." I also introduce myself as Venezuelan because it's an essential part of my identity.
We're moving and adopted a six-month-old puppy: an adorable mess who wants to "eat" my cat with love, which has her very nervous.
I was talking with my husband about being Venezuelan, about why I identify with it so much. Many Venezuelan actors, out of necessity, have sought opportunities in other countries and adopt accents or ways of speaking to integrate. And that's fine; everyone does what they need to survive. But it's important for me to maintain my accent and my culture, because that's what sets me apart here in Hollywood. I'm not Mexican, I'm not Argentinian: I'm Venezuelan. So I like to introduce myself as a Venezuelan actress, an animal lover... and afraid of heights.
What was the best and worst thing about filming Superman?
Every day of filming was fabulous with fantastic people. If I had to pick one, I'd say the best part was testing my limits and discovering I'm stronger than I imagined. When I started, I had to become a superhero in just a few months, and I was afraid I wouldn't have the body or the skills needed. But I did it, and that gave me so much pride and confidence.
The worst part… probably the diet and training regimen. Maintaining them for over a year was tough. I wasn't in shape before: I was sedentary, coming off a difficult personal and professional period, and I was eating away at my emotions. When they hired me, I lied at the first fitting so they wouldn't notice I wasn't ready.
What was it like working with the rest of the cast?
Incredible. They're wonderful people. On a set, the energy flows from top to bottom: if the lead character is unbearable, it's hard to shift that energy. But they were all great guys, great human beings, and excellent coworkers. They're sensitive, vulnerable, honest, and even sometimes insecure actors, which makes the work very human.
You mentioned physical training. How did you prepare mentally for The Engineer?
Interestingly, I also did it at the gym. Each character requires a different type of work, and this one required me to go through physical training first before getting into the script. I spent three or four hours a day training, and from there I began to build the character's mental strength.
I sent videos to the director with options for how she could walk or talk. The Engineer has gone through a lot of pain and difficulty to become who she is; she wasn't born that way. I worked from my own pain and physical exhaustion to understand her.
How did you feel when they confirmed that you would be part of Superman?
I didn't believe it at first. The process was strange. I auditioned several times, and just before the actors' strike began, they told me it was between me and another girl. Then, complete silence for a month.
When my agent called to tell me I was the one, I only had his word, because I couldn't speak to producers or the director. To celebrate, I went to his office with a Superman cape and champagne. Just then, a fax arrived officially confirming it was mine. I spent the whole day walking around town wearing my cape.
Brooks Brothers blazer and trousers; The Tailory New York (Shao) bodysuit; Streets Ahead belt; Paul Andrew boots
What would be your dream role?
I really enjoyed the action thanks to Superman. I'd love to play a female spy, something like a female James Bond or Lara Croft.
Who would you love to work with?
With directors like Guillermo del Toro… I'm fascinated by his perspective. I would also work with Paco Cabezas again. As actors, I'd love to share the set with talented women who are true to their essence, like Penélope Cruz or Salma Hayek.
What makes you happy?
My husband.
What would you never do again?
Trying to become someone I'm not. I did that for a while when I first arrived in Hollywood to fit in, and I don't want to do it again.
What do you value when meeting someone?
I want to be warm and open. I don't get along with people who are distant or "too cool."
When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday. We moved into a house I love, and after a year, my two cats ate together for the first time, even though we have a new dog. I cried with joy.
Something you can't stand.
The small, pessimistic mindset. I can't connect with people who always see the negative.
Something you're bad at.
Doing British accents. Very bad. I also have trouble finding my way around: I never know where I am.
The worst experience of your life?
At 16, working in Colombia, I was alone, and the production team fabricated that I was drunk or high to justify delays, which devastated me. I learned that distancing is the best response to malicious people.
Would you like to get involved in activism?
I was in the past, as a vegan and pro-environment activist, but now I prefer to focus on concrete actions in my community.
If you could change one thing in the world…
Reduce prejudice towards those who are different.
If you could speak to all of humanity…
I would tell them to enjoy life now. We're always postponing happiness, and the world could end tomorrow.
What are you afraid of?
To the heights and solitude.
