MARTA MILANS BELIEVES YOU CAN MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE

BY IRVIN RIVERA, EDITOR: CLARA SEELY-KATZ

PHTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION STYLIST: ANDREW PHILIP NGUYEN, MAKE-UP: KATHY SANTIAGO, HAIR: MICHAEL DUEÑAS, PHOTO ASST: JESSE ZAPATERO, KRISTEN CASE

Marta Milans is best known for playing Rosa Vazquez in the Shazam! film franchise, a fierce and caring mother who keeps the core team together. In real life, Milans is very similar to her character in that she puts family above all else and absolutely adores children. She is a stunning and overwhelmingly warm actor who is also taking her first steps behind the camera as producer and director of her first ever short film. Read on to learn more about this multi talented actor, director and activist and the lessons she's learned over the years.

Marta! How are you? How have you been since filming and then the release of Shazam! Fury of the Gods!?

All is well, thank you for asking. I’m living life and thankful for everything I have, and excited for the future. Shazam! Fury of the Gods is making so many people happy and especially children, it’s everything I could’ve dreamed of.

How was Rosa Vazquez’ character evolution throughout the film?

She’s certainly not ready to find out all her children are superheroes but being the ‘super-mamma’ she is, she quickly adapts to the circumstances… with a great sense of humor.

How do you personally relate to your character’s arc in the films?

I relate profoundly to ‘Mamma Rosa’ in many ways. I love children and have always gravitated towards them, so I don’t think it is a coincidence that I ended up landing this role.

What’s the best part about playing Rosa?

Making children happy! I took my niece to watch the movie two days ago in Madrid and seeing her laughing, clapping, and cheering us on.. gives me a total reason to do what I do.

What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming? How did you manage to rise above the challenges?

It was very hot in Atlanta but other than that, it was a wonderful time. We filmed during COVID, so it was not easy with all the restrictions and protocols etc. but I’m just happy this COVID thing is behind us. It’s about time.

Tell us a memorable moment for you throughout filming.

Being with my ‘Shazamily’ - realizing how unique of an experience it is to be filming a movie of this category. Basically, pinching myself on set every day and sharing laughs with all my cast members.

How is your creative process like? How do you prepare yourself whenever you have to go through a deep character dive and development?

There’s a ton of prep I put into every character I build. A lot of background character work and exploration. Memories from childhood, music playlists and just imaging as much as I can to dive into my character’s soul and essence.

How did acting start for you? Was it something that you’ve always wanted from a young age? Who and what inspires you?

I started early at age 7/8 in a classical music academy, and then right away in school. I played ‘Goneril’ in King Lear at age 8. I always dreamt on being on stage indeed.

I’m inspired by so many people - my family, my grandma (who I just recently lost and was such an inspiration to me), a definition of the word resilience, artists like Mark Rothko, Van Gogh , James Turrell, The Boss, Bowie, Max Richter.. I could go on and on. It’s so important to find inspiration all around you and never stop being curious about everything.

What scares you?

Losing my parents.

What’s your dream project?

Working with Dennis Villeneuve and playing a spy that travels in time.

Are there any Directors / Filmmakers do you want to work with?

Villeneuve, Spielberg , Amenabar, Ruben Östlund, Bayona, and Campanella.

**LEFT:** Jumpsuit: NADINE MERABI, **RIGHT:** Dress: BASIC PR, Earrings: MING YU WANG

Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?

I loved playing Mamma Rosa in the first Shazam! movie and this one, mostly because of how many hearts we have touched with our story of found family. I’ll always carry that with me. It’s beautiful.

Aside from acting, what else keeps you busy?

Many things…Producing, directing my first (short) film this summer and putting all the pieces together has been profoundly satisfying. I can’t stop cooking and experimenting with new recipes, practicing yoga to keep my mind and spine healthy, traveling, and spending as much time as I can with my family and loved ones. Time goes by way too fast.

What are you most excited about this year?

My new adventure as a director. It terrifies and excites me, at the same time.

**LEFT:** Dress: BASIC PR, Earrings: MING YU WANG, **RIGHT:** Dress: JAD GHANDOUR

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

Random acts of kindness everywhere you go and as much as you can. It will come back to you, multiplied. I’ve seen this happen to me over and over. Making people around you feel seen has a profound impact on our society as a whole. Let’s make this world a better place to live in - smile by smile.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

Any book by Roal Dahl. I remember reading all of his books as a little girl and never stop dreaming. Make a Child dream and feel as if their world is an oyster. You can make your dreams come true