Spanish actor Óscar Jaenada to Immortalize “Cantinflas” on the Big Screen Aug. 29

By: Cindy G. Castillo

Spanish actor Óscar Jaenada will immortalize the legendary Mexican comic film actor, producer and screenwriter Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” on the big screen.

“Cantinflas, La Pelicula” will be released on theaters August 29, and it tells the untold story of Mexico’s greatest and most beloved comedy film star of all time.

From his humble origins on the small stage to the bright lights of Hollywood, “Cantinflas” became famous around the world — one joke at a time.

Born on May 1975, Jaenada has participated in more than forty films, including top-chart films like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Ties and The Losers, but in this case, he feels a great responsibility to create a good character on screen.

“It is my duty to create a good character. It is my responsibility as an actor to not disappoint audiences who wait to see your work and the work of a team of people who love what they do,” he said.

One of the biggest challenges Jaenada faced in this movie was being able to successfully interpret two characters in one movie — Mario Moreno and “Cantinflas.”

“Mario Moreno defined “Cantinflas” as Mexico, period.” However, before accepting this acting role, Jaenada had never visited Mexico before. After being chosen, he emerged into the culture that defined “Cantinflas”, which would help him mold his character on screen.

“I thought [the culture] was important. Just being there in Mexico, living there and starting a life there was important, but it was tough,” he said.

The actor admits that recreating the legendary “Cantinflas” was an arduous task, but simple and rewarding in the end.

“It was watching his 55 movies back-to-back trying to grasp all the details of the character,” he said, “I hired a professional dancer, a phoniatrist and a “Cantinflas”  impersonator that works in Mexican television.”

Recreating the life of Mario Moreno behind the scenes, however, was the greatest challenge, since there is currently almost no existing footage of the deceased actor.

“There is very little footage of Mario Moreno, a couple of interviews on YouTube and that’s it. I had to introduce myself in the personal circle of him as a professional and a politic,” he explained. “Once there, I had to make difficult and uncomfortable questions to some of his relatives, but I had to shape his character, I had to shape Mario Moreno.”

Jaenada will be working with an array of Mexican actors and comedians such as Ana Layevska, Adal Ramones, Barbara Mori, Rafael Amaya, Eduardo Espana and Luis Gerardo Mendez.

Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” passed away in Mexico City on April 20, 1993 a victim of lung cancer. His legacy continues up to this day making millions smile with his unique spark and humor.

“Cantinflas, La Pelicula” is a presentation by Lions gate, Pantelion Films, Televisa Cine and Kenio Films in collaboration with Bullet Films, Alejandro Barron and Mario Moreno Ivanova.

Official site: http://cantinflasmovieus.com/

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