Latin music icon Luis Fonsi, renowned for the global smash “Despacito,” steps into new territory with his first leading film role in Say a Little Prayer. Fonsi hopes to inspire more excellent representation of Latin America in Hollywood while reflecting on his evolving career.
From Music Icon to Leading Man
Luis Fonsi has spent the past 25 years transforming Latin music. The Puerto Rican superstar is embarking on a new journey: acting. Billboard reports that Fonsi has landed his first leading role in Say a Little Prayer, a romantic comedy premiering this Friday in select U.S. theaters.
The transition from music to film came unexpectedly, Fonsi told Billboard. “It was one of those things you think about and say to yourself, ‘Eventually, I’d love to dive into that world.’ But I wasn’t there yet,” he explained. “I was working on an album and a tour when a friend sent me the script. At first, I thought it’d be a ‘no,’ but by the time I finished reading it on a flight to Madrid, I knew I wanted to do it.”
In “Say a Little Prayer,” directed by Patrick Perez Vidauri, Fonsi plays Rafael Reza. Rafael is a charming art curator and once was a musician. His presence changes the lives of three very close friends in San Antonio, Texas. Vannessa Vasquez, Jackie Cruz and Vivian Lamoli also star in the film. This movie explores love, friendship, and self-discovery. Fonsi told Billboard, “I saw myself in this character and the story.” The story is about love, family, and friendship. These are universal themes. Everyone can relate to them. It was an excellent first step.
A Musical Touch to the Big Screen
Fonsi brought even more excitement to his acting debut by working on the movie’s music. He wrote and produced “Prayer in Your Eyes,” the official song. His character sings this song during an essential moment in the film. The deadline was tight. Fonsi finished the track in just two days. “I thought the song was going to play during the credits, so I didn’t prioritize it,” Fonsi admitted to Billboard with a laugh. “Three days before shooting, the director called, ‘We’re building a scene around it. I need the song now.’ Good thing I work well under pressure!”
The track, described by Fonsi as a pop song with a subtle country influence, marks a departure from his usual Spanish-language hits. Writing in English added another layer of novelty to the project. “It was fun to try something new. I automatically imagined myself in San Antonio while writing the song,” he shared with Billboard. Working on the film’s music helped Fonsi feel at home on set. “Music gave me confidence,” he said. Fonsi felt very comfortable filming. He didn’t doubt for a moment if he belonged there.
Championing Latin Representation in Hollywood
Luis Fonsi’s career-defining hit, “Despacito,” shattered records and propelled Latin music onto the global stage. Now, he is on a mission to bring similar visibility to Latin actors and directors in Hollywood. His dedication to this cause, as he passionately discussed with Billboard, is not just inspiring but also instills hope for a more diverse and inclusive future in the film industry.
“Hispanic and Latin actors remain underrepresented in Hollywood, despite making up nearly 20% of the U.S. population,” Fonsi noted, citing a 2023 USC Annenberg study. For years, I have promoted Latin music around the world. I notice a lot of opportunities for growth in the film industry. Moving the needle in film, even a bit, would mean the world to me.
Fonsi’s role in Say a Little Prayer is not just a character he plays, but a symbol of the value of accurate Latin representation. By taking on roles that resonate with his heritage and audience, he is not just inspiring future generations of Hispanic artists, but also empowering them to tell their stories and be seen. “Breaking barriers in music was life-changing, but being part of something that pushes boundaries in film feels just as powerful,” Fonsi told Billboard.
Reflecting on 25 Years of Evolution
As Fonsi transitions into acting, he’s also celebrating 25 years in the music industry with his 25 Años Tour. The milestone has brought numerous accolades, including a Latin Grammy win for his album El Viaje, which captures the essence of his quarter-century journey.
“El Viaje is special to me,” Fonsi told Billboard. “It’s a concept album where every song represents a place or moment from my career. Winning the Latin Grammy because it was validation that people understood what I was trying to express. The Grammy nomination was the cherry on top. Fonsi talked about his career and stressed the need for flexibility. “The last 25 years have been about change and starting fresh,” he said. “Each part of my career brought new challenges. Solving them while staying true to myself as an artist was fun.”
As Fonsi’s tour finishes in Puerto Rico next March, he is filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have come his way. “Every new project is a chance to grow and create something meaningful,” he shared with Billboard. His journey from music superstar to leading man is a testament to the power of ambition and the potential for growth in every new endeavor.
Also read : Raphael’s Spanish Voice Still Echoes Across Latin America
Luis Fonsi’s journey from music superstar to leading man shows his versatility. His ambition shines brightly. His ambition shines through. With Say a Little Prayer, he hopes to inspire change in Hollywood while continuing to celebrate his Latin roots. As he reflects on 25 years of artistic evolution, Fonsi’s story is far from over—it’s entering an exciting new chapter.
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