Michael Peña Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Versatile actor Michael Peña has been in many mega hits including 'Crash', 'The Martian', 'Ant Man' and 'Million Dollar Baby', and runs us through his best roles.
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Michael Peña Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

[@matthewmayhem9213]

Michael Pena is an underrated actor. Every role he has taken he nailed. One of my low-key favorite actors.

[@shadowx8853]

Too bad hes a scientologist

[@burger1800]

Matthew Mayhem , even in chips? Lmao

[@jokybones]

True that :D

[@erikramirez7414]

Matthew Mayhem nah not low key high key

[@noelhuerta8309]

Narcos!!! End watch!

[@geargrinder69]

I was half expecting him to do a storytelling interview like in Ant-Man lmao

[@mackenziehunter4593]

When I saw the thumbnail I was hoping that as well.

[@ekzoX0]

I was only mildly disappointed

[@aaronlaranang5915]

Kendrik Doughty (

[@MrNewyork1975]

Kendrik Doughty That would've been epic 😂

[@abigarcia8755]

Lmao I got slightly disappointed when I heard him speaking in his normal voice and started scrolling through the comments and lol when I found I wasn’t the only one that was expecting that haha it would have been crazy stupid funny

[@townsville69]

One of the main reasons the Ant Man movies are so great ? This guy.

[@mbuleloshabane682]

Facts!!!!

[@mrouncervideos2905]

Orale

[@jamesfromthecomputer]

Fun fact Michael Pena is the first latino in an MCU film and without him in Antman it would’ve just been very bland and generic

[@sethmartinez4783]

Yeah he does well in his mini supporting role.

[@noahsg7631]

@@jamesfromthecomputer No doubt No doubt

[@DJFLACO99]

His best role is Narcos Mexico. I was shook at how serious he took the role. I thought he was going to be funny but he really adapted to the character. My respects

[@fallinginthed33p]

He *was* Narcos Mexico. The interplay between his character and Diego Luna's defined the show. The second season wasn't as good when he wasn't there.

[@gemo8806able]

Hes in Lincoln Lawyer, that's his best role.

[@mos-wd4zs]

Yup I felt bad when Camarena died

[@israelmondragon6195]

I didn’t take him serious the first few episodes but then he blew my mind best part of the show

[@scarecrow27r39]

I love how no one knows much about the town camarena grew up in. All the information is there, but like no one knows about it

[@efronlover35]

You can feel that he's so passionate about acting, he's great.

[@soulspace9088]

Always loved this guy, glad to see he is still getting good roles in both film and tv.

[@Jucelegario]

This guy was robbed of his Oscar movie: Hands of Stone 2016.

[@LoPiccolo.]

Specially with the fact that at one point early in his career he thought what was the point cause of the roles he got. He kept going and it paid off WELL!

[@stephenmclaren124]

Some movies dont potray how articulate and intelectial Michael really is and they don't do him justice ( comedies ) up until this interview I thought he was honestly a funny idiot on and off the set.😊😊😊😊

[@dylankaiser5546]

He’s really talented, he can play a goof like Luis in Ant-Man and a serious role like Daniel in Crash. He has range

[@ikmnification5737]

His explanation of Jake Gyllenhaal is probably why Jake has never received an Oscar, he's in it for the movie not the accolade.

[@juegofuego6715]

IKMNification the Mexican villains were kind of cartoony acting. A little campy compared to the rest of the movie that seems very real

[@username4441]

no one has cared about oscars including the general public lemmings for like a decade now.

[@hedicha]

@@username4441 Oscars are more for the movie stars not the public anyways.

[@username4441]

@@hedicha i wouldnt know i dont have cable television for longer than i can remember

[@phanatic215]

@@hedicha it's good for when you want to ask for more money for the next movie.

[@dexterg90]

He's one of those unique actors who can act in dramas and comedies without even trying. He just fits right into his roles

[@jc4jax]

He explained he works hard for his characters and how he is not one of those actors that get into their character quickly

[@BooBuKittyPhuk]

Isn't he always a soldier a cop or a criminal?

[@nGUNNARp]

END OF WATCH. that's his iconic role, and that movie is so unbelievably underrated

[@holiday42020]

That movie is incredible

[@LordKnowsBlue]

Nick Peterson underrated?!! I thought the movie made hundreds of millions in the box office

[@nGUNNARp]

@@LordKnowsBlue it didn't...should have though, which is why i say it's underrated

[@LordKnowsBlue]

Nick Peterson my response was more of shock because I had thought millions of people went to go watch it

[@phamchunghieu4560]

"Okay, so I was at an audition with my cousin Ernesto right?.."

[@Superior_Productions]

Truth serum!

[@danielbiasoni7269]

there's no such thing as truth serum

[@Jucelegario]

This guy was robbed of his Oscar movie: Hands of Stone 2016.

[@stardustmeatbag]

"And the casting director was like crazy stupid fine"

[@eiecheverri2]

Cue the drums

[@sportsfish21]

Michael Pena is a dedicated actor. Also, he's interesting and humble. I like Michael Pena.

[@shadowx8853]

Too bad hes a scientologist

[@outliarpunx8568]

@@shadowx8853 why? u wanna push him jesus? which one? mannnn, push him something else man..... like homer simpson or a kangaroo u can name

[@lestariabadi]

Brilliant too...

[@lestariabadi]

Puvin Terumalay push him the Oscar may be better ...

[@dongargon763]

shadow x yeah was very surprised he seems like an intelligent guy , probly just does it to get roles

[@helloyou2394]

“how’s your wife man” “uh, she left me” (while smiling) “my mom died too” (also smiling) 🤣🤣🤣

[@Nickademas1]

heroeswearcapes cus of the van.

[@nickgarrett191]

heroeswearcapes an my dad got deported

[@nickgarrett191]

heroeswearcapes but I got the van!

[@toruoikawa8347]

@@nickgarrett191 after endgame not anymore

[@applepie1272]

I LOVE LUIS

[@PhaktTheIsolationist]

Micael Pena proves that people of all ethnicities can lead or co-lead a movie. Absoutely steals his scenes in Ant Man, amazing in End Of Watch, hilarious in ChIps.

[@noelhuerta8309]

PhaktTheIsolationist narcos!

[@Tylerl128]

Michael is like a chameleon he takes on a role and he owns it, drama, comedy, action. the dude is awesome in everything he tries, and i gotta say in ant-man for example, he steals the show in every scene he is in

[@truvak]

but there is a downsigth and a upsigth, he looks mexican, and for us there is pride there and there is .... well, let´s put it this way, there is no way, he could be casted as a nowreigan epic hero, even if he is a chameleon.

[@yopeepthestyle8308]

Truvak T well there is no way a norwegian could be cast as a mexican dea agent. everything has a pro and kon. actors are cast for the roles they fit, period

[@levi799]

@@truvak A norwegian couldn't be cast as an aztec warrior. A caucasian can't be cast as an elder asian monk. Oh wait, the ancient one in Dr Strange... Well, a caucasian couldn't be cast as a samurai.... wait, nvm, i'm done with this game.

[@BooBuKittyPhuk]

Isn't he always a soldier a cop or a criminal?

[@jarethlarwood6445]

Ben Kingsley played Ghandi and nailed it so you never know what could happen

[@YouFightLikeACow]

This dude seems so grateful for what's happened with his career. Love it.

[@WarlordRising]

Took forever to get to End of Watch. Pena and Jake really knocked it out of the park in that film. Often times felt I was watching a documentary. Chemistry and flow between acting and dialogue was pinpoint.

[@TryMyMartini]

Don’t you mean it was “on point”?

[@Barberdan]

Agreed, I was looking forward to End of Watch way ahead of it showing. It captured my mind for so long after much like Crash did. Even more so. It really deserves more attention.

[@thefakeJordan]

I wanna see Luis and Rocket Racoon talk with each other!

[@bluegill0133]

Pierre Paolo Jordan and Korg

[@thefakeJordan]

@@bluegill0133 Yeah forgot about that! hahah

[@GoldAceNews]

That would be hilarious! 🤣🤣🤣

[@ZuriBirmingham]

That would be ridiculously perfect 😂🤣

[@Niyolam]

And there is drax in the corner invisible

[@Deathstrike1102]

This dude is a great actor

[@vibz123rulez]

shame he is a scientologist tho

[@gumunduringigumundsson9344]

Is it a fair and beautiful team spirit based on truth and toughness?

[@FreakieFan]

He is a Scientologist?!

[@vibz123rulez]

@@FreakieFan yep

[@Deathstrike1102]

Vib why’d you have to ruin it

[@homeboy17L]

One of my favorite actors i like every movie i have seen him in. I look forward to his scenes

[@ryu3984]

Me too

[@Jucelegario]

This guy was robbed of his Oscar movie: Hands of Stone 2016.

[@jesusnajera4390]

I like him, but chips was not that good

[@JustinSane50]

Jesus Najera Chips was hilarious

[@iampyre2016]

Honest One of my favorite supporting actors.

[@Argos-xb8ek]

He did well for Narcos really liked his characters

[@rinraiden]

Michael and Jake's chemistry was perfect in End of Watch. They were both so good in that movie!

[@3MinuteThailand]

He’d make an awesome, deep and introspective director.

[@semitar6]

Michael's new movie "Extinction" is playing on Netflix and it puts a whole new spin on the alien invasion movie...well worth the viewing..

[@Killshotkng]

semitar6 I saw that and it was a really good movie. As always he delivered brilliantly.

[@theSKcomedy]

The plot twists in the movie are crazy

[@eduardoluna1739]

Definitely a must see for anyone who's into sci-fi

[@oscaralextv]

Also Narcos. Really good

[@DonMr-Sir]

I might just check it out now, Its been catching my eye lately

[@mseiberlich]

The way he described his process and the processes of his fellow actors and directors was magical to listen to. He seems like such a great guy to be around.

[@TFLDesign]

I love how he doesn't see himself as a movie star and refers to the people he works with as such. He's so humble!

[@pedromolina9558]

Most underrated actor in the business. I know his Oscar is coming soon.

[@OrionPaxion]

I'm Upset they didn't Include Shooter.

[@epsilontiger]

yeah I actually gotta know who he was watching shooter. One of the best movies ever

[@Blakepurcell14]

Same. They didn’t do it with mark wahlberg either

[@King-ci8sk]

Damn....I had forgotten....then you mentioned...it know I remember the scene in the room with the rifle. You right!

[@Thomas20Smith]

The Unknown Shooter was a great and one of the first Movies that I saw him in

[@jessemarble12]

Battle la and in 30 min or less

[@mikeyeddie532]

When he said that ant man was probably the hardest character he had to portray, i was like yes it probably was, but you did it beautifully

[@dennesey]

Michael carved his own niche, which is why I appreciate him more than most. He settles into his roles and plays them so naturally. Many, many more years my friend.

[@go.sergio]

You can tell he’s a great actor based on the caliber of the Directors he has worked with.

[@lightmass2446]

Disappointing they don't discuss Shooter. He was really good in that one.Great all round actor

[@CaptainDizzle]

He's one of the few actors who every time he pops up in a movie that I'm watching I'll automatically smile.

[@94gonzange]

I have been talking about him for yeeeeears I've been telling ppl to watch his movies forever I'm so happy I'm so happy hes gotten these crazy roles and is finally recognized

[@WONKSTUDIOS]

THIS DUDE IS THE BEST PART OF CRASH

[@jdl92]

WONK Inc. him and don cheadle really stood out

[@emigrant1510]

@@jdl92 AND Matt Dillon, those 3 guys are easily the highlights of a not great film. His "invisible cloak" really stayed with me long after the film, even if the film itself wasn't good.

[@jdl92]

Emi Grant that car crash scene with Matt Dillion sticks with me

[@Zeeangelofdeath]

Emi Grant crash was great

[@matthewdunham1689]

That's such a great movie.

[@sdfalk]

This dude is a great actor and certainly comes across as a thoughtful (passionately analytical) individual. I'll have to catch some of the films he's made I've missed. Makes a movie and thinks about his love for his parents...all kinds of respect

[@ragdollxrei]

He is truly a jack of all trades, acting wise. And he is so effortlessly funny. One of my favorite actors in comedic roles, tbh.

[@dirtybird311]

That scene in “Crash” will make me cry in a second! It’s like “Old Yeller” or the last 15 minutes of “Marley And Me”. He’s such a great actor.

[@alonsoxiv9775]

One of the best mexican actors🐐

[@stephenmartinez9355]

One of the best actors, period.

[@vgee72]

Av 512 He’s American. Mexican descent, but he is an American actor

[@victormurillo6956]

Victor Gomez Mexicans are Americans tho so wdym?

[@joshpemberton8128]

Victor Murillo pretty sure Mexicans are Mexicans they just share a border with the yanks

[@vgee72]

Victor Murillo Haha, I’ll give that one, ya’r right

[@OvSpP]

If only Luis was telling the stories of these movies. We'd be here all month.

[@coolcoconuts4453]

Honestly such an underrated actor that deserves all the respect he gets. Love how humble he is about his craft as well, being such reliable name he is yet he's surprised every time a big established director gives him a call I love it

[@Jairrzz]

Love this guy and the Latino representation he brings to movies. Truly a gifted underrated actor

[@domimburgia935]

This dude is hilarious in Ant man

[@TeaBurn]

Easily one of the best things about the movie was Luis and his storytelling tangents. I'm glad Marvel kept it in and just rolled with it.

[@rishabhanand4973]

@@TeaBurn his storytelling tangent in ant man and the wasp was even better.

[@jwb2814]

Dom Imburgia Baskin Robbins don’t play bro

[@shanehavens9251]

When I was a kid and I saw this dude in Crash, I really felt that character he played. Almost made me cry

[@jilenayogafeelbetter979]

Such an inspiring actor!! Love how he can be so intense and relaxed at the same time -- nails that dichotomy more than anyone I can think of. Wish he had a Masterclass!

[@dni_cortixz6997]

I did not know he went to my high school that’s crazy

[@shockwave402]

Pena is so underrated. He's been in a lot of quality films. Not always as a lead, but excellent in supporting roles.

[@ManyWaysFilms]

I was there when he filmed Chavez in the city of Hermosillo in Sonora, Mexico. It was very interesting to see him acting! I was there the whole day of shooting for the scene where he is sick and he gets to take the sacrament. I also got to see Diego Luna directing, an incredible experience.

[@2MuchShaft]

“Tell Clint I said what’s up, he’ll know..”

[@budagen]

I have a feeling he could be a film maker too like Clint Eastwood or Robert Redford. He has really good insights about what and who he worked with. This guy is learning every time.

[@jaimehp83]

"tell him I said 'what's up', he'll know" "No he won't" 😂

[@gentlehack]

War on Everyone with Skarsgard was absolutely spot on along with End of Watch and Gyllenhaal. Pena is always a highlight in any movie and I immediately check out anything with him in it.

[@ant1sdope249]

I love watching Micheal Pena (pause) He is an amazing actor and just seems to be such a humble person. So proud to see a fellow Latino being a house hold name nowadays... 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@J_Chris_B]

His scene in Lincoln lawyer when Mickey talks him into taking a plea deal was heartbreaking

[@TheFranc77]

Can we take a moment to appreciate the fact that probably the best part of Antman was entirely his contribution?

[@chekkygurl182]

I really admire Michael. He is definitely very creative, passionate and intellectual. Not just some actor who plays quirky comedic characters but can also play ( just as good) serious roles.

[@AztecUnshaven]

a true student of the game, always reppin that Mexican spirit! Dude's got really versatile skills in both comedy and drama.

[@bjedo3]

One time Michael Peña came into the brewery I bartended at in Albuquerque, NM one slow afternoon. I acknowledged him while not trying not to be a weirdo about it. A really chill friendly dude that was very unassuming

[@rickbishop5987]

This man nails it. He becomes the reason I have to go back and see it again.

[@IluvUFCgirl4eva11]

He's one of my all time favorite actors he's massively underrated. He killed it in End of Watch and Fury.

[@thanduxolotshabalala7474]

jake gyllenhaal should break down his scenes GQ

[@mikejohnston8275]

Thanduxolo Tshabalala that would be great

[@240sxpert3]

Wait till that new spider man movie comes out than get him on here

[@lars167]

your wish is their command

[@poisondamage2182]

michael peña to his brother: i live here now brother: wa-- michael: yes, that's for my job

[@Meko.Morris]

Very Underrated Actor... He’s definitely one of those actors for me that soon as I see his name I watch the movie 🍿

[@rijubentonn2222]

More like a character actor unnoticed by many

[@carlosgiraldo812]

He really played some great characters, I cannot see any flaw on any of them. Dude is an amazing talent

[@Downwthethicknesss]

He’s one of a kind, amazing actor and so humble. So much respect. 💪🏼👏🏻

[@gabereiser]

he was soooo good in Narcos: Mexico

[@wesleytownsend8214]

He is so humble and yet one of the best ever in my eyes. All the best to you and yours!

[@anotherbigfootwithinternet2147]

This man is likely the most underrated actor in Hollywood.

[@malamute4793]

As an aspiring actor myself, I can relate to his thoughts and process.

[@mischiefmanaged5757]

I love the way this series lets us in on the acting process. It’s something you don’t really stop to think about when you’re engrossed in the films. He’s a really cool guy. The whole Crash character and rewatching as a parent. I so get that.

[@BoomerKeith1]

Michael is one of my top 5 favorite actors. Every role he plays seems so genuine and real. Even the goofy roles (like in Observe and Report). If he's in a movie then I'm seeing it!

[@adeleinecepeda8866]

Fury is so underrated, such an amazing film♥️

[@DineshSingh-pr4ij]

This guy is very underrated.

[@AndreaWitt745]

I love every role he plays! He's such a genuine guy and has great talent. I wish we saw him in more films.

[@legionaugusta]

I wish he spoke of his role as the the teacher Sal in 'Walk Out', as a teacher it moves me to this day, and has left an impact on my high school students who has viewed it.

[@seanim6846]

He is so underrated

[@izzydubmusic]

I love his character in Ant-man. It brings such a different vibe to the story. Though Paul Rudd does a great job bouncing off of Michael that makes Michael's character even better.

[@babybelushi]

anybody else watch Felicity back in the day? He had a small supporting role in like, the second season, and maybe even a bit into the third. Loved him since. So awesome to see him age up into a really fantastic actor.

[@lamarkwooden7455]

I really love how he appreciates each director he works with,definitely would like more videos with him

[@aromatnayapopka6773]

I love observe and report's scene in escalator by Michael

[@skeletorkahn]

Arthur Bishop I love that film, he totally steals every scene he is in, such a weird, funny character.

[@JBrotsis1]

Can’t wait to see Peña in Season 4 of Narcos!!

[@corneilusdonaldson1858]

Yeah boy!!

[@arremedal22]

Brilliant portrayal of Kiki

[@ZidaneBaggio99]

He did a great job overall but I didn’t like his first scene doing the undercover bust in narcos. It was kind of corny.

[@Crossword131]

Massively underrated. One of those actors who has the power to make me get a movie. He's that good.

[@Benjy1]

Hes amazing in end of watch and 30 mins or less. A true scene stealer

[@WHBJr]

One of my favorites in any roll!!!

[@obi-wankenobi592]

He was also in Battle Los Angeles, and Shooter 👏

[@rep1979]

Michael Pena was KILLER in End of Watch. Such a good actor.

[@cobei12]

I like this format It can go so wrong but also so right I love that you show both outcomes With Michael Peña it's really great

[@marcryptic]

He was iconic and hilarious in Eastbound and Down!

[@adrianvaduva5674]

I love Fury so much. It's exactly as he says, everyone has such a great part to play

[@slayer40sw]

The movie industry SERIOUSLY needs to do the story of Medal of Honor recipient MSGT. Roy Benavidez and his uncanny ability to overcome adversity. Michael Pena would be a perfect candidate to portray him.

[@jasonhernandez3806]

Mr. Peña, as a police officer, I really appreciate y'all's performance in End of Watch. Its hard to convey to friends and family what our job is like so that they can get a sense of the feelings. So many ppl I know came up to me to ask if that was what it's like, and it's nice to be able to point to ya'll and say "at any given moment, it could be anywhere on the spectrum of that movie." Thank you so much, you're really great.

[@Etabobable]

I loved his chemistry with Jake. Michael is a positive influence to all.

[@TheOdieD3]

Michael Pena freakin makes movies for me. Narcos was excellent too. His characters always breathe more life into scenes.

[@solovinojuntoseva8463]

I love michael pena. Glad to see he is getting roles that break certain stereotypes and promote him as a lead character. Loved his recent scifi netflix movie (Extinction). Very creative twist near the end.

[@HandleBar3D]

His character in Observe and Report is one of my all time favorite characters.

[@fixerdrew02]

Tremendous respect for this guy. He’s so great at what he does

[@gwallalamode1334]

Love these interviews, inspires me to do my own on my own channel! 🔥🔥

[@MrNewyork1975]

He's a wonderful actor and he puts an Original twist on his characters!

[@JulyG789]

Hes role in Lincoln Lawyer during the plea bargain was amazing "you know what that's gonna do my mother😭

[@vincestonereviews]

he is so good in Narcos Mexico

[@nikpap9163]

went to jail dawg lmao

[@1968lr]

This guy is such a great actor I've always thought he's so versatile. I look forward to seeing his movies

[@luisyvital]

Man I wish he would have spoke on “frontera”. I guess his experience being first generation really helped mold his character for that roll. Peña is one of my favorites. He does a great job representing the latino community trough his trade!