MIAMI - William Levy has encountered a character who, for the first time and publicly, has allowed him to embrace an important aspect of his faith. Spanish Civil Defense Commander Mario Torres, the protagonist of his new film Under the Volcano, has lived in his skin for more than two years in a place that has changed his life: the Spanish island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands.
The movie, which premieres today on VIX (in the U.S.) and Netflix (around the world), represents the consolidation of his career as a worldwide star, after telenovelas, Hollywood, and now Europe.
In an interview with The Latin Times and ENSTARZ, the Cuban actor acknowledged that the experience has been transformative on many levels. Personally, Torres has served as a vehicle to demonstrate the importance of intuition. "For me, they are messages from God," Levy said, revealing a mystical side he usually keeps private.
Over the years, "you learn to listen to your intuition and know that that intuition comes with you. It's something God gives you, something life gives you. For me, intuition is that connection, that feeling of being in tune, of being connected with God. That's how God manifests within you, you know? It's through your intuition, your feelings," the artist said. "I'm not going to come here to talk personally about other things, but God communicates with you through your intuition, and for me, it's been that way my whole life. I've learned that it's through intuition that you ask, and if it's telling you something and repeating it... damn, listen, man. Listen, because that's your intuition, brother."
"And whenever I ignore my intuition, I'm wrong. I've always been wrong," he emphasized.
Torres avoids doing the same. His intuition tells him he has to listen to Dani's character, his co-star Maggie Civantos, and thank goodness he does!
Under the Volcano tells what happens when a town responds when a volcano, dormant for more than three centuries, seems to become active.
Mexican actress Fabiola Guajardo plays Ximena, a volcanologist, much like Dani, but more attached to the rules and factual science. In her personal life, the star, known for her role in the telenovela La Jefa, considers herself much less rigid.
"Years and maturity teach you that it's 100%. You have to trust your intuition. Every time I've had my intuition in the past, my intuition has told me this. At first, I'd say no; you can't think like that. Then I'd hit a wall," he confessed.
In the show, Levy and Guajardo are exes. In real life, they clearly get along very well, with the Cuban actor eager to give him space to talk about a project in which he's not only the lead actor but also the boss, as he was the executive producer.
The affection is so strong that, when this reporter complimented Guajardo's social media, Levy said: "When I grow up I want to be like Fabi. WOW."
Guajardo returned the compliment in spades when speaking about his experience in Tenerife. "William knows everything: the best places to eat, where to go. He'll always give you the best recommendations," he said.
They both agree that the must-see place is Mount Teide. "It looks like Mars," said Guajardo. For Levy, it's one of the "most magical places in the world." She went there at night, in the cold, with friends and her daughter Kailey. "Incredible," she says.
Under a Volcano is actually one of four projects Levy has done in the area. He already filmed two seasons of his series Camino a Arcadia there and has just finished the second installment of Captain Mario Torres. This one is called Under a Fire , and it marks his daughter's acting debut.
Two Italian-language films he's made are set to premiere in the coming months, and he has no intention of stopping. In fact, this seems to be William Levy's most productive period yet, and thank goodness for that!
