Apple TV+’s highly acclaimed bilingual comedy series “Acapulco” has returned for its fourth and final season. The show, which stars and is executive-produced by Eugenio Derbez, will conclude with a heartfelt farewell to the beloved series. Camila Perez, who plays Julia, recently spoke about her experience on the show, the evolution of her character, and her message to the fans.

Interview with Camila Perez

In a recent Interview with Temple of Geek, Camila Perez shares her personal reflections on playing the beloved character Julia throughout all four seasons of Apple TV+’s hit bilingual comedy, Acapulco.

Julia’s Journey: More Than a Love Interest

Perez expressed her admiration for how her character, Julia, was developed throughout the show. Highlighting how Julia’s story was just as “important and impactful” as everyone else’s. Going beyond the typical role of a love interest for the lead, Máximo.

Temple of Geek: One of the things that I really love about this show is the way that the characters, every character feels like a full and complete person. And Julia is never just a love interest. Her story is just as important and impactful as everyone else’s. What was your favorite thing about Julia’s story?

Camila Perez: Her story about her career and how she evolved as a fashion designer, that was beautiful. Like you said, she could be seen as a love interest because our lead is Maximo. But no, they created this very strong, independent girl from Columbia. And I just thought that was so badass and beautiful. I was so honored that they really crafted this character from start to finish and that gave her a life outside of her love life. I’m very honored that they did that for me.

TOG: As you reflect back on the last four seasons, how do you feel about the way that Julia’s story ended?

Perez: I’m proud of her. That’s all I’m gonna say. I am so proud of her. I have so much to learn from her, to be honest. And I think a lot of women are gonna feel very empowered by how it ends and to always go after what you believe in and to believe in yourself. I’m very inspired by her decisions and the person that she became.

Comedy, Heart, and Incredible Bilingual Performances

The series is known for its balance of comedy and emotional moments, all performed in two languages: English and Spanish. Perez said the most challenging scenes for her were with Vanessa Bauche, who plays Nora, Máximo’s mom. She described Bauche as one of the most talented women she’s ever worked with. Leading to a feeling that she had to “show up” for their scenes together. Perez found their relationship became her favorite because of how funny they were together. Noting that the audience will have to see it for themselves.

Q: The show does this great job of balancing comedy with deep emotional moments. But what’s most impressive is that it does it in two languages. Without giving spoilers, what do you think was the most challenging scene or storyline to tackle for Julia? And how did you approach it?

A: I think the most challenging was the relationship with Maximo’s mom, Nora, but in a positive way. Vanessa Boucher is one of the most talented women I’ve ever worked with. I remember when I saw her movie, “Amores Perros,” and I was like, “Who is that?”. It was challenging in a way because I had to show up. I mean, I’m always showing up for my scenes, of course, but you have this legend in front of you and you really wanna make the scenes work. We had a lot of comedy this season. And I just finished watching the whole season because they sent me the link to watch it. I was cracking up because she’s so funny and it’s so easy to bounce off from her. But yeah, I think my most challenging scenes were definitely with her, the comedy, the relationship. The relationship, you’re gonna have to see, but Julia and Nora’s characters become my favorite towards the end because they’re so funny together. It’s crazy.

When it came to portraying Julia’s different sides in both languages, Perez said it came naturally to her since she grew up bilingual. She explained that she feels like she has different personalities in each language, which made playing Julia’s distinct sides the “easiest part” of the role. The show adds another layer to this dynamic by having the characters be staff at a hotel. Which gives them an “additional personality” when they’re at work.

Q: The show being in two languages and going back and forth, it does bring out different sides of people’s personalities. I feel like characters have a certain personality in English and a certain personality in Spanish. How did you go about playing these two distinct sides of Julia?

A: Well, it’s funny. We were just discussing how I’m doing interviews in English and Spanish and my brain is on, and I feel like I have two different personalities in English and Spanish. I’m two different people in both languages. So since I grew up bilingual, it was very easy. I think that was the easiest part of this whole thing with Julia because I already know how that feels. But I think what made the difference and what made it funny for Julia and the show and all the characters is that not only do we speak different languages and not only do we have different personalities, but we were also staff at a hotel. So it’s like you have an additional personality because you’re at work and they’re kind of shady and they gossip. I just thought it was hilarious, and it was really fun to tap into it without getting in trouble because it’s fiction in real life. I wouldn’t recommend that.

A Message of Gratitude to the Fans

Perez shared a heartfelt message of thanks to the fans of the show. She explained that Acapulco was a “diamond in the rough” that people had to discover through “word of mouth”. The show continued for four seasons because of the fans, who told their friends, family, and colleagues about it.

Q: As you wrap up the fourth season, what message do you have for fans?

A: Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, I’m just so thankful for the fans for walking with us for four seasons. This was the type of show that was word of mouth. This was a little diamond in the rough. You had to find us, and the show kept going because of them. They kept telling people. And when people stopped me, they’re always like, “Oh my God, I told my friend. I told my sister, I told my boss”. I’m just so thankful for them because they were literally the reason why we still had four seasons. So I’m very thankful for showing up, for cheering for us, for championing us, and for telling people about the show and for loving it so much.