“We all wanted to play drug dealers but when the time came to portray a porn actor, no one picked up the phone”: Martiño Rivas on Nacho

Nacho is the wild, new Lionsgate+ show that delves deep into the life and experiences of infamous porn star Nacho Vidal. Spanish heartthrob Martiño Rivas takes on the titular role with gusto, bringing his honed physicality and commitment to the plentiful raunchy scenes, while also making space for the more emotional beats of the man behind the facade, where bravado and ego hide layers of vulnerability. María de Nati is a perfect match as girlfriend Sara Bernat, their on-screen chemistry making for a brilliant duo who bounce off each other with ease. The show’s brazen handling of the porn world might not make it suitable for family watching, but it also brings to the fore the taboo surrounding the subject, despite its pervasive nature in in society. It plunges straight into the heart of that attitude to raise questions about how we view the industry and those who work in it, and the inherent hypocrisy that comes with judgement.

In a chat with The Upcoming, Rivas shared the fun and dynamic atmosphere of the series, and the preparation he undertook for the role, both physically and mentally. He also reflected on having to tackle societal taboos around nudity and sex, drawing inspiration from the representation of both in Girls by Lena Dunham. He also discussed the physical challenges in achieving Vidal’s look – a process that lasted 24 weeks. The actor further emphasised the importance of depicting the human side of the character, using humour as a way to foster empathy. 

Sarah Bradbury

Nacho is released on Lionsgate+ on 2^nd June 2023.

Watch the trailer for Nacho here: