GETTING TO KNOW ADRIAN MARTINEZ

Adrian Martinez is a man of many faces. The actor, writer, producer and soon-to-be director has been acting since high school and has shown up in everything from Piranha 3DD and Kick-Ass to the series Inside Amy Schumer and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. This winter Martinez is breaking out in a big way with supporting roles in both The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and American Hustle, two of the winter’s most highly anticipated films.

Press Pass LA had the chance to sit down with Martinez to discuss his role in the films and to learn where he is headed next.

PPLA: You’re starring in two films both due out this holiday season that couldn’t be more different. What attracted you to both American Hustle and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty?

AM: I love both films [laughs] let’s face it, it was an extraordinary opportunity to work with the A-team. I mean hanging out for five weeks with Jeremy Renner on American Hustle was just surreal, I couldn’t say no. As for Walter Mitty, I hope the film allows the audience to let go of any preconceived notions of Ben Stiller. The movie is a great adaptation of the book and Stiller deserves a lot of credit for having the courage to take it on. Anyone that thinks of him as the guy from Something About Mary still is greatly mistaken.

PPLA: Which was the more challenging role?

AM: They both presented different sets of challenges. Walter Mitty allowed me to bring a three-dimensional character to a supporting role. It is a really fleshed out part. I wanted to make Hernando human and vulnerable as well as likeable.

PPLA: You’re currently filming a movie called Focus, what can you tell me about that.

AM: It is the biggest job I’ve ever taken, I’m really excited. The film gives me an opportunity to be Will Smith’s sidekick in a really complex film. It is a look at con men and the price they pay for being who they are, it is profoundly good.

PPLA: You’ve played a lot of different roles in a lot of different movies. What is your dream role?

AM: My dream role is the one I just wrote for a script I’m hoping to direct. I saw how little sleep Ben Stiller was getting in his job and knew it was the right thing for me. I hope I can talk to you about it again when it gets released.

As do we!  To follow his career, visit AdrianMartinez.net