Here's How Selena: The Series' 3 Casts Have Ties With the Tejano Superstar
A portion of the life of the Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla will be foretold as Netflix continued to relive her story with the second season of Selena: The Series. The second season of the franchise started to air on May 4, as the show continues to inspire many in pursuing their dreams just like she did.
However, what makes the second season more special is the participation of actors Julio Macias, Hunter Reese Peña, and Carlos Alfredo Jr., as the three played key roles in Selena's life as Ricky Vela, Joe Ojeda, and Pete Astudillo in the series.
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The Connection of Selena: The Series on the 3 Supporting Casts
After 26 years of her death, the Tejano superstar was still able to touch the hearts of the said actors who will play the musicians of Selena y Los Dinos in Selena: The Series. Good Housekeeping noted that for the performers, their experience in creating the series and recreating Selena Quintanilla's legacy is as fulfilling as it has been for the fans.
Julio Macias as Pete Astudillo
As he enters the second season of the franchise, Macias humbly shared that he has no idea of who Pete Astudillo was when it was offered to him. Initially, he auditioned for the role of guitarist Chris Pérez and keyboardist Joe Ojeda in Selena: The Series. While filming, Macias shared with Good Housekeeping that he related to the Tejano superstar as a Mexican-American. Macias noted that he grew up in Los Angeles and Mexico.
"Growing up, I knew who she [Selena] was, and when she passed away, she became synonymous with Mexican and Mexican-American culture," said Mancias. Mancias also shared that playing Astudillo in the series "brought him closer to his roots" and appreciating his descend.
Carlos Alfredo Jr. as Joe Ojeda
Actor Joe Ojeda, a California native, is a fan of Selena Quintanilla herself. Upon hearing Selena: The Series, the guitarist immediately sought help from his manager to get him an audition. He got the role of Selena's keyboard player, Joe Ojeda, after he sent a video of him playing a song of the Tejano superstar.
Alfredo has become friends with the real Joe Ojeda, who said that the show grew on him. Alfredo learned how Ojeda began learning songs: by ear. Alfredo shared that his role was very monumental for him because, as a fan of Selena, it was a dream come true to meet and make friends with people whom Quintanilla worked with.
Hunter Reese Peña as Ricky Vela
Also a fan of Quintanilla, Peña, a California native, did not expect to reconnect with his memories of the singer as he was offered to play the part of Ricky Vela, a keyboard player and songwriter in Selena: The Series. Peña noted that auditioning for the show about the woman who meant so much to him "was an honor." Peña also noted that playing the songs of the Tejano superstar is healing for him.
Apart from the roles of the three supporting casts, Elle noted the second season of Selena: The Series will not highlight Yolanda Saldivar, the person behind the death of the Tejano superstar. Natasha Perez, the actress playing Saldivar, noted in Elle that the show is a "celebration of Selena's life" and not her death.
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WATCH: Selena: The Series | Official Trailer - from Netflix
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