Adrian Favela – Wrong Turn

By starrymag | February 26, 2021

By: Maggie Stankiewicz

 

 

Q) Your new movie Wrong Turn is a reboot of the early-aughts cult hit of the same name. Have you seen any films from the original franchise? 

A) Yes! The first one came out when I was about ten years old. I remember watching the film with my dad and being absolutely horrified. [laughs] I had nightmares for months.

 

Q) Wrong Turn is faring well with reviewers and offers audiences quite an adventure. Please tell us the premise for the film. 

A) Wrong Turn is about a group of friends going off on a hike on the Appalachian trial. When we get to town eerie locals warn us to stay on the beaten path. When we decide to venture off, we run into the Foundation and suffer the consequences.

 

Q) How was your character Luis originally described to you? 

A) Luis was described to me as a young New York Bistro Co-owner with his partner Gary. Luis is a very quiet but strong type, plays by the rules and doesn’t step out of line. He really just stuffs everything into his gut, until he hits tragedy, and everything starts exploding out of him.

 

Q) Wrong Turn takes a deep dive into socio-political issues in the midst of all the carnage. As an actor, was it difficult to find the balance between entertaining-terror and significant social commentary? 

A) No, I did not find it difficult per say to find a balance. Yes, there are some socio-political issues in the midst of the film, but it ultimately invites you into the real-life horror stories people are facing every day. I personally think relatable horror is the scariest type of horror.

 

Q) What is it about the horror genre that you find appealing as a performer? 

A) I just love the magnified volume of emotions required to pull off a movie like this. We don’t often get to express such huge emotions in everyday life, so when you get to “go there” it’s a such an adrenaline rush.

 

Q) Wrong Turn is directed by Mike P. Nelson, whose last film The Domestics was also a foray into the ultra-violent. What was it like working with a director who has such an intense creative vision? 

A) It was a dream to work with Mike P. Nelson! He is such a calm and meticulous director so as a performer I felt very secure in the work process. I’m so grateful to have worked with him on my first big horror film.

 

Q) Did you bring anything to the character of Luis that wasn’t originally in the script? 

A) One thing I did add specifically to the character of Luis is the cross he wears throughout the film. In the judgement scene Luis is desperately praying, so I wanted the audience to see how much hope he had in his prayers to save them.

 

Q) The premise of Wrong Turn is incredibly physically demanding. Did you get to do any stunt work on set? 

A) I got to do a couple falls throughout the film! We had a huge log scene where we had to run down a steep hill then crash down. After that my amazing stunt double took the rest of the tumbles down the hill.

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming intense, violent scenes? 

A) I made really good friends within the cast. We all would eat at a little sushi restaurant after work and let go of the busy days. Also, on our off days we did a ton of yoga to let go off all the stress.

 

Q) Luis and his friends find trouble hiking through the Appalachians. Will you think twice before going on your next hike? 

A) [laughs] Yes, after making the film I do realize marked trails are set in place to protect us. Curiosity can kill the cat.

 

Q) Do you have any other projects currently in the works?

A) Up next I have a true story football drama called Under the Stadium Lights where I get to work alongside Laurence Fishburne. The story means a lot to the people of Abilene, TX and I’m so happy I got to be a part of it.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do? 

A) Keep your head up and keep chasing your dreams! If a small-town guy like me can do it, so can you.