Daniel Moncada – Better Call Saul

By starrymag | August 20, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) Jim Carrey’s comedy, drama TV Show “Kidding” for Showtime and Clint Eastwood’s crime, drama The Mule for Warner Brothers.

 

Q) What is new this season on “Better Call Saul?”

 

A) It gets darker and closer to “Breaking Bad.”

 

Q) What did you think when you were approached to return to playing Leonel for the series?

 

A) Honestly…[laughs] My brother [Luis] and I were just waiting on the call. We figured we would get on it eventually. It was just a matter of time.

 

Q) How was Leonel Salamanca originally described to you?

 

A) As a “silent bad ass” that no one would mess with.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

 

A) I really tried to tell the story with my eyes by using the struggles and experiences that I had while growing up, crime, prison… All the good stuff. [smiles]

 

Q) Talk about working with costar Jonathan Banks.

 

A) OMG Jonathan Banks is a super amazing human being. He’s so genuine and a great teacher. He gave my brother and I a lot of tips while working on “Breaking Bad” and now when we see each other on “Better Call Saul” is all love. I love and respect him a lot.

 

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming “Better Call Saul?”

 

A) If I tell you I’d have to kill you. [laughs] Let’s just say that you’ll be in a roller coaster this season. This season has been my favorite one to work on so far because the way it’s headed. You’ll see what I’m talking about. [smiles]

 

Q) You often take on dramatic roles. What is it about this genre that draws you to it?

 

A) Look at me, I’m ugly. [smiles] It’s definitely because of my look, but you’ll definitely see me in other genre in the near future.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you’ll receive to episodes?

 

A) Yes, I enjoy it and I appreciate the support. I try to interact with fans but with life and everything I’m not always able to get back to everyone. But I see you guys and feel the love.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the series that has made it a fast fan favorite?

 

A) If you are “Breaking Bad” fan it’s a must watch. And if you’re not, then jump on the bandwagon and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. Beautiful writing, great story telling, phenomenal acting, drama, suspense and comedy at its best.

 

Q) We initially met Leonel on “Breaking Bad.” What did you personally take away from working on the series?

 

A) Being my first acting job that I ever had, I learned sooo much. I learned that I could use my past experiences, hardships, incarceration, crime and put it to good use. I found that I could channel those dark experiences and transform them into the authenticity of the character “Leonel.” The majority of his story was told through his eyes and body language, so I had to dig deep to emulate his controlled ferocity and depth of character.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I would love to thank you for all your support throughout the years, it means a lot and I highly appreciate it. You are a part of the experience and you’ll be seeing a lot more of me. I will not disappoint you. [wink]