Red Sea: Ana de Armas Discusses Her Unexpected Journey to Becoming an Action Star Alongside Keanu Reeves

During an intimate In Conversation session at Saudi Arabias Red Sea International Film Festival on Friday, Ana de Armas shared insights into her enduring friendship with Keanu Reeves and her unplanned transformation into an action star, reflecting on her journey from Cuba to international Hollywood acclaim.

De Armas recalled meeting Reeves over a decade ago when she first moved to Los Angeles and took her initial U.S. role in Eli Roths Knock Knock. When I first arrived in L.A., we worked on Knock Knock together, and my English was very limited, she said. It was challenging not being able to communicate fully, yet we connected instantly. Weve maintained a truly beautiful friendship ever since.

She described Reeves as immensely kind and generous, crediting him as one of the first people to make her feel welcomed in Hollywood. Reuniting with him for the John Wick spinoff Ballerina was particularly meaningful: It felt like a full-circle moment. Keanu and Chad Stahelski have created such an incredible world, and having his support a decade later meant so much to me.

Reflecting on her action roles, De Armas admitted her path into the genre was unplanned. I never pictured myself doing action films. It began with No Time to Die, followed by The Gray Man and Ghosted. Ballerina pushed me furtherintense, demanding, but also thrilling. Playing that character allowed me to explore a new dimension of performance.

She also highlighted the rigorous physical preparation the role required. Training was relentless, spanning months before filming and continuing on set. There was no time for complete rehearsal, so I had to adapt in real-time. It was exhausting but incredibly rewardingI learned so much.

De Armas shared memories of her early life in Cuba, where she performed with neighborhood friends and dreamed of acting. I had a very joyful, social childhood. We performed dances for neighbors, and I even joined a local Spice Girls-inspired group. Acting was always my only plan.

While attending theater school in Havana, she made her screen debut as a student, even though students were not supposed to work. After saving money from her early roles, she bravely moved alone to Madrid at age 18, enduring hardships while pursuing bigger opportunities. A role in a hit Spanish TV series soon brought her recognition, though she felt limited by typecasting and sought greater challenges.

Her move to Los Angeles marked a turning point. I arrived with three suitcases and my dog, not knowing English at all. My previous work meant nothing there. I knew I had to give everything to succeed. She described her breakthrough as working with Denis Villeneuve on Blade Runner 2049, calling it a dream experience alongside Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, and Roger Deakins.

Her subsequent work in No Time to Die brought global attention. Those fifteen minutes on screen were transformative. Cary Fukunaga contacted me before the script was ready, saying there would be a Cuban agent, and I wanted that role, she explained, noting that her performance carried subtle traces of Marilyn Monroe from her prior role in Blonde.

Portraying Monroe in Blonde earned her an Academy Award nomination and profoundly shaped her approach to acting. It was terrifying but also extraordinary. Andrew Dominik guided me to discover new depths. Nine months of preparation completely changed how I perform.

Reflecting on her current career, De Armas noted the ongoing challenge of choosing meaningful projects rather than accepting predictable offers. Sometimes the industry presents roles that dont align with what I want. I actively pursue what excites me instead of waiting. Im not here to play it safe.

The Red Sea International Film Festival runs through December 13.

Author: Logan Reeves