The extraordinary new film LOGAN finds a tired Wolverine surviving with Charles Xavier and a mutant named Caliban close to the U.S./Mexico border.

In a key scene, Mexican forces try to take over Logan’s compound. As an experienced Latino actor with military background after spending 8 years in the Marine Corps, Al Coronel was the perfect fit to play their Commander.

I recently talked to him about his experience being part of one of the best superhero movies ever made, and more.

How did this role land in your hands?

I had the opportunity to audition back in February of last year. It came from my agent. All I knew at the beginning was that it was Marvel-related because there was a note asking if I had been in a previous Marvel movies to see if there was a potential conflict. At the time it was referred as “Wichita.” It was very secretive and I all knew was that the character was the leader of a military group. In April I was told “You’re been pinned for ‘Juarez'” and I was like “‘Juarez’? What’s that?” They kept changing the title to throw people off. I was extremely excited when I finally was notified that I was going to have the opportunity to work with Hugh Jackman in his last Wolverine film.


Where you surprised by the level of violence, specially involving a little kid fighting a bunch of tough guys?

I knew from the get go that it was going to be rated R. I think that’s great because fans have always complaint that previous takes of this character weren’t dark enough. Dafne Keen is fantastic as X-23. It was amazing to watch this 10-years-old kid create these moments. They had this great team, though, of 10 or 12 X-23 stunt doubles that were either gymnasts or martial artists of some sort.

I don’t know Al, but you sound like a geek to me. Is that right?

I am a comicbook geek! One of my favorite characters growing-up was Spider-Man. When all of these movies started coming out I was transported back to the comics that I used to collect and keep in a shoe box next to my bed. I wish I had some of them now because I am sure they would be very valuable.


Don’t you think is time for a Latino superhero on the big screen?

I think so. Latinos can portray very powerful roles. Why not?

I know that you have been part of the TV show Training Day. Did you get a chance to work with Bill Paxton?

Yes, I did. What I have known Bill for many, many years. My first acting coach was also his, Vincent Chase. He has been Bill’s coach until his passing. I worked with him back in December and we have stayed in touch. I was in shock when I received the news. It’s a giant loss for the acting community. He was an amazing individual.


LOGAN is now playing in theaters nationwide.

The film, directed by James Mangold (The Wolverine, 3:10 to Yuma), stars Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen Fernandez, Stephen Merchant, Boyd Holbrook, and Richard E. Grant.

In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.