Exclusive Interview with Elena Sanchez: ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ and More

Despite her youth, Elena Sanchez already has significant experience in theater, shorts, commercials, television series and Hollywood blockbusters. As a stuntwoman she has performed in movies like Oblivion, Now You See Me, Olympus Has Fallen, Looper, Texas Chainsaw 3D, Beautiful Creatures, 21 Jump Street, Contraband and Trespass. In 2013 she will display her acting chops on the big screen with roles in Aztec Warrior and the highly anticipated The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Desde Hollywood spoke exclusively to the talented rising star with Latin blood.

Where from the Hispanic world does your “Sanchez” come?

My last name comes from Spain. My dad was born and raised in Murcia, and I still have a lot of family there. When I was younger I spent every summer there and in Germany (where my mom is from), now I try to go back and visit Europe two or three 3 times per year.

What influence has that heritage had on you?

My Spanish heritage has definitely influenced me my whole life. From speaking Spanish to my dad to his amazing Spanish cooking when I visit, it is a part of my every day life. I even make myself little paellas every once in a while (not as elaborate as his, of course), and every time someone mentions jamón serrano I get super excited.

What attracted you to the risky business of performing stunts?

Doing stunts is basically like being a professional athlete. When I stopped competing gymnastics after college I was looking to fill the hole that left in my life. I started acting and going to drama school. Stunts then gave me a reason to keep training, stay in shape, and continue performing!

What is the stunt you are most proud of?

This is a difficult question! Out of the movies I have worked on, that have been released in theaters, Texas Chainsaw 3D was the most demanding and I got to do some really cool stunts in it. It was a wonderful experience but also a lot of work; we were filming during the night for weeks and it was often up to 104˚F [40˚C]! Apparently this was quite similar to the circumstances surrounding production of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Elena Sanchez in Looper (2012). Photo courtesy of ElenaSanchez.com.

What female action hero inspired you the most?

I think the first time I really was conscious of a woman as an action hero was Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity in The Matrix. I like that she was beautiful but also smart and strong. I had sunglasses and a leather jacket just like hers and I would walk around pretending I was in The Matrix. I also was inspired by the roles Angelina Jolie took. She’s shown that she can be the bombshell action hero but can also tackle more dramatic roles, and then do both at the same time.

How was playing ‘Sandra’ in the upcoming Aztec Warrior?

I don’t want to give anything away. But I will say that it was a very fun role and I’m honored that I got to play a Latina for the first time seeing as I am half Hispanic. Luis Guzman is awesome and I love action comedies, so I’m excited to see the final product.

What was your reaction when you found out that you have been cast in Catching Fire?

To be honest, I didn’t really believe it until my first day on set. When I got the call, after about five minutes of hyperventilating, I told myself not to get too excited. In this business there are a lot of disappointments. I kept thinking they had made some kind of mistake and were going to find someone else!

In what ways can you relate to ‘Cecelia’, your character?

Since Cecelia is only mentioned a few times in the book, the love she has for her children that are taken away from her as she is chosen for The Hunger Games kind of becomes a defining characteristic. I have never had to make that kind of sacrifice, but love for people, the world, and life is one of the most important philosophies I live by. I tried to relate to her by thinking about what it would be like to give up some of the most important things in my life, but knowing that it was for a greater cause.

How did the established actors welcome a newcomer like yourself?

On every movie I’ve been on I’ve had the honor of working with people who are extremely talented and have been in the business for years, if not decades. Every day on set is like being in a classroom, I learn so much from them. Not once have I come across someone who was not welcoming! I have been very blessed.

How well would Elena Sanchez do in a “Hunger Games-like” event?

Well, it would all depend on my competition. But beware! I can climb on things, swing from trees, and flip around… AND I have been working on my Ninja skills!

Many thanks to Elena Sanchez for this exclusive interview (in Spanish here)!

See what Elena is up to and follow her at twitter.com/TheElenaSanchez and facebook.com/TheElenaSanchez.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is out in theaters November 22.