Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Spoilers ahead for the sixth season ofBetter Call Saul.
Hes portrayed as an ambitious person who believes in a morality outside of justice.
I believe that, to me, was a monumental revelation in the character.
And it made him heroic, romantic, and transcendent.
When you get toward the end of his journey, you realize that he transcends the material world.
Hes no longer interested in power and greed.
Thats right around when we meet Nachos father.Yeah.
The wonderful thing about the character of Nacho is that he defies his appearance.
So its interesting to study the perception of the character going back to the beginning.
To reduce his journey to self-preservation I think would be unfair.
He proves himself at the end of his arc.
Essentially, at the gas station, he wins.
Its a story of emancipation.
It has elements of Greek tragedy in it, and it has elements of Shakespeare.
And its poetic, likeOrpheus Descending.
You brought up Jesse Pinkman earlier.
And two weeks later, the audition forBetter Call Saulcame and I recognized his name as an executive producer.
So it really felt like a moment of destiny.
Nacho was created primarily because someone named Ignacio was mentioned in Sauls first episode ofBreaking Bad.
The bulk of my interest usually resided in finding the integrity of this man.
This role feels, in some ways, like a change of pace for you.
Some of the other characters youve played have been the more over-the-top, maniacal characters.
I was a big fan of your work as Vic inOrphan Black.
But this is a much more restrained performance.Initially withOrphan Black, I wasnt attracted to that role at all.
But my agent at the time really convinced me to take it and find the humanity in that character.
The industry always seemed to want to put us in the shadows.
Its trailblazing in many ways.
Another role youre known for is Vaas in theFar Cryseries.
you’re able to even see it on Twitter and Instagram.
With my performance, people say, Oh my God, he went Vaas at the end.
It gives those fans a reference point that is used when they see hints and flashes of that character.
It develops a bond with the gamers that I appreciate very much.
And it was a great note of his.
So its enriched my experience in the film and TV world, too.
You cant escape the fact that its a lawyer show.
In his struggle, theres this beautiful tragedy.
And in his last moment, he becomes iconic.
He was not allowed a single moment of joy in seven years.
And this motherfucker ends up on top, dying without an iota of fear or regret.
Youve got me swearing, man.
I think this is the first time Ive sworn in an interview.
You know what I mean?
I think compassion is one of an artists most important tools.
If you dont have that, your art is bland.
I hope to never lose that compassion for the other.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
