"Antonio Banderas’ project of bringing musicals in Spanish to Broadway will have a great impact in promoting culture in Spanish in the United States". Created by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain, Fantasy Island returns to television recovering the essence of its predecessor, which first aired in 1978 and lasted six years. The series got another reboot in the 1990s and a horror movie adaptation last year.

This revival focuses on the great-niece of Mr. Roarke, originally played by Mexican actor Ricardo Montalbán. Great-niece Elena Roarke takes over the management reins at Fantasy Island. A mysterious character that has fallen into the Puerto Rican’s hands of actress Rosalyn Sanchez. In this whimsical beach resort, the greatest wishes of its guests are fulfilled with the dark premise of teaching them the difference between what you want and what you need. When the original series premiered in the late 1970s, Latino representation was non-existent on network television. Montalban was one of the first Mexicans to transcend borders and become a Hollywood star. Solito championed the creation of more opportunities for Latin American talent throughout his career and founded the non-profit organization, "Nosotros", to help fulfill the goals of people of Spanish-speaking origin in the film and television industry. Following in his footsteps, Sánchez is proud to give the central character a feminine twist while speaking proudly of her island of Puerto Rico. With the actress we were able to speak exclusively with Metro

Q: Is Fantasy Island becoming the trending series in the United States?

A: I love the character of Elena. She is a very complicated woman. Extremely complicated that she is forced to continue with the family legacy when, perhaps, she did not want it. This series has changed my life too. Sometimes desires confuse us because it is not what we really need. 

Q: Have you seen the Montalbán series?

A: I was very young when it was broadcast, but I remember how people shouted when they talked about the filming and they shouted El Avion, El Avion. I decided to go to Youtube and devour the entire series. I loved it. I watched a lot of episodes because I wanted to understand the premise of the narrative, honor Ricardo Montalbán, and create something different enough to avoid being compared.

Q: Do you have anything in common with your character?

A: Yes. I think we are both very strong, we can be funny too, but for the most part we are quite analytical and serious.

Q: Magical realism is present in the series. Do you identify with that aspect of our culture?

A: Yes. There is an episode in which we confront the relationship of our culture with the occult. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico so I believe in angels and spirits. From my perspective, the spiritual universe is much larger and more powerful than the human one. I am able to understand a fantasy or a supernatural event I faithfully believe and accept it.

Q: You have fought for diversity to be important in this series

A: Of course, diversity is important in any show. Especially in the times we live in, where inclusivity is a mandate for everyone. I am very proud that the producers have made the lead female and that many actors of color are included in the cast. The presence of women is very present in the series and that is something magical.

Q: Do you think Fantasy Island was meant to be shot?

A: Never in a million years would I have imagined that I was going to portray this character, nor that the series was going to have a second revision. But I believe that things happen for a reason and that life is written. The fact that at my age, now that my parents are very old, I can go to work in Puerto Rico is a blessing. The producers could have chosen any other island to shoot the series, and they chose my island, even before they hired me. This series is part of my destiny. The more I play Elena, the more connected I feel with her.

Q: As an actress, do you have the opportunity to change the perspective of Puerto Rico, especially in the United States?

A: Yes, and I love it. Although the series does not mention Puerto Rico, wherever I go I am promoting, because I am a proud Puerto Rican, I talk about the wonders of my land. I think Puerto Rico has taken a lot of hits in the last decade and it's important to recognize its charm. This series employs many workers who need work and the fact that I can be part of the equation makes me proud

Q: What would be your dream on fantasy island?

A: I would like to be healthy for many years. I became a mother quite late in my life and I want to see them grow up, meet their families, enjoy my grandchildren and you know that without health we are nothing.

Q: Is Spanish part of the series?

A: Little, little. I say a few words in Spanish. In the first and second seasons the series begins and ends with an offering that I say in Spanish. Elena's first language is Spanish and whenever I get the chance, I drop something in Spanish. I would like to give it more space in the future.

Q: Have you recently been to Spain?

A: No. I have been to Spain once. I went to Barcelona and Sitges, a beautiful little town. I went with my husband and we spent two weeks in Barcelona and, I'm not lying to you, this is a true story: there are two places, apart from Puerto Rico, that I don't know if I've lived there in a past life. One of them is Barcelona. I would walk down the Ramblas and say to my husband: I've been here before. I could move there tomorrow and be happy. I love Spain, I love Madrid and I want to go. I hope the series is a success in Spain and they invite me soon.

Q: Is there any Spanish author or composer that you admire?

A: My favorite singer is Alejandro Sanz. I love him with all my heart. I am blown away by his music. I think that Antonio Banderas has the project of doing Broadway musicals in Spanish and that is going to be very important in promoting culture in Spanish. I want to work with Banderas, if anyone knows him, please introduce him to me. The reason I left Puerto Rico at the age of 21 was to do musical theater and I've done everything but that. If I get to work on Broadway I will fulfill my dream, which is why I would love to work with Antonio in New York.

By María Estévez

Correspondent writer