The new horror series Surviving La Llorona opens up with a slide that says “A recent study within Hispanic communities across Latin America and the United States shows that 85% of individuals are familiar with the legend of La Llorona, while 65% claim to have had a personal encounter of some kind.” Generations of Mexican children have grown up fearing La Llorona, or as some call her “The Weeping Woman” and now director Anubys Lopez is shining a new spotlight on the famous figure with the three-episode series. Playing the title character of La Llorona is actress Cassandra Luna, who has previously collaborated with Anuby’s on the series Something Scary to Talk About. In the below interview we spoke with Cassandra about playing a character she has heard about since a little girl and much more.
You can watch Surviving La Llorona for free here.
How did you first become involved with Surviving La Llorona?
I was lucky that Anubys saw me post my past work as a makeup artist and actress in one of the casting groups on Facebook and he reached out to offer me the creature role and do the FX makeup for La Llorona!
How did you prepare for the role of La Llorona?
Since I was a little girl I’ve known about La Llorona. Being creepy, sad and scary came easy to me, especially feeling so used to hearing about La Llorona stories.
What was the most difficult scene to shoot? Why?
I’d say episode 3 on the boat. Being in a long dress and getting in the boat plus trying not to fall in the water was tricky! But that’s my favorite shot so far!
Can you talk about your makeup? How long did it take you to transform into the sinister La Llorona?
Of course! It took me around 1.5hrs. But constantly retouching makeup was a must since La Llorona is always looking wet. We had to make sure makeup, hair, nails, eye contacts were all on point besides acting!
Have you ever personally encountered La Llorona? Or know anybody that has?
I haven’t, but I did have a neighbor when I used to live in Reynosa, Mexico that claimed he saw her by the canal, a street away from our home.
You have collaborated with director Anubys Lopez on another project, Something Scary to Talk About. How was working on Surviving La Llorona different than Something Scary to Talk About?
With Something Scary to Talk About I was in the comfort of a couch and having a one on one conversation with guests, which was a great, but with Surviving La Llorona I had to be uncomfortable, wet, cold and needing help with moving around. Not to mention, I had to have on eye contacts, which werechallenging to wear, but I prefer being La Llorona as it’s more challenging, fun and I get to be as creepy as I can be!
What are some of Anubys Lopez’s strengths as a director?
He is very empathic, likes listening and tries to comfort everyone around him. He made me feel confident that even if some shots were challenging, we were going to achieve it in the end. It always turns out better than expected!
Are you personally a horror fan? If so, what are some of your favorite films?
Definitely! I’ve been drawing and writing horror and creepy stuff since I was a little girl.
Our favorite holiday growing up was Halloween as well! Always choosing the witch costume!
My favorite horror film is Marty’s (2008) by Pascal Laugier. A must watch!
Can you tell us something we might not know about you?
Besides being able to represent the horrific La Llorona, I amalso a face painter at kids’ birthday parties. My clients don’t know anything about my creature acting roles I’ve done! I wonder if that would make some of them think twice about hiring me HAHA.
Is there a certain type of role you would like to play one day?
I’d love to play a supporting role or lead role similar to Sue in The Substance or one like The Shape of Water creature.
