Hallmark Channel News: ‘Good Doctor’ Alum Nicholas Gonzalez Talks Latin Realism And The ‘D’ Word In ‘Playing Cupid’

Hallmark Channel news reveals that Nicholas Gonzalez of The Good Doctor (Dr. Neil Melendez) starred in the Hallmark movie “Playing Cupid.” The actor opened up about the project, as well as the importance of Latin realism and using the “D” word in the movie. Keep reading to find out more information.

Hallmark Channel News – About ‘Playing Cupid’

Gonzalez stars as a restaurant owner named David, who is divorced and raising a teenage daughter, Clara (Mia Quaranta De La Rosa). David suddenly finds himself the center of Clara’s school project. She is supposed to create a small business, so she uses her gift of matchmaking in the project. Knowing that David is single and so is her teacher (Laura Vandervoort), she tries to bring them together. Hallmark Channel news reveals that “Playing Cupid” premiered on February 13, but there is another airing on the Hallmark Channel on Tuesday, February 16 at 9/8p Central.

Hallmark Channel News – Perfect Time, Different Step

Speaking to Media Village, Gonzales said that the project came at the perfect time and while it was different for him, he feels that it felt right. He explained that the movie is in partnership with Scholastic Books, has an adolescent storyline, and has the element of “not in the Hallmark world of every-town USA.”

Hallmark Channel News – Nicholas Gonazales On The ‘D’ Word

Hallmark Channel news reveals that the actor said “Playing Cupid” deals with real-life issues, single fatherhood, and divorce. Even though he is used to playing a certain type of dramatic role, this was different, but in an important way. He also confirmed that they actually use the word “divorce” in the movie. Gonzalez added that his parents divorced when he was three and he grew up a latchkey kid.

“This isn’t a fantasy of just watching two people fall for each other. There are real issues of life that come into play to pull them apart; even while all these forces are working to bring them together.”

Hallmark Channel News – The Importance Of Latin Realism

Hallmark Channel news reveals that the network’s movies have been predominantly white, middle-class, and straight. Crown Media is trying to change that. One example is by creating a storyline that doesn’t just focus on a divorced father and the real issues he and his daughter’s face, but the importance of not ignoring their Latin roots.

“It was also important for David and Clara not to whitewash anything. There are lots of little terms of endearment I added in scenes. Little things like calling her ‘mama’ at times that definitely weren’t written. Our script supervisor would come around and be like, ‘You’re calling her Mina, but it’s Clara in the story.’ I was like, ‘No, I’m calling her ‘Mija’ which [means] ‘my daughter.’”

Did you catch “Playing Cupid” and if so, what did you think? What are your thoughts on the movie using the “D” word and the actor’s dedication to Latin realism?

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