WE CAUGHT UP WITH RISING STAR IÑAKI GODOY TO TALK ABOUT SUPERPOWERS, GETTING STRETCHY, AND THE PRESSURE OF ADAPTATIONS, IN HIS BREAKOUT ROLE AS MONKEY D. LUFFY IN NETFLIX’S FANTASY ADVENTURE ONE PIECE.
Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
Right Knitwear N21
Iñaki, you’ve been working in film and TV since you were 11 years old in your native Mexico, but your international breakthrough came with your Netflix debut in Who Killed Sara and playing Luffy in the fantasy live-action adventure One Piece. How did this all start for you?
I can’t remember a time when acting wasn’t a part of who I am. My mom signed me up for musical theatre lessons when I was 4 years old, out of instinct. She just knew the stage was the place where I belonged. I studied theatre for many years until I made my TV debut at 11 years old. Since then, I’ve continued working on many different projects and, thanks to a lot of hard work and amazing luck, life took me to One Piece. However, even though I’ve been acting for some time, I feel like this is just the beginning.
So, what’s it been like portraying the character of Luffy? The series pays homage to its anime roots and has such a massive fan base globally, so did you feel any pressure taking on the iconic character and the expectations from fans?
There was a lot of pressure. One Piece means a lot to many people around the world, but I knew that all I could do was try my best and have fun. A huge part of One Piece and Luffy’s character is the sense of adventure, friendship, and fun. So, if I could have a positive experience shooting, that energy would translate to the rest of the team and to the final product. Playing Luffy pushed me to be a more confident version of myself, and inspired friendship throughout the entire team. We all genuinely cared about the story, and when you do something with love, it tends to go right. We all loved the project, and I love playing Luffy.
Shirt & shorts Prada, shoes stylist’s own
I read somewhere that you made everyone laugh in your audition for the role.
I knew Luffy was a very energetic character, so my best shot at the audition was doing something unique by getting out of my comfort zone. Going into the audition I wanted to be over the top, do some weird things, and it worked! I’m happy I trusted my instincts.
When can we expect season two and what can we expect from it?
You can expect more adventure! We are all putting our 100% into making the upcoming season the best it can be, and although I can’t say much, I’m sure it’s going to be amazing.
Left Full look Dior Men
Right Full look Emporio Armani
How did you approach bringing Luffy to life, how did you find the balance between the Straw Hat captain's many personality traits? Were there aspects of him that didn’t come to you naturally?
The first thing I focused on was doing research. I read the manga and watched the anime to the point where I felt I knew Luffy’s key traits. After that, it was just a matter of finding a way to translate his energetic, kind, and even mysterious, personality into live action. I realised that I would have to make certain decisions that would be risky, and maybe not liked by everyone. I had to exaggerate at times, because that’s who Luffy is, but in a way where it wouldn’t feel out of place or forced. Knowing I could trust my team to tell me when things worked and when they didn’t, I tried experimenting with my physicality in a new way. Actors like Jim Carrey and Rowan Atkinson were a big reference for what I wanted to try. I have a lot of Luffy’s personality inside me, but reminding myself of that was a hard, and very personal, process. For me, finding that positivity and confidence in myself was the hardest and most rewarding part of playing him.
I would imagine approaching how to play his odd physicality was challenging, he’s very bendy! His superpower is that he ate Devil Fruit and gained the power of rubber. Would you like this superpower in real life? How do you think you would use it?
Of course! I would use it to turn off the light switch from the comfort of my bed. Or at a nightclub to try some weird dance moves. My stretchy abilities would be limited to daily life circumstances, like picking up the TV remote without standing up!
Shirt & shorts Fendi, shoes Tod’s
Luffy’s superpower also reminds people to have dreams, be optimistic and believe in themselves. Is that how you’ve got to where you are today, through self-belief, and what have been the challenges along the way you’ve overcome?
I’ve always believed in myself, and my dreams. Don’t get me wrong, I have many anxieties and fears. But experience has shown me that I can still do the things I have to do even if I don’t think I can. So deep down, I trust that power inside me. I have faced many challenges throughout my career, but most of the time just showing up and trying my best keeps me moving forward. I’m where I am now thanks to a lot of hard work and determination, but also because of the support from the people who love me, like my family. The truth is luck has played a huge part in my career. Somehow, the opportunity to audition for Luffy found me at the right place and time. It’s like magic, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I have received. I will continue to give all of my effort to every single project I do because I love acting.
Left Full look Alexander McQueen
Right Full look Emporio Armani
Speaking of dreams, and all the amazing opportunities that are going to come your way, do you have any dream directors or actors you admire and really want to work with?
My favourite movie from last year was Everything Everywhere All at Once, so to work with the Daniels would be amazing. Also, any legendary director would be a dream come true, Cohen, Tarantino, Spielberg… but honestly, I would love to work with young actors and directors! New voices are always exciting, and I wonder what stories are yet to be told.
And what kind of genre or story would you like to be part of next?
I want to do something very different to Luffy, it would be so much fun. I think I’m the type of actor who wants to try every single genre and character, so who knows what will happen next. I just want to do something that is exciting and challenging, with people who have interesting visions. I do have one dream role though, a villain. But not just any type of villain. A horrible villain, someone who kind of enjoys being mean! I also dream of starring in my own movies, where I’ve directed and written them. I believe that is the one thing I must do, make my own film.
Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
Right Full look Kenzo
Now that you’re on this upward trajectory, what’s next? How about the Oscars, is that something you ever dreamed of attending? How do you feel about the idea of making Hollywood blockbusters and potentially going to award shows?
I would love to win an Oscar! I already have my speech ready - I’ve practised it in the shower a million times! I want to have a long and interesting career, full of many different types of projects. Honestly, I am not sure where I might go next, but I’m going to do my best once I get there! I have big ambitions and many dreams to accomplish. I don’t have a perfect plan, but there’s nothing stopping me either! If I do things with passion, I will be happy.
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Discover the full story in our upcoming SS24 CRAZY LOVE Issue - mid March release.
Interview by Kate Lawson
Photography by Raphael Molina
Fashion by Gorge Villalpando
EIC Michael Marson
Casting by Imagemachine Cs
Production by Juan Villalpando & Tamara Presqueira
Grooming by Anna Bernabe
Stylist’s assistants Olivia Spina and Cerys Davies
