Exclusive Interview: Pepe Barroso Talks Gran Turismo, How He Prepared for the Role, and More

Pepe Barroso’s career is on the fast track to success. This summer, he makes his international debut in the highly-anticipated blockbuster, Gran Turismo.

The action-packed film is based on the unbelievable true story of a team of unlikely underdogs—a struggling working-class gamer (Archie Madekwe), a failed former racecar driver (David Harbour), and an idealistic motorsport executive (Orlando Bloom). Together, they risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world. Gran Turismo is an inspiring and thrilling tale that proves that nothing is impossible when you’re fueled from within. Pepe shines as Antonio, one of the racers, who defied expectations.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Pepe about Gran Turismo, how he prepared for the role, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting and storytelling?
Pepe: It came about accidentally. I grew up in a business-oriented environment and I did a lot of sports when I was younger. I still do. When I quit playing soccer at university, I decided to take a course that might help me speak more confidently in public. That’s where it started.

A friend of mine recommended that I take an acting class. I absolutely loved it. I told myself that as soon as I graduated with my other degree I wanted to dedicate myself to this.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Pepe: There have been a lot of different people. I’m the type of person who likes to learn from everything that I do and everyone that I meet. My family has had a huge influence. I would say them first and foremost. But I really believe that every experience brings us to where we need to be in that moment.

PC: What was it like getting to work on Gran Turismo?
Pepe: This was my first international project and it was such an amazing experience. Getting to meet and work alongside everyone as well as learn from them was unbelievable.

PC: What can you tease about your character?
Pepe: I play one of the gamers who is trying to become a professional race car driver. Each one of the gamers comes from a different part of the world, but we all come together at GT Academy to become the racers that we’ve always wanted to be.

PC: It was really important to director Neill Blomkamp that this film was real and visceral, so he didn’t leverage a lot of special effects. What was it like collaborating with him?
Pepe: It was incredible! I never imagined anything like it. Neill is such a cool guy. He’s so much fun to be around and really into the action. You can see how much enjoyment he gets from doing what he does. He gave us that energy.

PC: Did you feel any pressure heading into this project, just given how large this franchise is?
Pepe: It wasn’t pressure. It was a lot of excitement. Whenever I go into a new project, it’s important not to have any negative thoughts because you can’t deliver your best performance if you do. So I always try to put any of those feelings aside and make sure that I’m prepared for the project.

PC: There’s such great chemistry that comes off the screen between you and the entire cast, and that sense of community among the racers resonates with audiences. How did you build all that chemistry?
Pepe: It happened organically. We all stayed at the same hotel together. As soon as we met, we were hanging out 24/7. We went to dinners. I brought my PlayStation, so we had some friendly competition. We went karting and played FIFA. We also got to explore Budapest together. It was a lot of fun. One of the other racers actually just visited my home and family. It was a good time.

PC: This is one of your biggest roles to date. What did you learn about your craft?
Pepe: You always have to be prepared for any opportunity. This all happened within three weeks. I did my audition and two weeks later I was on a flight to Budapest to film. You have to work hard so that you’re ready to step in when your moment comes.

To keep up with Pepe, follow him on Instagram. Gran Turismo is in theaters now.