Exclusive Interview: Deja Monique Cruz Talks About Her Breakout Role in Christmas with You

Deja Monique Cruz is a rising young star who is captivating audiences with her breakout performance in Christmas with You.

In the holiday rom-com, Deja shines as Cristina, a young fan who wishes that her favorite pop star Angelina [Aimee Garcia] will come to her small town in New York. Feeling career burnout, Angelina grants her wish, where she not only finds the inspiration to revitalize her career but also a shot at true love.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Deja about Christmas with You, her favorite scene in the film, her family’s holiday traditions, and more!

PC: Tell us about Christmas with You and your character in the film.
Deja: Christmas with You is a holiday rom-com about a Latina pop star whose career is burning out, but she finds inspiration through a fan and finds a little something more.

I play Cristina. She’s popstar Angelina’s biggest fan. She loves to sing and dance. She’s also Miguel’s daughter, who is played by Freddie Prinze Jr. She connects with Angelina’s music through her mom, so it’s really special.

PC: What was it about this particular character and script that stood out to you?
Deja: I love Christmas so much. I can’t wait for Christmas. Also, I’ve always wanted to have a quinceañera of my own, so that was an added surprise. When I got this part, I was like, “Oh my gosh!” Then they were like, “We’re going to fit you for this dress.” I was like, “Wait, wait. I get to wear an actual dress?” We also have whole musical numbers. It was amazing.

PC: Like you were saying earlier, your character looks up to Angelina as a role model. Who were the people in your life who shaped the artist that you are today?
Deja: I love that question. Definitely my cousin Miranda Mayo. She’s been with me since I was nine and saw me as an entertainer and really grew with me and helped me grow. Sarah Mayo as well. She’s her sister. They have been my true role models. They inspired me to believe in myself and pushed me. Also, my mom, dad, family, and support system.

PC: Cristina has a very close relationship with her father. What was it like getting to work with Freddie as you brought that dynamic to life?
Deja: We connected right away in rehearsals. He treated me like his own daughter on set. It was so special.

PC: There’s so much diversity in front of and behind the camera. What has it meant to you to be a part of a project like this?
Deja: It has meant the world to me. Being able to have that diversity in front of and behind the camera and connect with everyone on set was so cool. We were asking each other questions like, “How do you spend your holidays?” It was really cool to connect with them like family. Every day, it felt like Christmas and that we were in this giant snow globe, creating our own perfect little Christmas world.

PC: You’ve handled Cristina’s journey with so much nuance. As an actress, how did you prepare to step into her shoes? How did you create the space for yourself to tackle her journey?
Deja: I love Christmas, so I already connected with her on that level. I also love spending time with my family as well. What I did to prepare is I wrote down where she came from, where she started, and why she feels certain ways. It really helps you connect once you’re on set and you’re like, “Oh, okay. I came from that, so I should feel this way.”

PC: When the film drops, what do you hope audiences take away after they see it?
Deja: I hope that they take away the message of never losing faith in yourself because Angelina never loses hope in making a new song. Cristina never loses hope in making sure that Angelina sees her song.

PC: What are some of the traditions that you share with your family during this time of year?
Deja: We do a whole Christmas calendar. We do a Christmas cookie exchange. We do Christmas ugly sweater contests. Christmas lights. You name it. We even go see Santa because my little sister’s six. So we get dressed up to see Santa.

PC: This is one of your biggest roles to date. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What was the biggest takeaway?
Deja: The biggest takeaway I would say is feeling so blessed to be in front of so many producers, directors, and creatives. Gabby [Tagliavini] is an amazing director and Latina! She let us put our own flair on it. I would definitely say creating your own space and being true to yourself and how you feel a character should be.

PC: Do you have a favorite behind-the-scenes moment?
Deja: Yes! We were posing like nutcrackers. We all had our phones out. We did a photoshoot with the nutcrackers at the gala. The quinceañera was fun.

PC: Outside of this project, what’s next for you?
Deja: I have an adventure movie coming out with Lionsgate called The Quest for Tom Sawyer’s Gold. We go on an adventure. Then I have a Disney+ series coming out called The Crossover. LeBron James is our EP. We really bring Kwame Alexander’s book to life with Jalyn Hall and Amir O’Neil.

PC:You’re such a scene-stealer in this film. As you look ahead to the next five to ten years, is there a dream role that you would love to bring to life?
Deja: I want to be a Marvel superhero. That’s my dream role.

To keep up with Deja, follow her on Instagram. Watch Christmas with You on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Amanda Peixoto-Elkins