Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Dora and the Lost City of Gold’s Joey Vieira

Joey Vieira is one of the stars of the highly-anticipated summer blockbuster, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, adapted from the beloved animated series. Already receiving rave reviews, the film follows the adventures of Dora, Diego, and a new group of friends who venture off into the jungle to solve the mystery surrounding the lost city of gold. In the film, Joey plays Diego’s father, Nico, who moves his family to the city with the hopes of opening more doors and opportunities. It’s a journey that Joey himself related to deeply, and we can’t tell if he or his eight-year-old son is more excited about being involved with the project. Pop Culturalist sat down with Joey to chat about Dora and the Lost City of Gold.

PC: Tell us about Dora and the Lost City of Gold, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Joey: I’m playing Diego’s father, Nico, who’s moved the family to the city for more opportunities. It’s a similar story for many, including my family. In the ’70s, my parents also moved to America hoping to give their children better opportunities, and, like Dora, it was a struggle to fit in.

PC: Did you feel any pressure heading into this project given how beloved these characters are?
Joey: My son has watched every episode of Dora and Diego. I was super excited about this project, and it did add a bit more pressure than usual, not only for me but for the whole cast as well.

PC: What was his reaction when he learned you were going to be in the live-action adaptation?
Joey: My son is eight-years-old, and I think he told the entire school! He is so very proud of his daddy. He also got a chance to meet some of the cast, so it’s been a very special experience for him.

PC: As an actor, do you prefer to play new characters or ones that are more established?
Joey: I pay attention to the full script followed by the character’s background to see if it’s something that I want to be a part of. New characters give me more of a chance to play whereas the established ones have more boundaries. I’m just always happy and thankful to be considered.

PC: How did you build that father-son relationship with Jeff Wahlberg, who plays Diego?
Joey: Both Pia Miller (Sabrina, Diego’s mom) and I found it crucial to form a bond early on, and it was super easy with Jeff Wahlberg. The morning he landed in Australia we met him, hugged, and got to know each other. We spent time both on and offset. We even realized that we had some mutual friends. He was the perfect son!

PC: Besides Dora and the Lost City of Gold, do you have any other upcoming projects you can chat about?
Joey: I’ve been cast as Detective Tolan on a new ABC show, and for the past six months I’ve been filming Reef Break with Poppy Montgomery. It’s a must-see, action-packed summer show on Thursdays 9/10c on ABC. It’s been getting great reviews and fingers crossed for season two!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Joey: The Grand Tour on Amazon.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Joey: Top Gun! I’m looking forward to the new one.

PC: Favorite book?
Joey: Lord of the Flies. My son is about to start reading it.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Joey: Wicked

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Joey: Taylor Swift…I loved her concert in Australia.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Joey: Stranger Things season three.

PC: Hidden talent?
Joey: I can juggle. I learned how to when I was in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at CSUN.

To keep up with Joey, follow him on Instagram, and catch Dora and the Lost City of Gold in theaters on August 9.