Anthony Ramos’ Heartfelt Reflection on Leading Transformers: ‘I Saw Myself in the Movie, and It Made Me So Proud’
Known for his roles in the Broadway play “Hamilton” and the film “In the Heights,” Anthony Ramos’ eyes welled up with tears when he saw the final cut of “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.”
For the Puerto Rican-born, New York-based actor, this was his first time at the helm of a major Hollywood film. To celebrate his achievement, he brought his family and close friends to the screening to share the emotional experience.
“I cried several times,” Ramos shared with mitú. “It was truly touching to see so many aspects of myself reflected in this movie. While people may expect a typical Transformers film, this is ultimately a story about self-discovery and finding one’s community.”
In fact, Ramos ensured that the Puerto Rican flag and his love for the New York Mets figured prominently in the film.
“It was so me. I saw myself in the movie, and it made me so proud,” the actor said.
The most inclusive Transformers movie
In this installment, announced in June 2020, Ramos plays Army veteran Noah Diaz. Along with Transformer Mirage (Pete Davidson), he joins forces with the rest of the crew, led once again by Optimus Prime.
Ramos joins a diverse cast that includes Dominique Fishback, Luna Lauren Velez, Tobe Nwigwe, and Dean Scott Vasquez.
“I love seeing all these talented actors representing America on the screen,” he said.
Likewise, the film’s voice cast is multicultural.
“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” features the return of Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, Liza Koshy, Michelle Yeoh, Cristo Fernandez, John DiMaggio, David Sobolov, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.
The film is a celebration of the talent of the black and brown communities. It recalls Ramos’ experience with “Hamilton,” a production that propelled him into the ranks of Hollywood’s rising stars.
Anthony Ramos’ experience with New York, Peru, and exotic foods
Set in Brooklyn and Peru’s majestic Machu Picchu, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” features epic battles against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains and the breathtaking Inca temple.
Anthony Ramos told mitú that he spent a lot of time in the Cuzco area, where he had the opportunity to indulge in local delicacies.
“I tried coca tea and chewed coca leaves. Dealing with the high altitude would have been impossible otherwise,” the actor revealed. Cusco, the former capital of the Inca empire, sits at an elevation of 11,152 feet above sea level.
Ramos proudly recounted that he tried siquisapa, a dish made with Atta sexdens, a species of giant ants. He also confessed to having tried cuy (guinea pig).
“I swear, I’m a good person, but I had to try it,” he joked.
In defense of his culinary explorations, the guinea pig has been part of Andean cuisine for over 5,000 years. It was one of the favorites of ancient Inca nobility, who used it for divinatory and sacrificial purposes.
But Anthony Ramos does not leave music behind
Beyond participating in “Transformers,” Anthony Ramos recently released his latest song, “Villano,” a bilingual reggaeton track.
“I will never leave my music behind,” he affirmed, adding that he will return to Broadway in the revival of “Amadeus.”
True to his style, Ramos sings about being a villain in his new song while the world sees him as a hero in “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.”
