Ramón Rodríguez's ‘Will Trent' Success Fuels Higher Calling: Elevating Latino Stories In Hollywood
Ramón Rodríguez on the set of "Will Trent," directing the premiere episode of season 3.
Years of dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of creative growth are paying off for actor Ramón Rodríguez, whose hard work over the past two decades has paved the way for a breakthrough moment in his Hollywood journey. This year, he starred alongside Viola Davis in Amazon's action thriller G20, and his hit ABC series Will Trent has been renewed for a fourth season — marking the first time Rodríguez has returned to a show for so many years. But for him, this milestone goes far beyond personal achievement.
'It means we get to dive back into these amazing characters in this world, to get to collaborate again, and how can we find ways to continue to elevate the show, to deepen the storylines,' says an elated Rodríguez. "The team is excited. The writers, the showrunners, we've been talking recently, and the wheels are starting to turn as we start sort of putting our gaze towards this next season."
As both the star and an executive producer, Rodríguez influences every aspect of the series.
'I get to be as involved as I'd like to be, which is very much. It adds a lot more to my plate. Being the lead of a show takes up a lot of bandwidth,' he says. But it's a challenge he welcomes. 'To be able to get involved in story, concepts and ideas, scenes, story arcs, director conversations, who's going to be directing, the visual look of the show, the cuts, the music — all the fun, creative parts. It's something that turns me on very much.'
L to R: ABC's 'Will Trent' stars Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, Gina Rodriguez as Marion Alba, ... More Ramón Rodriguez as Will Trent, Bluebell as Betty, Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner, Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood, and Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell.
Rodríguez also made his directorial debut on Will Trent in season three, helming the premiere episode — a role he says he'll reprise next season.
"Directing has always been a passion of mine, so to be able to do [that]
But the actor is not just shaping a character. He's helping to redefine what's possible for Latino talent in Hollywood. 'It's quite the blessing. I'm really grateful,' he states.
During a candid conversation from his home in Los Angeles, Rodríguez reflects on the journey that brought him here.
Breaking Stereotypes: The Path to Will Trent
Rodríguez began his career in Nike commercials, steadily working his way up in the film and television industry. Early on, he was often cast in Latino character roles on shows like HBO's The Wire and Fox's Gang Related. However, his versatility soon opened doors to more prominent parts, including main roles in series such as Marvel's Iron Fist and The Defenders.
He also gained increasing visibility on the big screen, appearing in films like Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Need for Speed. But his biggest break came when he landed the lead in Will Trent, whose loyal emotional companion is an adorable chihuahua named Betty, who often steals the show.
Ramón Rodríguez in a scene from "Will Trent," with co-star Erika Christensen and his loyal ... More chihuahua, Betty.
"Any role I've usually stepped into, especially later in my career, I never viewed them just as a Latino character," Rodriguez reflects. "They're people, they're human beings that have specific circumstances and history. And that, to me, is the compelling interest.'
This philosophy has guided his approach to Will Trent, a character originally written without any specific ethnicity in Karin Slaughter's bestselling novels, on which the show is based.
In the procedural drama, Rodríguez brings to life a multi-layered and solemn character shaped by a traumatic childhood — abused within the foster care system, with no knowledge of his origins, and struggling with severe dyslexia. Yet, despite these challenges, Will Trent manages to overcome the odds and build a life for himself as a gifted agent in the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, relying on his keen observational skills and unique ability to solve the most complex cases when no one else can.
Rodríguez relished the opportunity to play a role defined by depth and humanity, not ethnicity.
'That's exciting when we get to start playing roles that just are people that don't have to be necessarily labeled and also personified as a Latino,' he explains. 'Will is an amazing opportunity for me in that way, because that's the only way I looked at him: as a person that grew up in the South, in Georgia. So that ended up really playing a role in every aspect of him — the way he sounds, the way he dresses, the way he looks, the way he behaves. He's not a Nuyorican like me. He's from the South, and so he should sound like that and feel like that.'
Ramón Rodríguez and Gina Rodríguez in a scene from season 3 of "Will Trent." RAMÓN
The evolution of Will's backstory and the character's heritage was organic, only revealed in episode 12 of the first season.
'He doesn't know about his history and where he comes from. So when he discovers about his mom, where she comes from, when he goes to Puerto Rico and learns more about where he's from, it's been a beautiful, natural progression of exploration for someone who doesn't know much about himself.'
Although Will Trent is a fictional character, there are aspects that resonate with Rodríguez himself: He's Puerto Rican and nd when it comes to his craft, he brings a laser focus and unwavering work ethic.
'I'm a big fan of prep. That's critical. I think that comes from my sports background, the preseason before the season, the practicing before the game day. I've applied that discipline and mentality throughout my life, which has been really wonderful,' he says. 'I know how hard I work. And with this show, I've put in a lot of sweat, along with many other people and the writers and all the directors that come.'
Championing Authentic Storytelling and Business Case for Representation
Rodríguez is candid about the challenges Latino creators face in Hollywood, but he's optimistic that the success of Will Trent can help shift perceptions.
'I want to continue telling stories — really rich, compelling stories… I want to really shine a light on our community and those stories that aren't being told, that I know are so fascinating. I know the audience is hungry for our stories to be told and to see themselves represented authentically,' although he emphasizes that he wants to "tell great stories in general, regardless of ethnicity."
He acknowledges that authentic representation requires creators who can genuinely shape the narratives brought to the screen.
'We have amazing writers and directors and storytellers that I'd love to be able to give opportunities to. For instance, Episode 11 on Will Trent this season was written by a wonderful Puerto Rican writer we brought onto the writing staff, Rebeca Murga. She crushed it! And there are so many more like that,' he shares. 'Knowing the lack of opportunities, if I can be a part of helping expand that and open that door a bit more, that's something I'm really focused on.'
Ramón Rodríguez directing the season 3 premiere episode of "Will Trent."
He's determined to use the momentum from Will Trent to create new opportunities and find industry partners who see the value in the stories he wants to tell.
'I'm just looking to propel that, accelerate it, and just continue building that out until, hopefully, it's a bit more normalized to see our stories and to see Latino leads and Latino directors, writers, executives, and studio executives.'
For the actor, that translates to opportunity, understanding value, and tapping into an under-served market.
'If it's strictly about economics and business,' he argues, 'there is so much money being left on the table.'
Rodríguez points to data highlighting how Latinos consistently over-index in entertainment consumption. According to the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Horowitz Research, Latinos account for 24-29% of box office ticket sales and 24% of streaming users, despite representing only about 19% of the total U.S. population.
Aiming Higher with Altura Productions
Rodríguez's ambitions extend beyond his own acting career. Through his production company, Altura Productions — 'elevation' in Spanish, embodying his philosophy of rising above expectations, elevating creative standards, and amplifying underrepresented voices — he's determined to create more opportunities for Latino writers, directors, and storytellers.
He's currently developing projects that showcase authentic Latino stories and experiences, including a documentary in post-production, as well as a TV series titled Nuyorican and a film in development.
One of his most personal projects is a feature film titled Man Child, which he wrote and will direct. He describes it as a heartfelt story about a father and son loosely inspired by his New York - Puerto Rico upbringing.
'It's a drama, but it definitely has comedic elements," he shares. And since he grew up with music, it will play a big role. "My father was a composer, so I want to be able to incorporate salsa to today's present day sounds that are really just everywhere. I just think that's a great opportunity to infuse those worlds."
Rodríguez points to how Latino music artists like Bad Bunny have taken the world by storm.
"In my opinion, the music industry has really recognized the value," he states. "When you have these artists being number one, number two worldwide - streaming and their record selling or concert selling all around the world - it's almost like the music industry is ahead of the film and entertainment industry, which hopefully that changes. Hopefully we get to show our value in that market as well."
As Will Trent continues to gain momentum, Rodríguez could earn his first Emmy nomination this year. Voting is underway and nominations will be announced July 15, 2025. But he remains grounded.
'I don't have any expectations. The one thing I can control — and I've learned that just being in the industry for a while — is my work. I can control the work I do. I know my work ethic and I know how hard I work… If we get a nomination, that would be fantastic. Regardless, I know I'm showing up to work and giving 100%.'
For Rodríguez, the journey is about more than personal accolades. It's about opening doors. As he continues to break barriers and create opportunities for others, he's intent on proving that the best way to change an industry is from the inside out, one compelling story at a time.
To watch the extended interview with Ramón Rodríguez click here.
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