INTERVIEW: Adrian Favela on His Roles in the New Movies, ‘Wrong Turn’ and ‘Under the Stadium Lights’

Actor Adrian Favela plays Anthony Cariola in Under the Stadium Lights, a new movie about the real life events that took place with the Abilene High School Football team in 2009. Adrian wanted to make sure he told Anthony’s story and truthfully and honestly as possible. In Under the Stadium Lights, Adrian stars alongside legendary actor Laurence Fishburne who Adrian calls humble and welcoming.

Adrian Favela chatted with Glitter on what inspired him to start acting, what it was like to work with Laurence Fishburne, who inspires him on a daily basis, his favorite scene to film, what’s on his playlist right now, what it was like to film during quarantine, and his definitions of self-love. Read on to find out what this talented actor is up to next.

GLITTER: What first inspired you to pursue acting and when did you realize your passion for it?
ADRIAN: When I was quite young, I remember watching an action/spy film with kids my age and I thought to myself “I can do that.” It wasn’t until years later when I booked my first acting job that I realized my dreams could fuel a career.

GLITTER: What attracted you to want to be a part of Under the Stadium Lights, which looks like a mix between Friday Night Lights and Remember the Titans?
ADRIAN: I loved that the script was based on true events. Playing a real-life person was a completely new experience for me and a challenge I had to accept.

GLITTER: What was it like working opposite Laurence Fishburne?
ADRIAN: Laurence Fishburne was incredible to work with! He was so humble and so welcoming. Even just watching him bring his character to life was inspiring to watch.

GLITTER: We know that this movie is based on real life events that happened with the 2009 Abilene High School Football team. Were you able to talk to those who were part of the original team to gain character insight?
ADRIAN: We actually shot at the real Abilene High School stadium so I was able meet a bunch of the original players, coaches, and some of the fans that were in the stands in 2009. I wanted to tell Anthony’s story as truthfully as possible and having their insights helped me bring his essence to the film.

GLITTER: Who inspires you on a daily basis?
ADRIAN: My family inspires me every day. They work so hard for their own dreams and I’m always so inspired seeing them achieve them. My little brother is a pilot and my sister owns her own graphic design business.

GLITTER: If you had to give your character, Anthony, one piece of advice, what would it be?
ADRIAN: Aw man Anthony was such an incredible athlete. I feel like he should be the one giving me advice haha. If could say anything, it would be to “keep going.”

GLITTER: What was your favorite scene to film?
ADRIAN: My favorite scene was the game day rally scene! There were tons of extras in the stands cheering and truly excited that we were there filming in the high school; it was a surreal feeling.

GLITTER: What has it been like to return to filming with the new COVID-19 guidelines in place?
ADRIAN: Things have been quite different. The pandemic did put a hold on some amazing things this year. Unfortunately, we were unable to have a premiere for Under the Stadium Lights or Wrong Turn. But nonetheless the industry is coming back strong and hopefully big crowd scenes like I mentioned before won’t seem so taboo.

GLITTER: Are there any aspects of the entertainment industry you’d like to explore in the future? Would you love to direct at all?
ADRIAN: I do have a background in fashion and portrait photography so I have a directing experience in a different aspect. Directing a movie would be a completely new ball game the I would absolutely love to dive into one day.

GLITTER: Speaking of directing, who is your dream director to work with in the future?
ADRIAN: Currently my dream director to work with is Ari Aster. His films always keep me at the edge of my seat and my heart racing. Florence Pugh’s performance in ‘Midsomer’ actually helped inspire my performance in Wrong Turn.

GLITTER: You starred in Wrong Turn earlier this year. What is your favorite scary movie?
ADRIAN: Hereditary is one of my all-time favorites. I love how the story pulls you into this shocking world that continues to get more and more intense as the film progresses.

GLITTER: Any new hobbies that you got into during quarantine?
ADRIAN: During quarantine I got really into interior design and refurbishing old furniture. I completely redesigned my living room, bedroom, and kitchen. I figured if I was going to be stuck home all the time I might as well make it feel like an escape.

GLITTER: Current song at the top of your playlist?
ADRIAN: “The Girl from Ipanema” – João Gilberto

GLITTER: Favorite way to stay centered?
ADRIAN: Yoga always helps me stay centered or if that’s not an option reading is my go-to.

GLITTER: Do you have any favorite or special fan interactions that have stuck with you?
ADRIAN: While filming the game day scene in Under the Stadium Lights a little boy ran down from the stands and dodged all of the PA’s to get my autograph. He said he wanted to be like me when he     grew up. I’ll always remember that moment.

GLITTER: Glitter has a celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign. What does self-love mean to you?
ADRIAN: Self-love is coming to the understanding that in this moment you are enough, just the way you are. Not back in the day or in the future when you do “this or that” but right now. Also, being gentle with yourself during times of learning and growth.

GLITTER: Do you have any new projects coming up that you can share?
ADRIAN: I can’t share anything quite yet, but I am excited to see where my acting journey takes me.

GLITTER: How can fans follow you?
ADRIAN: You can find me on Instagram @adrianrichardfavela.