Disney’s PLANES Carlos Alazraqui on El Chu and Latinos in Movies

By Melanie Mendez-Gonzalez, NewsTaco

Carlos Alazraqui, voice of El Chupacabra (El Chu) in  Disney’s PLANES movie, is a funny and inspiring actor. Via mobile phone, I was able to discuss the upcoming movie, this show-stealing character, and Latinos on the big screen with Alazraqui.

Of the summer animation movies I’ve seen, Disney has done the best job in featuring a Latino character in this film. No, El Chu isn’t the main character but I’d say he is one heck of a ‘good guy’. After this role, even the name El Chupacabra isn’t the same to me. I grew up with the myth or tale that El Chupacabra was a wild dog-like creature who would suck the blood out of animals at night. Something to be feared. However, in PLANES, that is nto the case. El Chu is loved by many and is a trust-worthy pal to Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), the under-dog main character in the movie.

Here’s a few questions I asked the actor who lent his voice to make this hero come alive.

Why was it important for you to play El Chupacabra?

Alazraqui: First of all, it’s just fun. As we went along with the film, we realized that El Chupacabra is muy simpatico. He’s a lucha libre, a luchador … he has a lot of respect for other planes. That makes him likeable. And that makes him a true heroic character. He’s very positive. He doesn’t judge people; he’s full of passion; and he goes for his own dreams as well. He’s honorable and loyal. Those are really great qualities for any character.

I am waiting for a Latino hero to save the day in an animation film. Do you think we will see that soon?

Alazraqui: It will come sooner than you think. Thanks for the tip, Carlos!

El Chu is so popular. He cannot be put down. We already know El Chu will be in the sequel for next summer. I can tell you that!

In El Chu voice: They added more lines for me because I am so loveable and heroic. Soon there will be El Chu stores like Costco and we will have El Chu toys … okay, Alazraqui admits the part Costco-like store is his own fantasy.

What are your thoughts about needing more Latinos on the big screen and no more stereotypes?

Alazraqui: It was a great opportunity for me to get to play this character … I don’t always get to play the roles that Latinos get because I look very white and sound very American. (Alazrqui’s parents for from Agrentina. He is American.) So, the beauty of being a voice actor is that I can play any culture … I can play Rocko from Australia or play an American and that’s what’s wonderful and I hope it transmits that Latinos come in all different shapes and sizes and colors.

And Gabriel Iglesias who is a Mexican-American gets to play two white guys and does the ‘what’s up bro’ (Iglesias is the voice of two PLANES characters, Ned and Zed) … That’s the beauty of what Latinos can do. Like I said I’m Latino but I play Rocko from Australia. I play characters so I can play a character from Mexico. Latinos have more than just the talent of  (in a Speedy Gonzalez-esque voice) “Si, señor! I can help you.” or “I’m a cree-me-nal”.  We can be everything.

Find the full interview on Melanie’s blog ¿Qué Means What?

[Photo courtesy Disney]

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