Eva Longoria discusses mastering Castilian Spanish and collaborating with Carmen Maura on ‘Land of Women’

Eva Longoria is known for embracing challenges, and her return to television in the Apple TV+ series “Land of Women” is no exception. Longoria, seeking a fresh and demanding role, decided to take on a dual English-Spanish character, marking her first bilingual television part.

In “Land of Women,” Longoria portrays Gala, an affluent New York socialite whose life takes a dramatic turn when her husband’s debts put her family in jeopardy. To safeguard her loved ones, Gala escapes to her mother’s Spanish hometown, thrusting her into a world of unfamiliarity and self-discovery.

Transitioning between English and Castilian Spanish, a dialect distinct from her familiar Mexican Spanish, presented a unique challenge for Longoria. Despite not growing up speaking Spanish, Longoria’s dedication to mastering Castilian Spanish showcased her commitment to authenticity in portraying Gala.

Longoria’s venture into bilingual acting was fueled by her desire for a distinctive television comeback. Known for her iconic role as Gabrielle Solis on “Desperate Housewives,” Longoria’s return to the small screen as the lead in a comedic series demonstrates her versatility and range as an actor.

Beyond her acting endeavors, Longoria has set her sights on directing, a passion she discovered on the set of “Desperate Housewives.” Encouraged by a director’s belief in her directing potential, Longoria has honed her skills behind the camera, culminating in her feature directorial debut, “Flamin’ Hot,” which received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination.

In addition to “Land of Women,” Longoria will grace television screens in the upcoming season of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” showcasing her multifaceted talents across different projects. Longoria’s aspiration to explore new territories led her to Spain for “Land of Women,” where she found herself sharing the screen with Spanish icon Carmen Maura, a collaboration that left her in awe of Maura’s legendary status.

With a cast that includes newcomer Victoria Bazua, “Land of Women” offers viewers a captivating narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of Gala’s transformative journey. The series, now available for streaming on Apple TV+, serves as a testament to Longoria’s continuous pursuit of challenging roles and creative endeavors in the entertainment industry.