Christina Villa is one of those actors whose presence feels grounded the moment she appears on screen. There’s a quiet strength in her performances — an emotional honesty that makes you lean in, even when the story turns dangerous or uncertain. In my recent interview with Christina, we talked about her journey into acting, the importance of bilingual storytelling, and the work that continues to define her as a compelling force in contemporary film.
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Christina grew up in a predominantly Mexican-American household as one of nine siblings in a blended family. That upbringing — rich in culture, language, and lived experience — plays a meaningful role in how she approaches her work today. Although she initially earned a B.S. in Communication from the University of Texas at Austin, her path ultimately led her to performance, first training at The State Theatre School of Acting before going on to receive her MFA from the Actors Studio Drama School in New York City.
That foundation shows in the way Christina speaks about craft. Acting, for her, isn’t about glamour or surface-level emotion; it’s about truth. It’s about listening, reacting, and allowing vulnerability to exist on screen — especially when portraying women who are navigating danger, loss, and survival.
Standing Out in Wanted Man
Christina’s performance in Wanted Man has drawn particular attention, with critics consistently highlighting the empathy and realism she brings to the role. Reviews have singled her out as a key emotional anchor of the film, noting that her work helps keep the audience connected through the story’s intensity.
One critic wrote that Christina Villa and Rocko Reyes deliver some of the film’s most solid performances, grounding the action with genuine emotion. Another described her portrayal as being filled with “a massive amount of empathy,” while a third praised her for shining as the film’s surviving witness.
Perhaps most telling is the praise from her co-star Dolph Lundgren, who spoke candidly about the challenge of casting the role. He emphasized the need for someone who could authentically portray grief, fear, resilience, and survival — all while speaking fluent Spanish. After an extensive casting process, Christina emerged as the clear choice, bringing what he described as a believable, street-smart quality that made the character feel real rather than idealized.
Building a Diverse Body of Work
Beyond Wanted Man, Christina continues to build a body of work that reflects both range and intention. Her credits include The Wedding in the Hamptons, where she plays Anna Cardenas, and Spark, in which she portrays Veronique. Spark made its U.S. debut at the Dances With Films Festival in the summer of 2024, further solidifying Christina’s presence on the indie film circuit.
Across these projects, a clear throughline emerges: Christina gravitates toward roles that allow women to be complex, layered, and deeply human. Whether working in English-language projects or bilingual storytelling, she brings grit, emotional nuance, and cultural authenticity to every performance.
Looking Ahead
During our conversation, it became clear that Christina Villa is just getting started. With a strong foundation in training, a growing list of standout performances, and a commitment to telling stories that resonate across cultures and languages, she represents a generation of actors reshaping what strength and representation look like on screen.
Christina isn’t chasing archetypes — she’s creating fully realized people. And that’s what makes her someone to watch.
You can watch Christina Villa in Wanted Man currently on Netflix, and watch the full interview by clicking on the player above.
