“There is more Portuguese influence in this film than anything done in the modern history of blockbusters,” the actor said in an interview with Lusa.
Mass production forUniversal Pictures The film's cast includes Daniela Melchior, Joaquim de Almeida (in “flashback”) and Luis da Silva Jr., and was partly filmed in Portugal.
The fact that this “Fast and Furious” has so much Portuguese influence is important to our heritage and culture. “It will broaden horizons,” the actor said.
“People associate Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldobut there are a lot of other things going on. “I'm very excited,” he added.
In the new film directed by Louis Leterrier, Luis da Silva Jr. reprises the role of Diogo that audiences knew from Velocidade Furiosa 5.
His character Diogo is Brazilian and Fast and Furious X takes place in Rio de Janeiro, leading many people to associate him with Brazil. He said: “I love Brazilians, but I am Portuguese and I insist on saying that.”
The actor is the son of an immigrant from the village of Parada de Junta, in Tondela, Viseu region, and was born in the Portuguese community of Elizabeth, New Jersey. He speaks fluent Portuguese and calls himself an “ardent supporter” of Sporting Clube de Portugal.
During the twenty years of his career, the actor has played roles of different nationalities, but he has never played a Portuguese person. “I would like to shoot a movie in Portugal and play a Portuguese character. That would be a challenge and an interesting experience,” he said.
Luis da Silva Jr. said that his participation in Portuguese society and his cultural heritage had an impact on his career, which spanned between basketball and cinema.
“I grew up among Portuguese Americans who came to this country looking for a better life,” he explained. “This is a community of workers who do their best and aspire to succeed. Nothing is given to us for free.
Da Silva became one of the best 'dribblers' of his generation, earning him the nickname 'Treks'. Not only was he chosen by Nike for their “Freestyle” commercial in 2001, but he also played for the Harlem Wizards and guest-starred for the Harlem Globetrotters.
Da Silva, who was planning a vacation in Portugal in June or July, said he is interested in buying a house in the country, where he plans to settle in the future.
“It's good to see the culture evolving,” he added. “Portugal is now seen in a different light.
