Toronto — The lights dimmed, and Juanes, the Colombian rock legend, stared at his reflection, transformed. His trademark dark hair had turned to streaks of grey, the vibrancy of youth masked by the lines and weight of a much older man. As Moises, the eldest brother of a gasoline-smuggling family in the film Pimpinero: Sangre y Gasolina, Juanes’ debut as an actor wasn’t just about stepping into a role—it was about confronting himself, discovering new layers of identity, and embracing the thrill of the unknown.
“Honestly,” he admits, leaning back in his chair as he reflected on his experience, “I didn’t think I could do it at first. But now, having lived through it, I realize just how much I want to do it again.”
It’s that authenticity, that willingness to be vulnerable in front of a camera or a crowd of thousands, that has always defined Juanes. Now, it’s taken him from the world of music to the silver screen.
Music Icon Turned Actor: Juanes’ First Steps in Film
When you think of Juanes, it’s likely his music that comes to mind first. His hits like “La Camisa Negra” and “A Dios le Pido” have long been the anthems of not just Colombia but the world. But 2024 offered a new dimension of Juanes—a man willing to take risks, step out of his comfort zone, and embrace something unexpected.
Pimpinero: Sangre y Gasolina is no ordinary action drama. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Andrés “Andy” Baiz, it delves into the gritty, dangerous lives of gasoline smugglers along the border of Colombia and Venezuela. The character Juanes plays, Moises Estrada, is the older brother of a family trapped in a world of rival gangs, corruption, and violence. It’s a story of loyalty, loss, and the cost of survival.
To prepare, Juanes didn’t just rely on his natural charisma. He auditioned—twice. “I know what you’re thinking,” Baiz said in a recent interview. “Juanes, one of the most famous musicians in Latin America, auditioning for a film? But that’s the kind of guy he is—humble, passionate, and willing to do the work.”
The Surprising Transformation of Juanes
For an artist who has spent decades defining himself through rhythm and melody, embodying Moises Estrada was a metamorphosis. Juanes had to leave the persona of the rock star behind and immerse himself in the character’s world. And part of that immersion was physical—something that caught even him off guard.
“They dyed my hair grey,” he laughs, recalling the first day on set. “It was strange, seeing myself in the mirror, looking older, like someone I didn’t recognize. But that was the beauty of it too—it wasn’t about being Juanes anymore. It was about being Moises.”
This transformation wasn’t just skin-deep. Juanes threw himself into understanding Moises’ internal conflicts—what it means to lead a family when every choice seems like the wrong one. The weight of responsibility, the quiet desperation to protect those he loves, even if it means making dangerous decisions.
What Juanes Learned from His Acting Debut
For someone who has won Grammys, toured the world, and sold millions of records, you might think Juanes had nothing left to prove. But his foray into acting wasn’t about proving something to others—it was about pushing himself, finding new ways to express the emotions that have always driven his music.
“I’ve spent my life telling stories through songs,” Juanes said during a press interview at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Pimpinero premiered. “But this… this was different. It’s a whole other way of telling a story. I loved it. It was intense, for sure, but incredibly rewarding.”
And the film’s reception has been just as intense. Critics praised the authenticity of the performances, especially Juanes’, noting how seamlessly he slipped into the role of Moises, capturing both the physical toughness and the emotional vulnerability of a man torn between family loyalty and the violence that surrounds them.
Will Juanes Continue Acting?
With Pimpinero now available to stream on Prime Video, fans are eagerly asking: Will we see Juanes in more films? His answer? A resounding yes—but with a catch.
“Music will always be my heart,” he says, his voice softening as he talks about his current Latam Tour, which has taken him to cities like Los Angeles, Quito, and Santiago. “It’s where I started, and it’s the way I’ll continue to connect with the world. But acting… there’s something deeply satisfying about it. I’d love to do more.”
It’s not hard to imagine Juanes’ next steps, whether he’s back on set, diving into a new character, or back on stage, guitar in hand. What’s clear is that he’s found a new way to channel his creativity—and he’s just getting started.
Reflecting on Art and Growth: New Chapter for Juanes
What’s most compelling about Juanes’ journey into acting isn’t just the obvious talent he brings to the screen—it’s the growth. After more than 30 years in the spotlight, he’s still finding ways to challenge himself, to surprise his audience, and maybe most importantly, to surprise himself.
In a world that so often wants to put people in boxes—musician, actor, star—it’s refreshing to see someone who refuses to stay in just one. “At the end of the day,” Juanes muses, “we’re all just trying to tell stories. Whether it’s with a guitar or in front of a camera, it’s the same thing—connecting with people, making them feel something. That’s what it’s all about.”
Conclusion: New Era of Storytelling
Juanes, as both a musician and now an actor, embodies a truth we often overlook: the best stories aren’t told just through one medium. They come to life when an artist, unafraid of change, explores new ways to connect with his audience. Whether through a song or on the big screen, Juanes will continue to move hearts—and that’s what makes him not just an icon, but a storyteller for the ages.
