Podcast Episode Summary
Podcast: Más de uno
Host: Carlos Alsina (OndaCero)
Episode: Entrevista con Eduardo Noriega por el estreno de 'La ahorcada'
Date: April 13, 2026
Overview
This episode centers around an engaging conversation between Carlos Alsina and actor Eduardo Noriega on the occasion of the upcoming film adaptation of the novel La ahorcada by Maite Navales. Noriega, who stars in the film, discusses his character, the process of adapting a novel with horror and psychological elements, experiences on set, and reflects on his 30-year film career. The tone is light, insightful, and occasionally humorous, offering a blend of behind-the-scenes anecdotes and deeper thoughts on acting.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction and Context of 'La ahorcada'
(00:13–03:45)
- Host describes the episode as storytelling of a complex, unexpected, and disturbing nature—mirroring the tone of La ahorcada.
- Live adaptation of the novel's opening plunges listeners into the unsettling atmosphere of the story, introducing the main character, Fran, played by Noriega in the film.
- The novel releases April 15th and the film adaptation premieres April 22nd.
“Es una historia compleja. Es sorprendente, tiene giros de guión inesperados. Y sobre todo, es una historia muy inquietante.”
— Carlos Alsina (00:13)
2. Eduardo Noriega on Career Longevity and the Industry
(03:45–05:10)
- Alsina jests about Noriega being a veteran actor; Noriega counters, not feeling that old but acknowledges experience.
- Discussion on the 30th anniversary of Tesis, Noriega’s breakout film.
- Reflections on how veteran actors like Carmen Maura and Sacristán remain selective as physical demands of shooting grow.
“Yo acepto premios de honor, pero todavía me queda recorrido.”
— Eduardo Noriega (04:17)
- Anecdote about Fernando Fernán Gómez specializing in small roles late in life due to physical constraints.
3. Filming Horror: Fear On Set vs. On Screen
(05:12–09:01)
- Discussion on whether making or watching a horror film is more frightening.
- Noriega explains that the emotional states on set can be contagious depending on genre—dramas being more draining than horror, which is “mechanical” in production.
- Recounts “strange” incidents on the set, including a motorcycle accident post a medium’s warning to the director, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
“El cine del terror es maravilloso en cuanto a la mecánica y en cuanto a los trucos que funcionan en cámara y que cuando lo está rodando no funcionan en absoluto.”
— Eduardo Noriega (05:27)
4. Mediums, the Paranormal, and Preparation
(07:21–09:01)
- The director consulted a medium for authenticity and possible “feelings” about the script due to its paranormal content.
- Noriega shares a story about Guillermo del Toro’s conviction regarding ghosts during their previous collaboration, reflecting on belief and skepticism about the supernatural.
“Hay gente que tiene esta capacidad de ser médium o de interceder de repente entre personas que estamos vivas y personas que no se acaban de ir, que algo así sucede.”
— Eduardo Noriega (08:29)
5. Adapting Characters and the Nature of Evil
(09:53–11:20)
- Noriega discusses his character Fran, inspired by literary sources as a superficially sensitive man who is ultimately selfish—a challenge for Noriega, who tried to soften some of the character’s harsher lines.
- Emphasis that the film, like the novel, avoids clear-cut “good” and “bad” labels, portraying morally complex people.
“No hay buenos y malos, sino que todos tienen sus lados. Y un poco como somos los seres humanos, que no somos de una sola pieza y de un solo color.”
— Eduardo Noriega (11:05)
6. Sourcing and Transforming the Film’s Main House
(11:20–13:13)
- Anecdotes about the challenges and economics of renting private homes for horror film shoots, including dramatic price increases once the owners learn a movie is involved.
- The chosen house in Teruel required specific features—especially a magical tree. The art direction transformed the space, impressing the owners.
“Te aseguro que lo que hizo la dirección artística, cómo pintó la casa, cómo la decoró... los dueños vieron aquello y dijeron que la dejen así porque la quería vender y que la vean así. Valía mucho más la casa.”
— Eduardo Noriega (12:44)
7. The Actor’s Craft: Music, Preparation, and Challenges
(14:16–18:30)
- Noriega reveals he plays his own piano on screen, prompted by a childhood of conservatory training which he abandoned but later rekindled, treasuring it now.
- Reflects on the process of acting, comparing learning difficult piano pieces with preparing for challenging roles—both are endless journeys of improvement.
- Emphasizes the importance of rehearsals and being open to discovery and failure while building a character.
“El mundo de la interpretación a mí me fascina, me apasiona y es inacabable, inagotable... nunca terminas de hacerte como actor, nunca.”
— Eduardo Noriega (16:28)
8. Career Retrospective and First Steps
(18:30–23:17)
- Noriega recounts his unlikely path from dreaming of acting in Santander, through fear and uncertainty, to being accepted at the Escuela de Arte Dramático de Madrid.
- Tells the lighthearted story of his first professional film role in Historias del Kronen, initially thinking it was a prank call, which started his decades-long career.
“Nunca terminé de verme como actor profesional y menos estar 30 años después aquí hablando de una película.”
— Eduardo Noriega (20:01)
9. Atmosphere on Set: Humor, Pressure, and Crew Life
(23:29–27:31)
- On La ahorcada, humor was used to lighten the mood during intense scenes. The director, Lamata, maintained a comedic touch unless something serious occurred.
- Noriega humorously identifies the crew’s “eléctricos” as the most fun and mischievous, sharing stories about their after-hours camaraderie, including secret beers and cooking paella on set.
- Reminiscent tales of filming in challenging conditions during big shoots like The Walking Dead.
“Los eléctricos son los más peligrosos. Si una noche fría quieres buscar de repente una cerveza por ahí escondida… te acercas al camión de los eléctricos.”
— Eduardo Noriega (26:02)
10. Closing Thoughts
(27:31–27:56)
- Noriega encourages listeners to see La ahorcada for a truly scary experience, praising both the film and his collaborators.
“El que se lo quiera pasar muy, muy, muy bien, pasando mucho, mucho miedo, tiene que ir a ver la Orcada el 22 de abril a La Mata.”
— Eduardo Noriega (27:36)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On horror filmmaking:
“El cine del terror es maravilloso en cuanto a la mecánica y en cuanto a los trucos que funcionan en cámara y que cuando lo está rodando no funcionan en absoluto.” (05:27)
- On Fran’s flawed humanity:
“No hay buenos y malos, sino que todos tienen sus lados. Y un poco cómo somos los seres humanos, que no somos de una sola pieza y de un solo color.” (11:05)
- On acting as perpetual growth:
“Nunca terminas de hacerte como actor, nunca.” (16:28)
- On the crew’s personality:
“Los eléctricos son los más peligrosos.” (26:02)
Important Segments by Timestamp
- 00:13–03:45: Introduction, performance of the novel’s opening, and context for the dual release of book and movie
- 04:10–05:10: Noriega on being a “veteran” and the physical side of acting careers
- 05:12–09:01: Discussion about fear in horror filmmaking, mediums on set, and ghost anecdotes
- 09:53–11:20: On Fran’s character and the moral complexity of roles
- 11:20–13:13: The saga of finding and transforming the perfect film house
- 14:16–18:30: Noriega’s musical journey and the correlation with acting practice
- 18:30–23:17: Early career memories and first roles in Spanish cinema
- 23:29–27:31: The mood on set, director’s temperament, the electric crew and set camaraderie
- 27:36: Final invitation to see the film
Summary
This episode is a rich, entertaining conversation that not only promotes La ahorcada but also opens a window into the craft of acting, the humor, camaraderie, and strangeness of film sets, and Eduardo Noriega’s journey from fledgling drama student to established Spanish actor. With personal anecdotes, discussions of supernatural belief, and insights into building complex characters, the episode appeals equally to cinephiles, aspiring actors, and fans of suspenseful storytelling.
