Last year, Colton Osorio appeared as Young Luffy across numerous episodes of the live-action series One Piece, sharing the role with Iñaki Godoy, with the show currently streaming on Netflix. In the feature film Cha Cha Real Smooth, Colton played Rodrigo, with the film having premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival (and he attended the Tribeca Film Festival), and it can be watched on streaming service Apple TV+. Further roles for Colton have included playing Felipe in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Raffi in New Amsterdam, and he has worked on a couple of episodes of Sesame Street. Recently, Colton answered our questions about playing Young Luffy in One Piece, filming as Rodrigo in Cha Cha Real Smooth and attending the Tribeca Film Festival.

In last year’s release of One Piece, you play Young Luffy across numerous episodes, how was it getting into character and what is Young Luffy like to play?

Getting into character as Young Luffy in last year’s release of One Piece was an incredible experience. Young Luffy is full of energy, optimism, and a strong sense of adventure, so I had to tap into those qualities to portray him authentically. It was very rewarding to bring such an iconic character to life.

What is it like sharing the role with Iñaki Godoy and how was it filming alongside the rest of the cast?

Sharing the role with Iñaki Godoy was a unique and exciting experience. We both brought our own interpretations to the character, which added depth and variety to the portrayal of Young Luffy. Filming alongside the rest of the cast was amazing. We had a great working and friendly relationship on set, and everyone was committed to delivering their best performances, which created a fantastic working environment.

What is it like on set of One Piece and is there anything you enjoy most about working on the show?

Being on the set of One Piece was a dream come true. The production team did an incredible job of recreating the vibrant and fantastical world of the series. One of the things I enjoyed most about working on the show was having the opportunity to collaborate with talented actors and crew members who are passionate about bringing this beloved story to life. Working with directors Marc Jobst and Tim Southam was a true honour. Peter Gadiot (Shanks) is so iconic, and a super talented actor.

How much did you know about One Piece before auditioning and how has it been seeing the fan response to the live-action series?

Before auditioning for One Piece, I had heard about the series and its immense popularity, but I didn’t have an in-depth knowledge of it. However, during the audition process, and as I delved into the role, I became more familiar with the story and characters and fell in love with One Piece. Seeing the fan response to the live-action series has been overwhelming. The fans’ passion and enthusiasm are truly inspiring, and I’m grateful to be a part of bringing this beloved anime to a wider audience.

Can you tell us about your character Rodrigo in the feature film Cha Cha Real Smooth and what was the project like to be part of?

Cha Cha Real Smooth is an exciting rom-com feature film that I had the privilege to be a part of. My character, Rodrigo, is a charismatic dancer who brings a lot of energy and charm to the story. The cast was amazing – Dakota Johnson, Cooper Raiff, Odeya Rush, Leslie Mann, Raul Castillo, Brad Garrett, Vanessa Burghardt, and Evan Assante. If you haven’t already, go watch the movie. I am sure you will enjoy it.

Did you have a favourite scene to film and how was it reading the script for the first time?

It’s hard to pick a favourite scene from Cha Cha Real Smooth because every scene had its own unique charm and challenges. However, there was a particular scene that I did my own stunt for. It was exhilarating to bring that scene to life and see the final result on screen. Reading the script for the first time was equally exciting. It was full of heart and had a great balance of humour and emotion.

How was it having Cha Cha Real Smooth premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and how did you find the experience attending the Tribeca Film Festival?

Having Cha Cha Real Smooth premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival was a surreal experience. It’s such a prestigious festival and seeing the film on the big screen alongside other incredible works was a dream come true. Attending the Tribeca Film Festival was also a fantastic experience. It was an opportunity to connect with fans and I was also able to spend time with my friends, Evan Assante and Vanessa Burghardt.

What was it like playing Felipe in episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2021?

Playing Felipe in episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit was a challenging and rewarding experience. The show has a dedicated fan base, and being a part of such a well-established series was an honour. Felipe was a complex character, and delving into his backstory and motivations was fascinating. Working with the talented Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, Jamie Gray Hyder, and Angelic Zambrana was so rewarding and I learned a lot from the experience.

How was your time filming your guest role of Raffi in New Amsterdam?

Filming my guest role of Raffi in New Amsterdam was a wonderful experience. The cast and crew were incredibly welcoming and supportive, and I felt like part of a family on set. Raffi is a character with a lot of depth and emotional complexity, and I enjoyed exploring his journey throughout. It was a great opportunity to work with such talented actors and be a part of a critically acclaimed series. Thank you, New Amsterdam family – Tyler Labine, Mike Doyle, Nirvaan Pal, LaRae Muscat, and Delaney Quinn.

In 2020, you appeared in a couple of episodes of Sesame Street, can you tell us what it was like to film and how was it working with the Sesame Street puppet characters?

Filming episodes of Sesame Street was an absolute joy. The set was vibrant and filled with energy, and working with the Sesame Street puppet characters was cool. The puppeteers brought these beloved characters to life with such skill and artistry. It was a unique experience to interact with them and be a part of the magic that Sesame Street has been creating for generations. Elmo will always be my favourite neighbour on Sesame Street.

How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do professionally?

I got into acting through a combination of passion and opportunity. I was at my soccer (futbol) game, when a person approached my dad and said that they had information about auditions for a FIFA commercial and that I would be great for the role. My dad then took me to my very first audition and I booked it. As I pursued it further, I realised that acting was something I wanted to do professionally. I have worked on various projects, gradually building my career in the industry.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

I have a wide range of favourite films and TV shows that I enjoy watching. Some of my favourite TV shows include Friends, Stranger Things, Outer Banks, and Wednesday. For movies, my favourites include Harriet, Lucy, and Pelé. It’s always inspiring to see great storytelling and performances on screen.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy various activities. I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s playing sports (especially soccer), or simply going for a walk. I also enjoy listening to music and gaming with my friends.

Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about and what are you hoping this year brings for you?

What I’m hoping this year brings, I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as an actor and taking on diverse and challenging roles. I hope to collaborate with talented filmmakers and storytellers who also have a passion to create impactful projects. I am also excited to connect with audience through my work and inspire them. Overall, I’m optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead and the personal and professional growth that this year will bring.

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