Melissa Barrera Heats Up ¡Hola! Magazine with a Spicy, Sizzling Photoshoot
Melissa Barrera is gracefully navigating a significant evolution in her career. The Mexican actress recently sat down for an interview from Ciudad Obregón, where she was spending time with her husband’s family. She view this period not as a fresh start but as a natural progression of her journey. It almost feels like a sequel, she remarked during the conversation.
She compared her life to a film narrative where the previous chapters served as the first act. Now, she feels she is stepping into the beginning of the second act. Barrera was born in Monterrey and moved to the United States nearly two decades ago. She has consistently prioritized artistic range over playing it safe.
Her resume spans musical theater, horror, and high-stakes drama. She gained significant recognition as Vanessa in In the Heights and Sam Carpenter in the Scream series. However, her career path took an unexpected turn following the public sharing of her political views. This transition was difficult and often felt isolating within the entertainment industry.
Melissa Barrera stuns for ¡Hola!
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 9, 2026
📸: Jonny Marlow pic.twitter.com/o4STDMd4mV
During that time, Barrera found immense strength in her family. She described the bond between her mother and sisters as a resilient unit against the world.
The actress noted that she will never forget the individuals who remained by her side. This included extended family and old friends who reached out when others were hesitant. This support system reminded her that her identity exists independently of her professional success. It reinforced the idea that people matter more than any specific industry.
Her return to the screen involves the surveillance thriller The Copenhagen Test, currently available on Peacock. She portrays Michelle, a spy whose true intentions are hidden behind layers of deception.
Barrera found the complexity of the role particularly engaging. She noted that because her character is undercover, she is essentially playing an actress within the show.
Melissa Barrera stuns for ¡Hola!
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 9, 2026
📸: Jonny Marlow pic.twitter.com/ihPgbOmyXl
The timing of the project felt ideal for her current state of mind. She was immediately captivated after reading the initial scripts for the series.
Joining the production was an easy decision, especially given the involvement of Simu Liu. Barrera had long wanted to collaborate with him and praised both his talent and character.
She also expressed a deep love for the physical demands of the action genre. The training and stunt choreography provided a welcome challenge during the production.
Looking back at 2025, the actress described it as a year defined by a healthy sense of balance. She finished filming her current series in March and spent the rest of the year with loved ones.
This slower pace allowed her to support her husband, Xavier Zazueta, with his new business ventures. He recently launched Carnes Zazueta, a butcher shop in Texas specializing in Mexican flavors.
She took great pride in helping him build a business from the ground up in a new country. This was a gift she likely wouldn’t have had if she were constantly traveling between film sets.
Barrera views her role as an artist as a reflection of the world around her. She believes that with this platform comes a serious responsibility toward the audience.
In her future endeavors, she hopes to move into producing more of her own content. She wants to ensure her projects have a meaningful reason for existing beyond entertainment.
Her family is also expanding, with her sister expecting a child soon. This will be the first grandchild in her family, a milestone that Barrera is eager to celebrate.
The Copenhagen Test features a notable ensemble cast beyond Barrera and Simu Liu. The series includes performances by Sinclair Daniel, Brian d’Arcy James, and Kathleen Chalfant.
The show was executive produced by James Wan, a filmmaker known for his work in the horror and action genres. It follows a high-concept plot involving an intelligence analyst whose brain has been compromised.
Aside from her television work, Barrera is set to star in the upcoming survival thriller Black Tides. In this film, she shares the screen with legendary actor John Travolta.
The movie follows a family whose boat is targeted by a pod of aggressive orcas. Barrera has described the experience of working with Travolta as surreal and incredibly educational.
She also recently executive produced the documentary Traces of Home. This project aligns with her goal of bringing more diverse and socially conscious stories to light.
Barrera remains a prominent figure in the horror community after her roles in Abigail and Your Monster. These performances have solidified her reputation as a modern scream queen.
Whether she is tackling physical stunts or emotional drama, her dedication to her craft remains steady. She continues to look for work that pushes her boundaries and keeps her growing as a performer.
Do you think Melissa Barrera should pursue more action-oriented roles like the one in her latest series or return to her musical theater roots? Share your thoughts in the comments.
