Fear and courage shape the stories of everyone involved. The life of the adult film actor Nacho Vidal, known to international audiences, became a focal point for a project that aims to confront taboos while exploring a controversial industry. The project sought to reveal a world shadowed by fear, prejudice, and obscenity, and to challenge viewers to reconsider what they think they know about it.
Teresa Fernández-Valdés, producer and co-creator of Bambú Producciones and La Claqueta, spoke candidly about the challenges of casting for the project. She noted that the process was harder than past productions, highlighting the social stigma attached to being a porn actor and the difficulty of gaining trust in a field often seen as dangerous or disreputable.
During filming, the production company explained to media outlets that there were many layers to the story, and that some aspects would meet resistance from local authorities and private residents alike. They emphasized that the material is not easy but holds significance because it challenges assumptions about the entertainment industry and the people within it.
In Galicia, the decision to tell this story was anchored in Nacho Carretero’s well-known book, which examines drug trafficking in the Rías Baixas region. The producers argued that the porn industry is legal and that drug use remains a more normalized topic in many circles. This sparked important conversations about how to depict reality in a way that stimulates thought without sensationalism.
The project, which would eventually be titled Nacho, later shifted to a simpler name, focusing on the central figure and the broader social dynamics surrounding his era. Viewers can expect a dramatic and witty portrayal that delves into the lives of real people and the humanity behind the headlines, including the sensationalized aspects of a sector generating substantial revenue. A formal statement from the platform described the series as aiming to depict a world that is both taboo and endlessly curious.
The narrative centers on Vidal’s rise to international recognition, highlighting a career filled with triumphs and controversies that reshaped the landscape of adult entertainment in the 1990s. The project sought insights from those who knew him well, aiming to answer the question of how a person can embody so many lives across different times and places.
The actor cast in the lead role is one who also visited the set regularly, bringing a sense of authenticity to the portrayal. The production turned to practical effects and stunt work to convey intimate moments while maintaining a respectful approach to the material. The team stressed that the series is not a porn drama, but a comprehensive look at sex, art, and social reception, with athletic performances, affection, and intensity all playing parts in the storytelling.
Actress María de Nati, known for her work in Entrevías, plays Sara Bernat, a key character who helps illuminate Vidal’s early career and the potential for financial success within the industry. She described the filming as a careful balance between explicit scenes and responsible storytelling, ensuring boundaries were respected while still conveying the drama and humanity of the characters involved.
Fernández-Valdés reaffirmed the goal of the series to present porn as fiction and fantasy, while also acknowledging the real-world impact and ethical considerations surrounding the industry. The project also touches on the broader cultural conversation in Spain about sex, consent, and the portrayal of workers in adult entertainment, encouraging viewers to think critically about how such content is produced and consumed.
Starzplay executive Jeff Cooke described the tone of Nacho as lighthearted and entertaining, promising a window into a world that has long been considered taboo but remains fascinating. The eight-episode season is set to explore Vidal’s early life, his move from a Valencian town to Los Angeles, and the formation of a tight community in Barcelona where he built his professional network. Supporting cast members include Pepa Charro and Edu Soto, among others, with a creative team led by writers and directors known for their range and adaptability.
The project team comprises notable talents, including Juan Carlos Vellido as the writer and a cast featuring Miriam Giovanelli and Flora G. Villanueva. Directors include David Pinillos and Beatriz Sanchís, with Eduardo Casanova contributing to the overall vision. The storytelling approach aims to be engaging, informative, and respectful, presenting a multifaceted view of a controversial era and its protagonists without overt sensationalism. The result is a series that seeks to illuminate realities behind a highly stylized public image, inviting audiences to examine the complex relationship between fantasy, desire, and social judgment.