Victoria Luengo and Hovik Keuchkerian in Red Queen: A Spotlight on Craft and Collaboration
Victoria Luengo, now using Victoria professionally, and Hovik Keuchkerian first crossed paths on Antiturbios, yet their characters rarely shared a scene. In Red Queen, however, they take center stage in the Amazon Prime Video series about Antonia Scott and Jon Gutiérrez, adapted from Juan Gómez-Jurado’s best-selling novels. The project places these two figures at the heart of a tense, cerebral thriller that resonates with audiences across Canada and the United States, where fans keep returning to the author’s intricate plotting and the characters’ moral ambiguities.
Have the novels that inspired The Red Queen been read by the performers involved?
Victoria Luengo joined the project after social media fans argued convincingly that she could embody the character with authenticity. After considering their points, she bought the book and, once finished, wrote to Gómez-Jurado to describe how vividly she pictured a powerful portrayal and how she saw herself in the role. Gómez-Jurado’s reply hinted at secrecy and collaboration, encouraging her to exchange ideas, which helped seal the collaborative circle around the project.
Hovik Keuchkerian discovered Gómez-Jurado through a mutual friend who initially introduced him to the material. Although he paused to review other commitments, curiosity prevailed, and the book found a place on his shelf. The experience underscored how a strong adaptation can breathe new life into a beloved story while giving actors space to interpret.
Juan Gómez-Jurado: “‘The Red Queen’ series stretches beyond what I could depict”
Was the actor able to picture himself clearly as Jon when first reading the material?
Hovik already carried a background in detective fiction from this part of the world, shaped by writers who established a grounded realism. That lineage made Ramiro Sancho and later Jon Gutiérrez feel almost inevitable as the pages turned. The moment the book landed in his hands, the staircase scene crystalized in his mind.
Does the burden of bringing readers’ imagined versions of the characters to life ever feel heavy?
Not really. The on-screen Jon exists in a distinct audiovisual form, and early talks with Amaya Muruzabal and Koldo Serra established that the adaptation would diverge from a single interpretation. Readers may hold a mental image, but the series invites audiences to experience Jon anew and interpret the character through moving images. The process emphasizes craft over replication and leaves space for fresh insights.
For the actors, pleasing every reader would be impossible. If the project only followed public reaction, momentum would fade. What makes the endeavor compelling is the chance to focus on craft, with a responsibility to the audience that never slides into conformity. Readers may imagine their version, but the show aims to honor the source while offering a cinematic evolution.
Gómez-Jurado has often stated that the series adds new dimensions to the original novel. With that in mind, the goal is to invite viewers to see Jon and Antonia in places readers may not have anticipated and to provide a sense of closure for the characters in the television world.
Victoria, what was it like portraying Antonia Scott, a character described as extraordinarily intelligent, especially during moments when she seems to fade from the spotlight?
Victoria: The role presented a joyful challenge. Antonia is rendered with depth so audiences can feel her intellect and emotional layers. She handles unusual situations, from color motifs to high-stakes chases, keeping the work lively yet demanding. The portrayal allows for nuanced technical moves and a way of guiding scenes that signals what comes next. A carefully placed shift in posture can hint at mounting pressure, a cue crafted to communicate inner strain without words.
Red Queen cast in action. VIA PRODUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY
Is the preparation process recorded or documented?
Victoria: Preparation included extensive reading and conversations with people closely connected to the real figures behind the material. A few days were spent observing someone who operates near the intellectual profile portrayed, which helped capture gestures and micro-expressions. When a performer commits to a role, there is a belief that honoring the subject matter is essential, avoiding clichés while maintaining respect for the source material.
Regarding initial cues—Antonia does not meet Jon’s gaze in the opening moments of the series.
Victoria: This choice stemmed from a prep discussion about how the reference figures behaved. Antonia’s eyes meet others only as trust and familiarity develop, and this dynamic was deliberately woven into the storytelling. The moment when the two characters first exchange direct eye contact was crafted through collaboration, adding authenticity to their relationship.
The pairing proved compelling.
Victoria: Working with Hovik felt natural because his openness encouraged experimentation. Many small, collaborative adjustments enriched the dynamic between the two leads. Those micro-decisions elevate a duo from good to memorable, creating on-screen chemistry that resonates with audiences.
Hovik, Jon stands out as a distinctive police officer with his unique traits.
Hovik: He is a Basque officer who challenges conventions, including his identity and family background. The character’s core values were shaped by his upbringing, highlighting a strong sense of honesty in a turbulent world. Amaya Muruzabal described him well, emphasizing the moral center that makes him a standout figure in fiction.