Why Eiza González was ‘so embarrassed' around Fountain of Youth co-star Natalie Portman
IN LONDON
They're fierce rivals on screen in the blockbuster new adventure film, The Fountain of Youth.
But behind the scenes, Eiza González was in the presence of her ultimate hero: Natalie Portman.
In fact, Portman – who launched her Hollywood career all the way back in 1994, at just 12 – was the reason González, 35, first decided she wanted to be in showbiz, making it truly a full-circle moment when both actresses signed up for Guy Ritchie's latest big-budget movie.
And even though González has plenty of entries on her own CV now, she admitted to news.com.au that she was reduced to a nervous wreck when actually confronted with her idol.
'I feel so embarrassed every time I'm around her, I feel so nervous,' González said, adding: 'I don't know if it happens to you when you meet someone you've looked up to … But I say such stupid things around her.'
Despite her awkwardness, González described Portman as a 'dream'.
'She's kind, she's loving, incredibly talented, and just really warm with everyone … I'd be a tree in the background in a Natalie Portman [movie]. I'd do anything, absolutely anything.'
The action-packed film sees two estranged siblings (Portman and John Krasinski) teaming up on an epic quest to seek out the legendary Fountain of Youth, in a bid to gain immortality.
Domnhall Gleeson and Stanley Tucci round out the cast, along with González.
The production was an adventure in itself for the cast and crew, with filming locations across Egypt, Italy, Austria and Thailand.
But it was working in Cairo, among the pyramids, that felt like a 'once in a lifetime' experience for González and Gleeson.
'I couldn't believe it – it's such sacred ground,' González shared, adding that they'd been told filming was usually 'not allowed'.
'It makes such a difference when it's a real backdrop, versus a green screen. We were so lucky to be able to have real sets, so we were pinching ourselves.'
Gleeson agreed: 'Filming in the middle of [the pyramids], being surrounded by them – I couldn't believe it. And still [can't].'
Fountain of Youth premieres Friday, 23 May on Apple TV+.
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