Melissa Barrera Turns Up the Heat in a Sizzling Photoshoot for ¡Hola!

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Melissa Barrera is embarking on an exciting new phase in her career, bringing her trademark bravery, skill, and enthusiasm. She recently spoke with ¡Hola! magazine about her role in the spy thriller The Copenhagen Test, which is currently available on Peacock, and how she’s grown both personally and professionally.

Speaking from Ciudad Obregón, Mexico, while visiting her husband’s family, Barrera explained that this new period felt like a continuation of her existing path, rather than a complete beginning. She described it as feeling “like a sequel.”

It feels like everything that happened could have been one continuous story. I think of it as the first part of my life story, like the end of the first act in a movie. And what’s happening now feels like the start of a new chapter, almost like a sequel.

Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Barrera came to the United States when she was 19 to follow her acting dreams. She consistently takes on challenging roles, proving her versatility in musicals, scary movies, and serious dramas. After starring as Vanessa in In the Heights, she played Sam in Scream VI, where she showed off her powerful acting alongside Jenna Ortega. However, her career hasn’t always been easy.

Melissa Barrera stuns for ¡Hola!

📸: Jonny Marlow

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 9, 2026

Melissa Barrera has discussed the difficulties she experienced after publicly sharing her political opinions, which ultimately led to her leaving the Scream movies. She described the situation as deeply emotional, emphasizing the strong bond she shares with her mother and sisters, stating, “It felt like the five of us against the world.”

Family has always been a source of strength for her. When her job felt unstable, her relatives and close friends were there to help. She remembers being deeply touched by their support, especially during a time when she felt alone. She says she’ll never forget the people who stood by her then.

Melissa Barrera stuns for ¡Hola!

📸: Jonny Marlow

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 9, 2026

In the film The Copenhagen Test, Ana de Armas Barrera portrays Michelle, a spy with a deliberately obscured and intricate background. “Playing this character was challenging because Michelle’s true identity is so elusive,” Barrera shared. “There were many layers to the performance, and it was almost like playing an actress within the film – she’s a spy, working undercover, constantly acting a part.”

She was excited about the project for two reasons: the part itself, and the chance to collaborate with Simu Liu. She explained, “I’ve always been a big fan of Simu’s work and him as a person, so I was really looking forward to working with him.”

Barrera enjoys the physical challenges of her roles, saying she loves learning fight choreography and performing stunts. She’s currently working on a project alongside John Travolta in Black Tides, an experience she described as unbelievable. She was amazed to be working with him, especially in scenes where he played her father, and praised his kindness and skill on set.

Outside of her career, Barrera prioritizes a balanced life, enjoying time with her family and supporting her husband, Xavier Zazueta, as he started his butcher shop in Texas. She believes artists have a duty to reflect the world around them, stating, “I take that responsibility very seriously – it’s not a hardship, but something I feel strongly about.”

Barrera intends to keep acting and producing, prioritizing projects that resonate with her personally. She’s also excited about upcoming family events, including the arrival of her niece or nephew. As she put it, she wants a balance between her career and spending time with loved ones.

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2026-01-10 11:44