Michael Peña on playing astronaut in A Million Miles Away: "It is a nearly insane dream for anyone"

Michael Peña on playing astronaut in A Million Miles Away: “It is a nearly insane dream for anyone”

The film stars Michael Peña, Rosa Salazar, Garret Dillahunt, Eric Johnson, Veronica Falcón, Michelle Krusiec, Sarayu Blue, Julio Cesar Cedillo in pivotal roles.

Michael Peña is amongst the most prominent actors in Hollywood, celebrated for his extraordinary acting range that has led him to work with a multitude of acclaimed actors and directors. Last seen in Amazon Original Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Peña captivated audiences with his performance, where he starred alongside John Krasinski in the show's thrilling final season. The actor opens up about embarking on a remarkable journey while working on his upcoming Amazon Original Film A Million Miles Away.

Michael Peña on playing astronaut in A Million Miles Away: “It is a nearly insane dream for anyone”

Drawing parallels between his own life and the character he portrays, Peña shares, "My mom grew up not too far from where we shot in Mexico. Neither of my parents had a lot of opportunities. Each of them worked two full-time jobs so we could go to good private schools, which turned my attitude around as to what was possible. Becoming an actor is not the same as being an astronaut, but it is a nearly insane dream for anyone."

The filmmakers behind A Million Miles Away had an unwavering vision of Michael Peña as the ideal candidate for the role. As producer Mark Ciardi attests, "Michael was always the actor we had in mind for the role." Peña's unique blend of youthfulness, allowing him to embody a character in his mid-to-late 20s, and the maturity to authentically depict a character well into his 40s made him a standout choice. Beyond meeting the role's prerequisites, Peña brought an unexpected depth to his character, revealing layers that the filmmakers had not initially perceived.

Director Márquez Abella is also all praises for Peña's contribution and performance in the film. "Michael is so charismatic. He brought the gravitas, the kindness, the passion, and the power that the character required. I welcomed his input, valued his vantage point, and needed his perspective on this character. I can't say enough good things about him."

Based on the book "Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut" by José Hernández, the film stars Michael Peña, Rosa Salazar, Garret Dillahunt, Eric Johnson, Veronica Falcón, Michelle Krusiec, Sarayu Blue, Julio Cesar Cedillo in pivotal roles.