Currently making its international debut at Series Mania, “Mariliendre” is the latest boundary-pushing series produced by Suma Content and Los Javis – the creative minds behind “Veneno,” “La Mesías,” and “Vestidos de Azul.”
The six-episode musical comedy-drama, directed and co-written by Javier Ferreiro, is a vibrant love letter to friendship, queer identity, body positivity and Madrid’s famous Chueca nightlife in the 2000s. It also marks the high-profile acting debut of “Operación Triunfo” finalist Martin Urrutia.
Variety recently caught up with Urrutia, only a few days before his 20th birthday on March 30, to discuss stepping into scripted television for the first time, the unique musical challenges of “Mariliendre” and the show’s growing international buzz.
Variety: First off, congratulations on the series’ debuts last week in Málaga and this week at Series Mania. This is your first scripted role. How did the whole thing come about?
Martin Urrutia: Yes, it’s my first professional acting role. I’d studied drama and performance before, but “Operación Triunfo” was my first big exposure. That show is obviously unscripted and more about music, but acting has always been a dream of mine. When I left “OT,” I heard Los Javis were casting a new series and wanted me to audition. I couldn’t believe it.
Your character, Jeremías, evolves tremendously across different timelines. What was it like to portray such a complex arc?
Urrutia: It was a real challenge. In the main timeline, Gere is around 30, and I’m 20 [on March 30]. So I had to imagine everything he’d lived through—grief, distance from friends, trauma. I worked closely with my coach Rubén Martínez to build the physicality and emotional weight of that version of Jere. The younger version, closer to my own age, came more naturally. But there’s definitely a part of me in all stages of him.
Martin Urrutia in ‘Mariliendre’
Credit: Michael Oats
One of the series’ strongest aspects is the chemistry between the core group of friends. Javier [Ferreriro] told me that the bar scenes were almost like shooting a documentary because you were all interacting so naturally. Was that relationship just as strong off-camera?
Urrutia: 100%. That description of it being like a documentary is very accurate, especially because the relationships between the characters were so similar to the ones we shared in the cast, and there was almost more truth than fiction during some scenes. We all became close really fast. With Blanca Martínez, who plays Mari, I have a very special bond. She’s incredible. The rest of the cast — Yenesi, Omar [Ayuso], Carlos [González], Álvaro [Jurado] — we supported each other constantly. The older actors looked out for us newbies, and we all clicked.
‘Mariliendre’
Credit: Michael Oats
The show is structured as a musical, but the central relationship isn’t a romance; it’s a deep friendship. That feels rare.
Urrutia: Yes, that one thing that makes this series so unique. Most musicals focus on romantic love. This one is about how friendships can shape your life, how they can be just as powerful, painful and transformative. That emotional core really spoke to all of us as actors.
The musical numbers are ambitious. How did you prepare for that side of the role?
Urrutia: We had a full month of rehearsals before filming, during which we learned the choreography, songs and everything else. It was intense. Luckily, coming straight from “OT” helped. I was used to learning songs and dances every week. What I had to work on more was the acting side, holding my own next to these incredible actors. That was my biggest challenge.
“Mariliendre” is premiering internationally at Series Mania. “OT” was already a global hit on Prime Video. Are you feeling the international momentum?
Urrutia: Definitely. I’ve received messages from Brazil, France, Latin America. At our premiere in Málaga, someone flew in from Brazil just to see it. It’s wild. “Mariliendre” is screening in France now, and I hope it keeps growing. I’d love to work internationally, whether in film, TV or music.
So what’s next? More acting? Music?
Urrutia: Both, hopefully. I’m working on my first studio album now. I’ve been in the studio writing, composing, meeting with Universal Music and creative partners. The idea is to release some singles this year and the full album in late 2025. But I’d also love to keep acting. This whole experience has opened new doors for me.
There’s a sense that Los Javis are building a community and a generation of talented actors and storytellers in Spain, not unlike Almodóvar did decades ago. Do you feel part of that?
Urrutia: Yes, completely. They create a space that’s welcoming, brave and inclusive, and they give opportunities to people who might not otherwise get them. It feels like a movement. And to be included in it, to have them trust me with this role, it’s honestly a dream come true.
“Mariliendre” is screening this week at Series Mania and will debut on Atresplayer in Spain on April 27. The series is produced by Suma Content and Atresmedia, with international sales handled by Atresmedia TV. A global streaming release is expected later this year.
