El Paso Actor Talks Role In Ari Aster’s Newest Film

El Paso has been collecting wins like they're Oscar statues lately, and the spotlight just keeps getting brighter. Between Paul Thomas Anderson filming One Battle After Another right here in the Borderland and Ari Aster casting El Paso actor Manny Rubio in Eddington, this city isn’t just a backdrop anymore. It’s becoming a star in its own right.

From The Sun City to A24 Stardom

Manny Rubio isn’t new to the game. You may have seen him in Stranger Things, The Harder They Fall, or Half Brothers. But his latest role puts him in elite company as he shares the screen with Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in Aster’s newest mind-bender Eddington, which was shot in nearby Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

“I got to work opposite Joaquin Phoenix, which was a masterclass,” Rubio told KFOX. “Being directed by Ari Aster, another masterclass. I just was soaking it up.”

Rubio might describe his role as small, but he emphasizes its importance. “It’s a pivotal scene with Joaquin Phoenix,” he said. “Even if I wasn’t going to talk, I would have been the tree that Joaquin leans against, you know what I mean? Just to learn.”

Big Productions, Bigger Momentum

Rubio’s not slowing down. He’s also appearing in the upcoming action flick Trap House with Dave Bautista and Bobby Cannavale, set to release in November. And while his star rises, he’s still making time to give back to his hometown.

He’s hosting a free one-day acting workshop on August 9 at the Marty Robbins Recreation Center in East El Paso. The intensive will dive into acting theory, on-camera work, and the business side of the industry. All Rubio asks is a short essay about your passion for acting, submitted to mannyrubioacts@gmail.com by August 2.

“I just want to have all the talent here be confident, know their worth,” he said. “And hopefully be inspired to do their own projects. And cast me in something maybe. I'm here, man. Let’s rock and roll.”

El Paso Is Having a Moment, and It's Just Getting Started

Between Rubio’s breakout in Eddington, Anderson’s One Battle After Another bringing major production crews to our streets, and a community of homegrown talent building momentum, El Paso is proving it can be more than just a scenic detour. It’s a destination for cinema.

The Sun City has long been full of creative fire. Now the world is watching.