Ramón Rodríguez’s Role Remodel

Ramón Rodríguez, who stars as Will Trent in the ABC series adapted from Karin Slaughter’s crime novels, almost turned down the role. Despite its success as ABC’s top-rated new drama of the 2022–23 season, Rodríguez was initially unsure if he was the right fit. He wanted to create something unique in a crowded genre of cop shows, aiming to push boundaries and avoid clichéd storytelling.

“Will Trent” offers a fresh take by reimagining the lead character as Puerto Rican, unlike the white protagonist in the books. Will Trent, an Atlanta-based special agent, battles childhood trauma and dyslexia while solving complex cases. This change is a significant step for Latino representation in TV, as it avoids stereotypical portrayals and presents a multi-dimensional character.

Rodríguez, who grew up in a rough New York City neighborhood, faced typecasting as a young actor, often being cast as street toughs or gangsters. He realized how much his appearance, like wearing cornrows, influenced the roles he was offered. Eventually, he broke away from these limiting roles, seeking more positive and diverse characters that defy Latino stereotypes.

Now, Rodríguez is committed to changing the narrative around Latino characters in Hollywood. He believes there should be more roles that reflect the reality of Latinos in America, portraying them as doctors, teachers, or other positive figures. His portrayal of Will Trent is a step toward this change, showing that Latino characters can be more than one-dimensional stereotypes.

Ramón Rodríguez, who stars as Will Trent in the ABC series adapted from Karin Slaughter’s crime novels, almost turned down the role. Despite its success as ABC’s top-rated new drama of the 2022–23 season, Rodríguez was initially unsure if he was the right fit. He wanted to create something unique in a crowded genre of…