'The Wrecking Crew' Director Ángel Manuel Soto Links 'Hyper Machismo of Small Men' to U.S. Violence"

For Puerto Rican director Ángel Manuel Soto, along with lead actors Morena Baccarin and Jacob Batalon, "The Wrecking Crew" on Prime Video could serve as a powerful antidote to toxic masculinity and a significant step toward ending violence fueled by "small men." In exclusive interviews, they shared their perspectives, including the unexpected experience of working alongside stars Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa.

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"I'm drawn to exploring the deconstruction of toxic masculinity in characters," Soto said, known for directing"Blue Beetle" and other impactful films. "Whether they're superheroes or action heroes, I want to portray men who aren't afraid to express emotions. The outdated notion that men shouldn't cry should be left in the past."

Soto continued, "That mindset does more harm than good. It's never benefited society. In fact, it's the root of so much of the violence we see today, what's happening in the streets is a direct result of the hyper-machismo perpetuated by narrow-minded and small men. That's why it's so important that we have two titans in this film who can do more than just fight; they can embrace vulnerability, show emotion, ask for forgiveness, and even cry."

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In the story, Bautista and Moma are two estranged siblings who reunite after their father's suspicious death to uncover the truth and find the culprits. Along the way, they destroy everything in their path as they rebuild their relationship.

The film is one of those that makes you think without lecturing you. While you're closing your eyes to avoid seeing a broken nose, a ferocious fight, a series of explosions, you also learn that vulnerable masculinity is just as attractive as stoic masculinity.

The Wrecking Crew is a gift for action lovers, but also for young men and all the women around them.

For Baccarin and Batalan, the experience was "extraordinary for many reasons," among which the story stands out, in which immigrants and women are also celebrated, and "it explores what makes us different." However, the actors confess that it is not an experience they often encounter.

According to Baccarin, who was born in Rio de Janeiro and raised in New York City, the situation for minority actors is complicated in American productions. "It's more difficult because, even though we have all these institutions trying to highlight our value and create more opportunities, there's always a backlash. And we find ourselves in this really complicated area."

"I also don't know how to define who is an immigrant today, because the world has become so small and we are all so connected. So I'm very confused about what we consider immigrants and who we don't," she added, explaining that while there are more allies, there are also more obstacles.

For Batalan, who said he had "the time of his life," "the lines are becoming increasingly blurred," both for the public and in Hollywood. That's why, for him, the best thing is to focus on projects that contribute something meaningful.

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