Gabriel Luna Opens Up About Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Impact on His Career and Life

Gabriel Luna has seen his career soar in recent years, thanks to his standout roles in major projects like The Last of Us, where he portrays the complicated character of Tommy Miller. But as Luna continues to make a name for himself in Hollywood, he has also found a mentor and father figure in none other than action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger. Their connection goes beyond just their shared roles in action-packed films; it has evolved into a meaningful bond that has significantly impacted Luna both professionally and personally.

In an exclusive interview with ¡HOLA! at the premiere of The Last of Us season 2, Luna shared his excitement about attending the event at the iconic Chinese Theater, a dream he had always hoped to fulfill. However, it was his heartfelt comments about Schwarzenegger that resonated deeply. The 42-year-old actor, known for his role as Ghost Rider in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and as the villainous Rev-9 in Terminator: Dark Fate, reflected on how Schwarzenegger’s mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping his career and worldview.

A Father Figure in Hollywood

Luna described Schwarzenegger as more than just a professional role model; he considers the Austrian-American actor a “father figure” who has been instrumental in his growth as an actor. Their connection began when Luna landed the role of the Rev-9 in Terminator: Dark Fate (2019), a film where Schwarzenegger reprised his iconic role as the Terminator. During their time working together, Luna found in Schwarzenegger not only a legendary figure in the action genre but also someone who genuinely cared about his personal development.

Luna spoke with great admiration about Schwarzenegger’s guidance, noting that the actor taught him invaluable lessons both on and off the set. “Arnold has become a mentor to me, and a real father figure,” Luna shared. “He’s always there, offering advice, support, and wisdom, whether it’s about our craft or how to navigate this crazy business.” Schwarzenegger’s ability to balance his immense fame with humility and generosity left a lasting impression on Luna, who expressed deep gratitude for the mentorship he has received.

A Family on Set

As Luna continues his journey with The Last of Us, where he reunites with the cast for the much-anticipated second season, he reflects on the “big family” atmosphere on set. Describing his relationship with his co-stars, especially Pedro Pascal (who plays Joel Miller), Luna highlighted the genuine bonds they’ve formed over time. “It was fun to come back and see my family again because they truly are a family at this point,” Luna said, emphasizing the camaraderie and love that permeates the production.

The tension-filled relationship between Tommy Miller (Luna) and Joel Miller (Pascal) is at the heart of the drama, and Luna spoke about the nuanced dynamic with Pascal, with whom he shares a deep Latino heritage. “We grew up in the very early years of our lives in San Antonio, Texas,” Luna said, noting how their shared background brought an added layer of authenticity to their on-screen chemistry.

Latino Representation and Gratitude for Fans

Luna also took the opportunity to discuss the importance of Latino representation in The Last of Us, particularly in the context of his role alongside Pascal and Isabela Merced, who plays Dina. “The characters themselves are from Austin, Texas, I was born in Austin, Texas,” Luna proudly stated. “I have immense pride in being involved in this project. Right from the jump, you sense the devotion this community has for the story.” He expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent the Latino community and ensure that their stories are told in a meaningful way.

As Luna continues to thrive in Hollywood, it’s clear that his success is a combination of hard work, talent, and the support of mentors like Schwarzenegger, who has helped guide him through the highs and lows of his career. With The Last of Us continuing to build momentum ahead of its season 2 release, Luna’s journey is only just beginning, and his dedication to his craft, his family, and his fans shines through in every step of his path forward.

As the premiere of The Last of Us season 2 approaches on April 13, 2025, fans can look forward to watching Luna’s portrayal of Tommy Miller evolve, knowing that the actor behind the role continues to thrive with the guidance and wisdom of some of Hollywood’s most influential figures.