Jay Hernandez is the actor who played El Diablo in Suicide Squad. The actor portrayed the Chato Santana incarnation of the character in the 2016 film, with Warner Bros. officially announcing his casting in December 2014.
Who is El Diablo in Suicide Squad?
Chato Santana, also known as El Diablo, is a metahuman ex-gangster with the ability of pyrokinesis, meaning he can manipulate fire. His backstory in the film reveals a tragic turn: in a moment of anger, he accidentally destroyed his family home, killing his wife and two children. Overwhelmed by guilt, he was incarcerated in Belle Reve Penitentiary and made a solemn vow never to use his powers again. This internal conflict defines his character throughout the movie, as he carries the weight of his past while trying to find some form of peace behind bars.
El Diablo's role in Task Force X
Amanda Waller forced El Diablo into Task Force X, the government program that sends superpowered criminals on high-risk missions. Despite the pressure, El Diablo maintained his vow of non-violence, refusing to unleash his fire abilities even when the squad faced dangerous threats. It wasn't until Deadshot goaded him into fighting that El Diablo finally broke his promise and joined the battle. His decision to use his powers again came with a heavy cost, as he ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice for the team, unleashing a massive firestorm to save his fellow squad members from an overwhelming enemy force. This act of redemption transformed him from a guilt-ridden prisoner into a genuine hero, even if it meant his own end.
Jay Hernandez's transformation for the role
Bringing El Diablo to life required significant physical commitment from Jay Hernandez. He had to shave his head bald and spent over four hours daily in makeup for the character's intricate face tattoos. Hernandez's dedication to the role extended beyond the makeup chair, as he worked to convey the character's inner torment through subtle expressions and body language, ensuring that the audience understood the pain behind the flames.
What else has Jay Hernandez starred in?
Before and after his turn as El Diablo, Jay Hernandez has built an impressive career across film and television. He's known for his roles in the horror film Hostel, the romantic drama Crazy/Beautiful, and the comedy Bad Moms. On the small screen, he took on the lead role in the TV series Magnum P.I., where he played the iconic private investigator. Hernandez is also a fourth-generation Mexican-American, and his casting as El Diablo was seen as a meaningful step for Latino representation in superhero films. If you're curious about his other work, you might also be interested in knowing who played the main character in Mortal Kombat 2021, another action-heavy franchise with a passionate fanbase. And for those who can't get enough of the fighting genre, there are plenty of 20 games like mortal kombat for fighting game lovers that deliver similar thrills outside the DC universe. Hernandez's versatility as an actor has allowed him to move seamlessly between genres, from horror to action to drama, proving that his performance as El Diablo was just one highlight in a diverse career. His portrayal in Suicide Squad remains a fan favorite, and his work in Magnum P.I. has introduced him to an entirely new generation of viewers, cementing his status as a reliable and compelling leading man.
