Mexican actress Eiza González has described the intense heat she faced while filming the upcoming action film Fountain of Youth in Bangkok, calling the conditions among the most physically demanding she has experienced on set.
Speaking in a recent interview with The Star, the 35-year-old actress discussed the difficulties posed by Thailand’s tropical climate during filming. Known for her performances in Baby Driver, Alita: Battle Angel, and Ambulance, González said the environment in Bangkok presented challenges not visible to moviegoers.
“When we watch movies, we rarely think about the weather or the surrounding conditions,” she noted. “But on filming days, those factors can be absolutely pivotal.”
González wore a full-body costume for action sequences under the direction of filmmaker Guy Ritchie, which she said intensified the discomfort. She recalled feeling light-headed during certain scenes, attributing it to the oppressive heat combined with the heavy costume. To manage the discomfort, she mentally visualized cooler temperatures.
Fountain of Youth follows a team of treasure hunters searching for the mythical source of eternal life, with Bangkok serving as a key location in the film’s global setting.
Though the actress acknowledged the physical strain, she expressed appreciation for the production experience, emphasizing the resilience required on set. Her comments highlight the behind-the-scenes challenges actors often face in creating large-scale cinematic productions.
In related developments, the filming of international productions in Thailand has yet to significantly boost local tourism. Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks, noted that despite the popularity of HBO’s The White Lotus series, areas like Phuket and Koh Samui have not seen a marked increase in tourist arrivals. Contributing factors include a drop in Chinese outbound travel, ongoing safety concerns, and broader economic pressures.
