Megan Montaner Discusses the Evolution of María in ‘Entre Tierras,’ the Time Jump, and New Season Challenges

Megan Montaner, a prominent figure in Spanish television, returns to embody María in "Entre Tierras," a character who has solidified her place as one of the most recognizable figures in recent Spanish fiction. The Antena 3 series, which achieved significant viewership in 2024 and garnered international acclaim, is set to premiere its second season, distinguished by a two-decade temporal leap that dramatically reshapes the narrative landscape. Montaner, in an exclusive interview, delves into the profound transformations her character undergoes, the ambitious scope of the new season, and the personal challenges she faced in bringing this evolved María to life.

A New Era for María: Navigating Loss and New Beginnings

The upcoming season of "Entre Tierras" marks a significant departure from its predecessor, catapulting viewers twenty years into the future. This substantial time jump necessitates a re-evaluation of María’s journey, her emotional state, and her engagement with the world around her. Montaner reveals that despite the passage of time, María continues to grapple with the unresolved grief stemming from Manuel’s death. "María still hasn’t overcome Manuel’s death, but someone appears who makes her feel alive again," the actress states, hinting at new romantic entanglements and emotional complexities.

This new chapter will explore the generational clashes within María’s family, particularly with her now-adult children. Their differing perspectives and life choices are expected to create significant friction, adding a layer of domestic drama to the overarching narrative. Furthermore, the series will depict the evolution of agricultural practices, introducing new technologies that challenge traditional methods of working the land. María’s adaptation to these changes, both technological and emotional, forms a central theme of the season.

An Ambitious and Expansive Narrative

The shift to a new season has been described as more ambitious and "coral," a term suggesting a broader ensemble of characters and interwoven storylines. Montaner acknowledges this sentiment, noting that while the first season was more focused on María’s central arc, the current installment opens up numerous new narrative avenues. "It seems that the first was something more foundational, more focused on María’s story, and now suddenly there are many more plots," she explains, indicating a move towards a more expansive and multifaceted storytelling approach.

The Challenge of Portraying Time and Transformation

The prospect of portraying a character twenty years older presented a significant acting challenge for Montaner. The primary concern was ensuring the audience’s immediate acceptance of her as the mother of actors who are a decade younger than her. "The truth is that it was a very big challenge, because making the public believe from the first minute of the presentation that I can, for example, be the mother of actors who are ten years younger than me, were things that scared me a lot," Montaner admits.

The strategy to overcome this hurdle involved a collective effort from the cast and crew to imbue the narrative with authenticity. Montaner emphasizes the importance of storytelling and believable portrayals, stating, "But in the end, the fact that the story is well told and that you can get into it prevails. The attitude, lowering the energy, my colleagues who do a great job… together we give the greatest veracity to what we are telling." This collaborative approach aimed to create a sense of genuine continuity, despite the physical and experiential transformations María undergoes.

A Special Connection with the Toscano Family

The interview also touched upon the developing relationship between María and the Toscano family, a storyline alluded to by actress Silvia Abascal. Montaner elaborates on the complex dynamic, explaining that Toscano’s arrival is unexpected and brings with it significant responsibilities that weigh heavily on María. "Toscano appears at a moment she didn’t expect at all and, above all, with responsibilities that make María feel very bad," she states.

The resurgence of romantic feelings for María, even after two decades of mourning Manuel, is a source of internal conflict. Her burgeoning connection with Toscano is further complicated by the fact that he has a wife who is battling an illness. This creates a moral dilemma for María, forcing her to confront the boundaries of her emotions and the potential for guilt. "She completely throws her off balance to feel something for someone again when, after 20 years, she still dreams of Manuel and has him very present. And when she starts to let herself go, she realizes that he has a wife who is also wonderful and who suffers from an illness," Montaner explains, highlighting the emotional and ethical tightrope María must walk.

A Tribute to Rural Women and Enduring Resilience

"Entre Tierras" is recognized not only for its compelling drama but also for its implicit tribute to the resilient women of rural Spain who were instrumental in building their families and their nation. Montaner observes that while direct feedback from viewers identifying their own mothers or grandmothers in María is not frequent, she senses the audience’s deep connection to the character’s strength. "Evidently, they are women who moved forward in a time when they had no support, when their opinion was worth nothing. So of course, many women feel reflected," she remarks.

This reflection extends beyond the historical context, with Montaner suggesting that the struggles and perseverance of these women remain relevant today. "We could even extrapolate it to today, with many advances, but it is still important to look back and see how much it cost, so as not to relax," she advises, underscoring the enduring significance of recognizing past sacrifices.

The Impact of Public Acclaim and Future Prospects

The overwhelming success of "Entre Tierras," positioning it as one of the most-watched series in recent years, has not gone unnoticed by Montaner. She attributes the show’s connection with the audience to its ability to resonate on an emotional level. "Well, I think that when a story connects with people, that affection is very noticeable," she states.

The conversation then shifted to "La Caza," another successful series in which Montaner has starred, and the public’s continued demand for more seasons. She expresses her astonishment at the longevity and continued appeal of "La Caza," a project initially conceived as a limited series. "Well, the thing about ‘La Caza’ is incredible, really. I’m still amazed because it was a closed season with the novel ‘Monteperdido,’ and we thought that was where everything ended… and yet it has continued to grow," Montaner says. She credits the writers, directors, and producers for their belief in the project and their ability to sustain its narrative momentum.

Regarding potential future installments of "Entre Tierras," Montaner remains cautiously optimistic. "I’m not going to assure you anything, but I have heard bells… There is nothing confirmed, but it would not surprise me if there were another one," she hints, suggesting that discussions for a further season may be underway.

Personal Growth Through Character Portrayal

Montaner also reflected on her experience portraying Sara Campos in "La Caza," describing it as a period of significant personal and professional growth. "It brought me many emotions and a lot of learning. It’s a character that caught me at a more delicate moment personally and, in a way, it served me to focus many things I was experiencing and transfer them to work. It helped me a lot in that sense," she shares. The evolving nature of Sara’s character across multiple seasons allowed Montaner to continually explore and deepen her performance, preventing complacency. The positive working environment on "La Caza," characterized by strong camaraderie, further enriched her experience, making it a project she cherishes.

The Evolving Landscape of Spanish Fiction

Looking back at her early career, specifically her role as Pepa in "El Secreto de Puente Viejo," Montaner has witnessed a dramatic transformation in the Spanish fiction landscape. She notes a significant increase in creative risk-taking and a broader range of genres and target audiences. "It has changed a lot. I think there is more possibility for creative risk, for telling stories of all genres and for all audiences. Before, without platforms, everything was more limited. Now we are living in a fairly golden age in that regard," she observes.

A Flourishing Career and a Look Ahead

Montaner currently finds herself in a highly fulfilling phase of her acting career, marked by diverse roles in "Entre Tierras," "La Caza," and several films, including "Papeles," "Ya no quedan junglas," and "La buena suerte." She values this period of exploration and the trust placed in her by production teams. "I am in a very happy moment, truly. It is a stage in which I am experiencing many things, many experiences, different characters, different stories… and that is something I enjoy very much," she expresses.

However, Montaner remains grounded, acknowledging the inherent volatility of the acting profession. She emphasizes the importance of continuous effort and vigilance. "But I am also very aware that this is a very volatile profession. That is why, even though I am in a good moment, I try not to let my guard down, not to relax, and to always be very alert," she states. Her commitment to avoiding complacency and consistently delivering her best work underscores her dedication to her craft.

When asked about future aspirations, Montaner expresses a desire to tackle characters and genres that push her beyond her comfort zone. "Any character that takes me out of my comfort zone. I don’t care about the genre, as long as it’s a good story and it’s a challenge for me. I am very interested in being able to do things I haven’t done before," she reveals.

Looking ahead, Montaner hints at an upcoming comedy project featuring Antonio Resines and Quim Gutiérrez, though details remain under wraps. "We recently finished filming a very funny comedy with Antonio Resines and Quim Gutiérrez, but I can’t say much more yet," she says, adding a note of anticipation for future announcements.