Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo on the Scene That Left Them in Tears While Filming Bob Trevino Likes It

Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo recently sat down to discuss their roles in the upcoming film Bob Trevino Likes It, arriving in theaters on March 21, 2025. Directed by Tracie Laymon, the film tells a deeply personal story about Lily Trevino, portrayed by Ferreira, who embarks on a journey to find her long-lost father. Instead, she forges a surprising connection with another man named Bob Trevino, played by Leguizamo. Through their shared experiences, the film beautifully captures themes of forgiveness, family, and the unpredictable nature of human relationships.

The film has already made waves in the industry, winning both the Grand Jury Award and the Audience Award at the 2024 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival. Its deeply emotional narrative and powerful performances have left audiences eager to experience its story on the big screen.

During our conversation, Ferreira and Leguizamo opened up about their dynamic on set, the emotional challenges of portraying such raw and intimate moments, and the unforgettable experiences they shared while bringing this powerful story to life.

Barbie Ferreira on Collaborating with Director Tracie Laymon

For Ferreira, Bob Trevino Likes It was unlike any project she had ever worked on. The role of Lily was based on Tracie Laymon’s real-life experiences, making the collaboration between actress and director an incredibly personal and intimate process.

“Tracie and I connected long before filming even started,” Ferreira shared. “We had these deep conversations about our families, about abandonment, about what it means to heal and the work that goes into that. It was this mutual understanding of pain and resilience that really shaped the foundation of how I approached Lily.”

Despite portraying a character inspired by Laymon, Ferreira emphasized that there was never pressure to directly mimic the director’s mannerisms or life.

“She didn’t want me to play her exactly,” Ferreira explained. “It was about capturing the essence of the experience, rather than trying to replicate her story beat by beat. We come from different backgrounds, we don’t look the same, but we had this deep emotional bond that made Lily’s journey feel incredibly personal and real.”

Having Laymon present throughout the filmmaking process provided a unique source of truth and guidance for Ferreira.

“It felt like we always had this pillar of honesty between us,” she said. “Tracie was there, making sure that the story stayed authentic, but at the same time, she gave me the space to bring my own interpretation to Lily.”

Emotional Moments That Left a Lasting Impact

Given the film’s deeply emotional nature, it comes as no surprise that there were moments on set where both actors found themselves profoundly moved by the material.

For Leguizamo, one scene in particular stood out; the moment when Lily has a breakdown while holding a puppy.

“That scene was so powerful,” Leguizamo recalled. “But it wasn’t just a breakdown for the sake of drama. It was a healing breakdown. There was something so cathartic about it, and watching Barbie go through that transformation in real-time was incredible. The way she let herself be vulnerable in that moment really hit me.”

Ferreira agreed that the puppy scene was a pivotal moment for her as well.

“I think that was the scene where I really felt like I was embodying Lily fully,” she said. “There’s something about that moment that felt so raw and honest, and it was one of those times where you walk away feeling emotionally drained but also deeply fulfilled.”

Without revealing any spoilers, Ferreira also hinted at another scene towards the end of the film that was particularly difficult for her to recover from.

“There’s one scene near the end that completely wrecked me,” she admitted. “It took me a while to shake it off. But those are the moments that remind you why you do this; to tell stories that truly mean something.”

Ferreira and Leguizamo on Their Favorite Moments Working Together

Despite the heavy subject matter, Ferreira and Leguizamo found joy in their time on set, developing a natural chemistry that translated beautifully to the screen.

One of Leguizamo’s favorite moments involved a lighthearted basketball scene that tested Ferreira’s skills or lack thereof.

“Oh man, that basketball scene,” Leguizamo laughed. “It was so much fun because Barbie had to pretend she could play, and I had to pretend I couldn’t. Watching her try to master dribbling was hilarious because she was really putting in the effort.”

Ferreira, laughing along, admitted that basketball had never been her strong suit.

“I played at the Boys and Girls Club of Queens when I was eight years old, and let’s just say I did not make the team,” she joked. “Meanwhile, John is out here playing like he’s still got a shot at the NBA.”

Their playful banter highlighted the genuine friendship that developed between them, making the emotional weight of the film’s more intense scenes easier to handle.

Why Bob Trevino Likes It is a Must-Watch Film

With its deeply moving narrative, stunning performances, and universal themes of connection and self-discovery, Bob Trevino Likes It is shaping up to be one of the most powerful films of the year. Ferreira and Leguizamo’s undeniable chemistry, combined with Laymon’s deeply personal storytelling, ensures that audiences will leave the theater feeling deeply moved.

“This is the kind of film that stays with you,” Leguizamo said. “It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, and most importantly, it makes you feel something real.”

Ferreira echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of telling stories that reflect real human emotions and struggles.

“We all go through pain, we all experience loss, and we all search for connection in different ways,” she said. “This film is about those moments, the unexpected relationships that change us and help us grow.”

As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for Bob Trevino Likes It. For those eager to witness an emotionally gripping and beautifully acted story, March 21 is a date to mark on the calendar.

“Go get your tickets,” Ferreira teased. “And if you want to know what scene had me breaking down, well, you’ll just have to watch and see.”