Nicolas Cantu’s journey in the entertainment industry traces back to his earliest memories. Hailing from Texas, Cantu’s love for film led him to pursue his dreams as a teenager in the bustling scene of Los Angeles. Now, at 20 years old, he holds an impressive array of roles under his belt, both on-screen and behind the mic as a voice actor. It’s easy to say, however, that it was in 2023 that he tackled his most exciting role yet: bringing the iconic character Leonardo to life in Seth Rogen’s reboot of the beloved Ninja Turtles franchise, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

From AMC’s The Walking Dead: World Beyond to Steven Spielberg’s The Fablemans and Cartoon Network’s The Amazing World of Gumball, Cantu is firmly establishing himself as a name to watch out for in the scene. And when not on set, he balances out his on-screen endeavours with his digital persona, known as Junky Janker, proudly representing the online gaming community. In our conversation with Cantu, we delve into his experiences with the Ninja Turtles, his enduring passion for the industry, and what’s next for him. Keep scrolling…

You have been working in the industry for pretty much your whole life. How did you initially get into acting?
I just had a passion for film from a young age. There are these monumental achievements in art that have the power to inspire, and only if you’re truly tapped into your creative energy can you create something so inspirational. To receive the inspiration was almost a calling for me. I owe my career to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies.

Do you remember what your first role was?
Yeah my name was like Timmy or Tim Tim or Little Tim I don’t know, something Tim adjacent. It was for a recycling PSA for San Antonio where I grew up. I was this little kid who saw an autonomous recycling bag jump out of a recycling bin and I went to go report it to a cop. Snitch. I’m lucky the bag and his slimes didn’t find out and jump me in the street.

How did you balance your everyday life with your budding career?
It’s not too difficult right now. When I had to deal with school it was much more difficult to find time for my friends but I enjoyed it anyways. I like being busy, I’m filling much more of my time with creative stuff now it’s great.

Flash forward, what initially attracted you to the role of Leonardo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem?
His rockin bod and sweet ninja moves brah. I just wanted to be a part of the project in any way after receiving the audition. Leonardo was interesting because I had auditioned for the role of Donnie initially, but during the process casting sent me the blue guy’s sides. And in reading those, I just saw how much actual character was in this dude. It can get pretty cookie cutter basic with color coordinated crime fighting teams but thanks so much to our wonderful writers and producers these turtles felt like real boys. And I wanted to be a turtle boy for real.

How does it feel to join such a beloved franchise?
Great, it’s another key on the ring that could open back doors at comic cons across America. I’m not sure how I landed roles in all these iconic franchises I enjoyed when I was a kid, but I’m glad I made it. As much as I love getting to go nuts in all these worlds, moving forward, I’d love to focus more on original projects. Whether helmed by me or anybody else who has something they just absolutely have to show people. That’s what I’ve always loved about movies.

How would you describe the film in three words?
Action-Packed, Knee-Slapping, Turtle-Action. I’m really leaning on these hyphens… I don’t think I can even use one for that last word I’m a fraud.

How was this project different from your past work?
This project, although similar in many ways to other things I’ve done, has been its own unique journey from start to finish. I get happy even describing or just thinking about what it was like making this movie cuz it was just so damn fun. Getting to actually be in the same room with the cast and the creators being open and ready for any idea from anywhere was just so nurturing to the brains of the “tik tok youth”.

What are you most excited for people to see with its release?
The more I’ve seen the movie, and the more I spend time away from it, the opening of the film is just so sooooo good, man. Everything just comes flat out and tells you, BANGER INCOMING. Don’t get me talking about the title sequence. I could write a thesis on the typography and font choices alone. Dude I just gotta get this out somewhere. When the main title goes away and we’re left with the “15 years later…” whatever genius picked that style for the letters with the shines and the steel look and the cuts, gimme a big old smooch on the lips already.

Are there any other genres you’d like to explore?
I’m up for anything as long as it’s got something to say and there’s actual merit behind it. I’ve always had fun exploring different genres and even doing some wacky ones like zombie stuff. If I had to choose a lane though I guess I haven’t done sci fi much. I’m not sure if you can write good sci fi anymore though.